Patriarchal Blessings

Patriarchal Blessings

Genesis 48-50

In Genesis 49 we read the patriarchal blessings of the twelve sons of Israel. I am going to focus today's post on Judah and Joseph's blessings but first we need to cover a few things. 

Manasseh was older than Ephraim but yet Ephraim was blessed with Jacob's father's right hand and Jacob was confused because Manasseh was older than Ephraim and should therefore be blessed with the right hand.  He (Jacob's father) said that Manasseh would be great but Ephraim would be greater and his seed shall become a ‘multitude of nations.’ Jacob's father knew something that Jacob did not know at the time. He knew that Ephraim should be blessed on the right. This was because Ephraim was promised that he would receive the birthright.

All twelve sons were blessed and Jacob told them what would happen in the last day's regarding them. Jacob told them that they would be scattered but then in the latter days, in the last day's this would be realized and the tribes would be gathered again. 

Now, I want to move on the Judah and Joseph's blessings. This is what I really wanted to share, because I didn't know what their blessing entailed. First lets look at Judah's blessing. 

The blessings of Judah would be that kings would come from is lineage. This promise has been fulfilled. Three kings that came from his lineage are; King David, King Solomon, and King Rehoboam. Also, the King of kings, Jesus Christ came through this lineage. Genesis 49 also says that Judah’s brothers would praise him and that kings would be in his lineage until Shiloh comes. Shiloh is short for asher-lo, which means ‘whose right it is.’ This is why it is believed that Jesus Christ, the King of kings came through this line and is Shiloh in Genesis 49.

Now we are going to look at Joseph's blessing:

A blessing of Joseph was that he should become a multitude of nations. He was blessed that his branches should ‘run over the wall’ (Genesis 49:22). This means that his tribe would become so great that they would take up more room then the small inheritance in Canaan. His tribe would spread out and go to a land a great distance away. This land is the Americas. The student manual I read about this says, “The land of America is specifically designated by the Lord as the land reserved for a remnant of the house of Joseph.” In Genesis 49:26 the ‘everlasting hills’ is referring to the Americas.

We see these blessing being fulfilled today very noticeably. We see that Kings descended from the line of Judah and we see that the America’s are full of people from the line of Joseph. I also see an example of this when we figure out what tribe we are from when we receive our patriarchal blessings. A lot of people, if not most people from America, are from the tribe of Joseph.

Some of you may know what I mean by Patriarchal blessing and some of you may not. I hope you will understand slightly after this post. I am going to explain why I feel we receive patriarchal blessings and the requirements to receive one. I am also going to share what my patriarchal blessing means to me?

• We receive our patriarchal blessing as a guiding tool for our lives. This is a blessing strait from our Father in Heaven. This blessing is what we can turn to frequently in our lives when we are seeking guidance from our Heavenly Father. President Thomas S. Monson said, “Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life’s dangers.”
•  We receive our patriarchal blessing when we are mature enough and ready. Some people are ready to receive them at an earlier age than other people. People receive this blessing on their own timetable and it has nothing to do with how spiritual you are, it has to do with your worthiness and if you and your bishop believe you are ready. A lot of people receive their blessing in their later teenage years to younger adult, but I know there are people who wait until they are well into adulthood to receive it. If you think you are ready for it, pray about it and counsel with the Lord; He will let you know when the time is right.

• My patriarchal blessing means the world to me. It is very special and very sacred to my heart. I turn to my patriarchal blessing frequently. I think it is as sacred as the scriptures. I read it when I need comfort, I read it when I need direction, and I read it when I am missing my Heavenly Father and want to hear what He has told me specifically. This blessing has come from my Heavenly Father directly. What can bring you more peace than reading a blessing from the Lord specifically for you? I love my patriarchal blessing so much. It is so important to me and I cannot imagine going through my life without it.

**If you have questions about what a patriarchal blessing is please feel free to ask me. You can also read this article https://www.lds.org/topics/patriarchal-blessings?lang=eng

**If you have question about what a patriarchal blessing does for you follow this link. https://www.lds.org/youth/article/what-a-patriarchal-blessing-can-do-for-you?lang=eng

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

I need to share one more thing for the assignment portion of this post but I didn't feel like I could fit it into this post in a smooth way. So I am going to just post the question and my answer. Maybe you all will read it and share your thoughts with me as well. :)

Write what impresses you most about JST, Genesis 50: 24-36 (see Student Manual commentary for Genesis 50:24, “The Prophecies of Joseph,” pg 99). What specific prophecies about Joseph Smith are found in these verses?

- What impressed me about JST, Genesis 50:24-136 was that the Lord specifically names people. He specifically named Moses and Joseph Smith. He tells us the tribes of Israel will be scattered and one will be scattered farther (the Americas). Then he tells us that Moses will lead the people out of captivity. Then he tells us that a boy named Joseph Smith, after his father, will come and restore the gospel to the earth. “Joseph shall be like unto you; for the thing which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand shall bring my people unto salvation.”

Who Was Melchizedek?

Who was Melchizedek?

(Genesis 14:18-20; JST, Genesis 14:25-40)

The priesthood, which is the authority to act in God’s name, is a basis in the LDS church. It is through the priesthood that our ordinances are performed. For my friends and family who are not familiar with the priesthood, I will briefly try to explain it. We use the power of the priesthood to give blessings and to perform ordinances such as baptism, marriage, and the power to seal our families together for eternity, not just in this lifetime.

            The higher priesthood is called the Melchizedek Priesthood. This priesthood is given to the offices of elder, high priest, patriarch, Seventy, and Apostle. Now growing up I knew about the Melchizedek Priesthood and I knew some of the aspects and responsibilities that come with holding this priesthood but I had never really thought of who Melchizedek was. When I was reading in the Genesis this week I realized that besides the fact that the higher priesthood was essentially named after him I didn’t know much. So I researched Melchizedek.

            Melchizedek was a great man. He was a man of mighty faith, he was humble, he wrought righteousness, the King of Salem, and was approved by God. Melchizedek was a high priest of the highest God. He was a high priest of the higher order. I may be wrong about this but from my understanding, Melchizedek lived by the higher order, not Moses’ law. We learn that Melchizedek blessed Abraham and conferred the priesthood upon him.

            As mentioned before, Melchizedek was the king of Salem. The people during this time waxed strong in iniquity and abomination. They had all gone astray. Melchizedek preached repentance unto them and they repented. After this there was peace in the Land. Because of this, Melchizedek is also called the Prince of Peace. 

            The name Melchizedek means ‘king of righteousness’.  Why is the priesthood called Melchizedek, because, Melchizedek was such a great high priest. Melchizedek’s name is used to identify the “Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God.” Before Melchizedek it was called “the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.” In D&C 107:4 we learn, “out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, the church in the ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.”

            The last thing that I wanted to share with you all was mentioned in a study manual I use during my scripture study, Institute Student Manual. While reading what they taught about Melchizedek it said that he was a prototype of the Son of God himself.  A prototype is a person who is believed to be the typical example or representation for that category. Melchizedek is a person who is the example or representation of the Son of God. How cool is that? It testifies to me of what kind of a man Melchizedek was and that he was sent from God.

            I know that our loving Father in Heaven sent Melchizedek here as an example and guiding beacon for us. I know that God sends prophets in our day and the days of Melchizedek to watch over us, his children, and guide us. I know that the priesthood is the power of God and if we are worthy we are able to access a portion of that authority. I know that the priesthood has blessed my home and my family. I have seen the blessings my dad receives from being worthy to hold the priesthood and I remember how lucky I am that my dad has it. I love this church and the blessing I have received for my faith. I love my savior and brother, Jesus Christ and my Father in Heaven. I know they live and that love us and are always here for us. I know that prayer is a gift and that when we pray God hears us. 

           

*** Talking about prophets in our day, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS or Mormons), will be having our General Conference this weekend. This is a great opportunity to hear from our church leaders and the apostles and prophets that our God has ordained for us. I encourage you to watch at least 1 session. Whether you are LDS or not, there is something you can learn. There is something that can touch your heart and help you with what you are struggling with. God hears us, God loves us, and He wants us to come unto Him. Conference is on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 at 10am and 2pm MST. You can listen on the radio, on the Internet, or on your TV. I promise that if you listen to conference with a sincere heart God will touch your heart and give you answers that you seeking.

Whom God Calls, He Qualifies

Whom God Calls, He Qualifies
(Genesis 4-6 and Moses 6-7)

How did the Lord describe the people of Enoch's day in Moses 6:26-31? 

The people in these verses have made God angry with them because their hearts are not turned towards God. This people are not listening and living the way that our God has commanded us.  Throughout the generations this people had turned away from God and toward the things of the world. They enjoyed sinning and enjoyed the things that they were commanded not to do. They became a wicked people and God is telling Enoch that he needs to teach this people to repent or God has prepared a hell for them. 

What did Enoch say about his calling from the Lord?

Enoch asked why God found favor in him. He was confused because of his young age and because the people did not like him, they hated him. He was confused in the reason God chose him for this calling or purpose. 

Describe in writing how the Lord strengthened and sustained Enoch. ( Moses 6:32-39, 47; 7:13-18, 69)

God told Enoch that if he did what he was commanded then no harm would come upon him. Enoch was told that he would give him the words in which to say. God told Enoch that he would have the Spirit with him and that everything that Enoch says He will justify them. The most comforting thing I would think is in verse 34 of chapter 6. "...and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me." Then the Lord had Enoch anoint his eyes with clay and wash them so that Enoch may see, and Enoch obeyed. This was a way that the Lord sustained Enoch, because of this Enoch was able to behold spirits that God had created and seen things that are not visible to the natural eye.  

Then Enoch went among the people and taught them and testified against the things they were doing. This offended the people. Which makes complete sense, Enoch was saying the way they were living was wrong and if they didn't repent God would send them to hell. People came from all over to listen to Enoch and just like God had promised Enoch, no man laid a single hand on him and Enoch was able to say what needed to be said, and he walked with God. From a few of these verses I get the feeling that the people knew from the Spirit that what Enoch said was from God. Take Moses 6:47 for example. The people didn't have to like it but they knew it was from God. 

It was because of the faith Enoch had and the trust that he put into the Lord that he was able to do what the Lord asked him to do. This didn't end up in everybody repenting and coming unto Christ, there was lots of bloodshot and war, but the "fear of the Lord was upon all nations... and great was the glory of the Lord." Enoch did however find a group of people that the Lord called his people Zion because they were of "one heart and of one mind." 

Write a paragraph of two on how you have seen the Lord do similar things for you or someone you know. 

There have been many times that I thought, I can't do this, I can't stand up for what is right although the world is telling me different, but every time, without fail, God helps me find the strength to do what he has asked me. God will always find a way and help you do what He has commanded you. 

An experience that comes to mind is when I was in high school. The people who know me know that dance was my life. I danced every day, year round all through high school. I danced with a private studio and I taught dance. Dance was my life and I loved it! There were a few outfits however that I did not feel comfortable wearing. It may have been partly because I was not a stick, but the main reason was because I didn't feel like God would be proud of me if I wore that outfit. I also didn't want the little girls I taught to look at me and think that it was okay for them to dress that way. I didn't like the image that I was putting forward. I thought about this for a few days and was scared that if I said something I wouldn't be able to dance. I was a younger member of the team and I didn't know what to do, all the other girls seemed fine with it. 

I finally decided to go to my coach and I simply told her that it would be okay and I would understand if she took me out of the dance but I wasn't comfortable wearing that outfit. My coach had no idea I felt that way and felt sorry. She was so great about it and it turned out awesome and I was still able to dance. I found out a little while later that other girls on my teach felt the same way but didn't want to say anything. I was glad that God gave me the courage to stick up for what I thought and give me the right words. I was glad that I was an example to both the younger and older girls. 

Another example of how the Lord helps me is in my simple everyday life. There are times when I know something needs done or said and I feel like I can't do it. I pray to my Heavenly Father and tell him that I need Him, that I need His help. And the amazing thing is that, HE IS ALWAYS THERE and He ALWAYS HELPS ME! This means so much to me! He wants to help us and to guide us along our way. If He commands something of us, He will have a way for it to happen. We need to have that faith and gain that trust of Him. 

The Bible does not say much about Enoch and his people --- it contains 109 word about Enoch and his day. By contrast, the Joseph Smith Translation account of Enoch in the book of Moses contains 5,240 words about Enoch's day. Read Genesis 5:22-24; Moses 6:27-29, 47; 7:1-21; and summarize, in writing, what you find. 

I found that Enoch was very precious to God. I found that Enoch walked with God and that God took him. I found that it was through God that Enoch was able to do what the Lord asked of Him. It was because of Enoch's faith and trust in God that he was kept safe and was able to speak clearly. It says many times that God was with Enoch and that Enoch was the mouthpiece for what God wanted His people to hear. I found that through the the hard work and diligence of Enoch the Lord was able to find those people who repented and find Zion. I also learned that those who do not listen to the Lord will be punished and God always follows through with His word. We see this in Moses 7:20 towards the end of the verse, "... Zion have I blessed, but the residue of the people have I cursed."  God is merciful and loving and kind, but he is also a god of justice. 

Explanation

Hey everyone or no-one, (Hahaha)
For a class I am taking I get to share what I am learning on my blog. I think this will hopefully be neat for not only myself but for whomever may read it! I hope that I will have some good insights for you and hopefully share a piece of my testimony of God and Jesus Christ, whom I love more than anything, with you guys. I am studying the Old Testament for anyone who is interested in the class that this is for! I can already see the potential learning that this experience may have on myself and hopefully someone else, even if it is just a reminder that God is real and He loves you!!
Thanks,
Sam

Ketchum and Sun Valley, Idaho

I had the opportunity to spend a couple days in Ketchum and Sun Valley, Idaho with my parents and grandparents. I had a blast and it was the perfect ending to a working summer! I finally had a vacation and took some beautiful pictures! I thought I would share them with you all!

We went to find an old mining/ghost town, Boulder City. We rode on this super rocky road for a while and then hiked up this mountain for an hour or two. We found a few old cabins and it was super pretty!! The hike was hard for me but I made it up and I was very proud of myself for it. :)

In these cabins, people have carved in their names/nicknames/whatever they want to.

I love that you can see the sun rays in this picture!

The very best parents ;)

This is what it looked like everywhere, a lot of places had even bigger rocks

This is by far one of my very favorite pictures I took

I turned around to take a picture and my grandma sticks her hand out and says 'photo bombed'. Hahaha

These pictures look almost fake, but I assure you they are real. :)

My parents :)

There were these pretty waterfalls and I had the hardest time getting a good picture of them

#Selfies

I hate pictures of myself, but my eye's looked so blue and these were taken when I got up the steepest part of the mountain. #myproudface #my"Ididitface"

(I usually don't use hashtags except to make fun of them)

This view was so beautiful!

Definitely God's country

On our way back down. My dad, myself, and my grandpa!!

Dad, Mom, Gpa

Isn't she the cutest!! I have a hot mom ;)

My grandma, Mom, and myself

My dad took these, bless his heart, and that is why our faces are not in focus. Haha

Me and my momma!! :) I sure do love her!

This was a fun trip. I had some fun pictures sitting on a huge wooden chair and my mom on a huge bike but they are on my phone and I haven't uploaded them to my computer yet. :) 

I seriously had the best time within these two days. It was so beautiful and it was nice to hang out with my grandparents, and my mom and dad, in God's country!!! :)

Have a great week everyone! I will be going from working all the time to studying all the time. 

;)