Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
President Ezra Taft Benson: “Two great American Christian civilizations-the Jaredites and the Nephites-were swept off this land because they did not “serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12). What will become of our civilization?” (Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 6; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 7)
President Russell M. Nelson: “The gathering of Israel is “the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth … There is nothing of greater consequence, absolutely nothing. This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2018/08/worldwide-youth-devotional?lang=eng).
President Russell M. Nelson: “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2018/08/worldwide-youth-devotional?lang=eng).
President Henry B. Eyring: “Can’t you almost hear the sighs of relief as the burdens are set down, the flocks are let to feed in the coastal plain, the tents are pitched, and the place is named for the great leader who brought them safely through? The scriptures don’t tell us why the people “remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord” (Ether 2:14) during those years, but our own experience may give us a clue.
“When we face an unknown wilderness or a strange sea, which may for us be a move to a new place or mortal sickness in a loved one, our hearts soften and we beg for blessings and weep when they’re given. But when it’s harder to see the needs or the blessings—when our tents are pitched—it’s easy to forget the Master and think more of the part our own courage and exertions may have contributed. Sometimes those around us make that forgetfulness more likely by praising us and attributing the victory to us. Most of us spend a good part of our lives in perils so nearly invisible that self-reliance comes easily, and accepting counsel from brothers, or from God, comes hard.” (Henry B. Eyring, Liahona, Sep. 1996, 17)
Elder Jeffery R. Elder Holland: “It is difficult to imagine what a three-hour rebuke from the Lord might be like, but the brother of Jared endure it. With immediate repentance and prayer, this prophet again sought guidance for the journey they had been assigned and those who were to pursue it.
“God accepted his repentance and lovingly gave further instructions.” (Christ and the New Covenant p 15).
Some Relevant Principles from Ether 1-5:
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Even the very righteous brother of Jared, a truly remarkable man, once was chastised during a visitation from the Lord because he ‘remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord’ [Ether 2:14]. How vital prayer is, therefore, for all of us! How vital it is that even our ‘busyness’ in doing His work not crowd out our prayers to our Father”. (Even As I Am [1982], 67).
Elder David A. Bednar: “If you have not been rebuked recently you need to improve your prayers.” (Leader Enrichment Series Broadcast 15 Sept 2020).
President Henry B. Eyring: “If your share those regrets with me [for having to be scolded] – and surely you have a few – and if you long to be a better learner, you will find both solace and suggestion in the life of the brother of Jared. Bow with him, as the book of Ether describes a rebuke that changed his life and can help change yours.” (Ensign, July 1978, p. 62).
Hugh Nibley: One insignificant point is to be found in the Hebrew word translated “window.” In Genesis 6:16 we are told that Noah put a window on each floor of the ark. However the Hebrew indicates that Noah placed a “shiner” or “illuminator” on each floor of the ark. Rabbis indicate that this tsohar (i.e., “shiner” or “illuminator”) was actually a precious glowing stone. The Palestinian Talmud indicates that this stone gave Noah and his family light. The Brother of Jared seems aware of such stones (Ether 3:1). The Native Americans speak of similar stones called “moonfriends” or “that which causes the water to part.” Similarly, the Greeks called them “Pyrophilos” or “friend of fire.” (Lehi in the Desert – The World of the Jaredites – There were Jaredites (Provo, UT: FARMS, 1988), 371.)
Elder Jeffery R. Holland: “A final explanation-and in terms of the brother of Jared’s faith the most persuasive one-is that Christ was saying to the brother of Jared, “Never have I showed myself unto man in this manner, without my volition, driven solely by the faith of the beholder.” As a rule, prophets are invited into the presence of the Lord, are bidden to enter his presence by him and only with his sanction.
The brother of Jared, on the other hand, seems to have thrust himself through the veil, not as an unwelcome guest but perhaps technically as an uninvited one. Said Jehovah, “Never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger. . . . Never has man believed in me as thou hast.”
Obviously the Lord himself was linking unprecedented faith with this unprecedented vision. If the vision itself was not unique, then it had to be the faith and how the vision was obtained that was so unparalleled. The only way that faith could be so remarkable was its ability to take the prophet, uninvited, where others had been able to go only with God’s bidding.” (Christ and the New Covenant p 17).
Bruce R. McConkie: “From these revelations we learn that there are no limitations placed upon any of us. Revelations are not reserved for a limited few or for those called to positions of importance in the Church. It is not position in the Church that confers spiritual gifts. It is not being a bishop, a stake president, or an apostle that makes revelation and salvation available.
"… But it is not a call to a special office that opens the windows of revelation to a truth seeker. Rather it is personal righteousness; it is keeping the commandments; it is seeking the Lord while he may be found.“ God is no respecter of persons. He will give revelation to me and to you on the same terms and conditions.
I can see what Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon saw in the vision of the degrees of glory and so can you. I can entertain angels and see God, I can receive an outpouring of the gifts of the Spirit and so can you.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1969, p. 82).
Elder David A. Bednar: "I invite you to consider this question: Why were the sixteen stones touched one by one? Why not simply illuminate all sixteen stones at the same time? Why take the time to touch each stone one by one?
"Please consider two possible interpretations of this experience. I present these alternative explanations as impetus to stimulate the spiritual process of asking, seeking, knocking, and pondering, and not as a statement of doctrine.
"One interpretation is that the brother of Jared immediately saw the finger of the Lord touch sequentially each of the sixteen stones.
"This explanation, however, appears to be contrary to a principle emphasized throughout the scriptures – that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith (see Ether 12:6).
"A second interpretation is that the veil was not necessarily removed immediately as the finger of the Lord had touched the first stone. The brother of Jared prayed with great faith and with the “assurance of things hoped for” (JST Hebrews 11:1).
"Imagine that the first stone was illuminated, but the brother of Jared did not yet see the Lord’s finger. What would happen to his faith? Surely it would increase it would increase and become stronger because of the “evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1.)
"Then imagine a second stone was illuminated, without the brother of Jared yet seeing the Lord’s finger. His faith would have been further strengthened. The lighting of each successive stone would be an ongoing cycle of “exercising a particle of faith,” “experimenting upon the word,” and ultimately receiving “a perfect knowledge” (see Alma 32:27-34).
"Thus, a second way of interpreting this episode is that perhaps after many or even all of the stones were illuminated, the veil was then removed and the brother of Jared saw the finger of the Lord.“ The experience of the brother of Jared may be considered a type and a shadow for our own service in our families and in the Church. The stones may be symbolic for and represent people who are touched by the Lord and illuminated one by one." (One by One, Deseret Book, 2017, p. 89-91.)
Ideas for teaching:
Relevance is seen when you:
President Russell M. Nelson: “The gathering of Israel is “the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth … There is nothing of greater consequence, absolutely nothing. This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2018/08/worldwide-youth-devotional?lang=eng).
President Russell M. Nelson: “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2018/08/worldwide-youth-devotional?lang=eng).
President Henry B. Eyring: “Can’t you almost hear the sighs of relief as the burdens are set down, the flocks are let to feed in the coastal plain, the tents are pitched, and the place is named for the great leader who brought them safely through? The scriptures don’t tell us why the people “remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord” (Ether 2:14) during those years, but our own experience may give us a clue.
“When we face an unknown wilderness or a strange sea, which may for us be a move to a new place or mortal sickness in a loved one, our hearts soften and we beg for blessings and weep when they’re given. But when it’s harder to see the needs or the blessings—when our tents are pitched—it’s easy to forget the Master and think more of the part our own courage and exertions may have contributed. Sometimes those around us make that forgetfulness more likely by praising us and attributing the victory to us. Most of us spend a good part of our lives in perils so nearly invisible that self-reliance comes easily, and accepting counsel from brothers, or from God, comes hard.” (Henry B. Eyring, Liahona, Sep. 1996, 17)
Elder Jeffery R. Elder Holland: “It is difficult to imagine what a three-hour rebuke from the Lord might be like, but the brother of Jared endure it. With immediate repentance and prayer, this prophet again sought guidance for the journey they had been assigned and those who were to pursue it.
“God accepted his repentance and lovingly gave further instructions.” (Christ and the New Covenant p 15).
Some Relevant Principles from Ether 1-5:
- Helping someone on either side of the veil make covenants makes a difference to them, their family, their community and nation.
- The compassion of the Lord comes after sincere prayer. He will bless you, your friends, and give you more than you ask for (Ether 1:35, 37, 39, 43).
- “For whom the LORD loves He chastens…” (Hebrews 12:6, Ether 2:14).
- The Lord often requires us to find solutions to our own problems with His guidance.
- The Lord uses the problem-solving process to teach us and help us become more like Him.
- Revelations are available to all of us.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Even the very righteous brother of Jared, a truly remarkable man, once was chastised during a visitation from the Lord because he ‘remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord’ [Ether 2:14]. How vital prayer is, therefore, for all of us! How vital it is that even our ‘busyness’ in doing His work not crowd out our prayers to our Father”. (Even As I Am [1982], 67).
Elder David A. Bednar: “If you have not been rebuked recently you need to improve your prayers.” (Leader Enrichment Series Broadcast 15 Sept 2020).
President Henry B. Eyring: “If your share those regrets with me [for having to be scolded] – and surely you have a few – and if you long to be a better learner, you will find both solace and suggestion in the life of the brother of Jared. Bow with him, as the book of Ether describes a rebuke that changed his life and can help change yours.” (Ensign, July 1978, p. 62).
Hugh Nibley: One insignificant point is to be found in the Hebrew word translated “window.” In Genesis 6:16 we are told that Noah put a window on each floor of the ark. However the Hebrew indicates that Noah placed a “shiner” or “illuminator” on each floor of the ark. Rabbis indicate that this tsohar (i.e., “shiner” or “illuminator”) was actually a precious glowing stone. The Palestinian Talmud indicates that this stone gave Noah and his family light. The Brother of Jared seems aware of such stones (Ether 3:1). The Native Americans speak of similar stones called “moonfriends” or “that which causes the water to part.” Similarly, the Greeks called them “Pyrophilos” or “friend of fire.” (Lehi in the Desert – The World of the Jaredites – There were Jaredites (Provo, UT: FARMS, 1988), 371.)
Elder Jeffery R. Holland: “A final explanation-and in terms of the brother of Jared’s faith the most persuasive one-is that Christ was saying to the brother of Jared, “Never have I showed myself unto man in this manner, without my volition, driven solely by the faith of the beholder.” As a rule, prophets are invited into the presence of the Lord, are bidden to enter his presence by him and only with his sanction.
The brother of Jared, on the other hand, seems to have thrust himself through the veil, not as an unwelcome guest but perhaps technically as an uninvited one. Said Jehovah, “Never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger. . . . Never has man believed in me as thou hast.”
Obviously the Lord himself was linking unprecedented faith with this unprecedented vision. If the vision itself was not unique, then it had to be the faith and how the vision was obtained that was so unparalleled. The only way that faith could be so remarkable was its ability to take the prophet, uninvited, where others had been able to go only with God’s bidding.” (Christ and the New Covenant p 17).
Bruce R. McConkie: “From these revelations we learn that there are no limitations placed upon any of us. Revelations are not reserved for a limited few or for those called to positions of importance in the Church. It is not position in the Church that confers spiritual gifts. It is not being a bishop, a stake president, or an apostle that makes revelation and salvation available.
"… But it is not a call to a special office that opens the windows of revelation to a truth seeker. Rather it is personal righteousness; it is keeping the commandments; it is seeking the Lord while he may be found.“ God is no respecter of persons. He will give revelation to me and to you on the same terms and conditions.
I can see what Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon saw in the vision of the degrees of glory and so can you. I can entertain angels and see God, I can receive an outpouring of the gifts of the Spirit and so can you.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1969, p. 82).
Elder David A. Bednar: "I invite you to consider this question: Why were the sixteen stones touched one by one? Why not simply illuminate all sixteen stones at the same time? Why take the time to touch each stone one by one?
"Please consider two possible interpretations of this experience. I present these alternative explanations as impetus to stimulate the spiritual process of asking, seeking, knocking, and pondering, and not as a statement of doctrine.
"One interpretation is that the brother of Jared immediately saw the finger of the Lord touch sequentially each of the sixteen stones.
"This explanation, however, appears to be contrary to a principle emphasized throughout the scriptures – that we receive no witness until after the trial of our faith (see Ether 12:6).
"A second interpretation is that the veil was not necessarily removed immediately as the finger of the Lord had touched the first stone. The brother of Jared prayed with great faith and with the “assurance of things hoped for” (JST Hebrews 11:1).
"Imagine that the first stone was illuminated, but the brother of Jared did not yet see the Lord’s finger. What would happen to his faith? Surely it would increase it would increase and become stronger because of the “evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1.)
"Then imagine a second stone was illuminated, without the brother of Jared yet seeing the Lord’s finger. His faith would have been further strengthened. The lighting of each successive stone would be an ongoing cycle of “exercising a particle of faith,” “experimenting upon the word,” and ultimately receiving “a perfect knowledge” (see Alma 32:27-34).
"Thus, a second way of interpreting this episode is that perhaps after many or even all of the stones were illuminated, the veil was then removed and the brother of Jared saw the finger of the Lord.“ The experience of the brother of Jared may be considered a type and a shadow for our own service in our families and in the Church. The stones may be symbolic for and represent people who are touched by the Lord and illuminated one by one." (One by One, Deseret Book, 2017, p. 89-91.)
Ideas for teaching:
Relevance is seen when you:
- Make your lesson student-directed.
- Connect the doctrine and principles to their lives and what they already know.
- Answer the question “What am I going to use this for?”
- Build relatedness – “What this have to do with me?