Ether 6

Verses 1-12: The Journey

What does this teach me about the saving mission of Jesus Christ?

I ADORE METAPHOR! The description of our earth experience is so vivid. We are all journeying to the promised land (the salvation of our heavenly home). Perhaps our bodies are the barges, which house the Holy Spirit, the stones, which convey to us the light of Christ, having been touched by His finger.

Christ's enabling power is the "furious wind" which "did never cease to blow towards the promised land".

Entering the barge, which enters the water, also somehow symbolizes our baptismal covenants- the surrender of any inclination to act against Christ- literally conveying ourselves into His care and going wherever He leads us.  Since His intention is to bless us with an eternity of joy, I'd say it's a fair prospect.

Lesson for me?

*Imagine that you have gathered all the provisions for life's journey, and that Christ is carrying you. You have every assurance that you'll make it safely to heaven if you just TRUST HIM. Do what He says. Give Him and others the best of you.  Sacrifice your impulse to compete, to rebel, to hurt others in any way,  or to complain. Just take the ride.

Verses 13-21: A New Society: Records and Legacies

What does this teach me about the saving mission of Jesus Christ?

It teaches me that a people who are aligned with Him, and work hard, tend to prosper, as He desires them to.

Lesson for me?

*Remember that He desires your success both spiritually and temporally, and go forth and "till the earth". Also keep records.

Verses 22-30: A King Leadeth into Captivity

What does this teach me about the saving mission of Jesus Christ?

Same lesson as the previous section, with the added note of caution that it's important to arrange government so that all power is not in the hands of opposers of Christ.  He wants to save us, and He inspired the brother of Jared with the thought that a more measured approach to government would be necessary. As yet, though, their king is aligned with the Heavenly King and the people prosper.

Lesson for me?

*Be grateful for freedom of worship, and work to protect it.