Today we covered 2 Kings 4-14. As we began class, the students scanned through chapters 4-8 and jotted down in their journals all of the miracles which they could find which Elisha performed. We then discussed their findings and how faith is always necessary prior to miracles - miracles never produce faith. The students then scanned through 8-14 and jotted down what was going on with the people and in these stories, including any major events, and anything important.
We then discussed these items, and spent time discussing what the purpose of these chapters might be. Why did the Lord include these chapters in the scriptures? Why are they significant or important? What can we learn from these chapters, and what does Heavenly Father want us to learn from them?
We spent a little time discussing Joshua's previous advice to the children of Israel just before they entered the promised land. The people wanted a king - Joshua said it would lead to their destruction - here we see the prophets' words validated. We looked at Saul - started good - then bad. David - started good - few major mistakes. Solomon - started good - ended not so good. Now we are seeing king after king - we aren't really seeing any great blessings from that king thing.
We discussed why it may have been so difficult for the Israelites to keep the commandments of the Lord.
The students broke into districts, and on the chalk board made a list of everything they could think of which the Lord has told us (in our day) through the prophet. We spent some time discussing a couple of commandments which we've been given. We talked about reading our scriptures each day. It is a commandment which we see in the scriptures - repeated over and over. The prophets (in our day) have repeatedly asked us to daily read, and the seminary program (directed by the first presidency) asks that students read 10 minutes each day so that it can become a habit. Why is it so hard to do such a small thing? We know it comes from the Lord, but then why is it so difficult? The students also brought up missions. It was listed on the board that it was recommended that we go on missions. However, the class corrected this that it is a commandment that young men go on missions. As a commandment, why and maybe how is it that it becomes such a difficult choice for us? This was some of our discussion.
As we ended class, we looked at DC 130:20-21. We discussed how every single commandment has a blessing tied to it. As we keep the commandments of the Lord, we receive blessings automatically - even if they aren't visible, noticeable ones - we still receive them. No matter what - when we follow the prophet - our lives our blessed, and even if life is hard - it will be good as long as we follow the Lord.
Tomorrow we will be finishing the book of 2 Kings 14-24.
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