March 3, 2008

Today we went through 1 & 2 Chronicles.
We started class as we reviewed some of what we'd studied last week. We talked about the historical elements of 2 Kings. We reviewed the scattering of the Northern Tribes, and the eventual captivity of the Southern Kingdom. We discussed where they went, why, for how long, and what happened to those who were left, and the occupation forces.
The students scanned through the first 9 chapters of 1 Chronicles. They commented on what they saw in these chapters. They then scanned several chapters from 9 on, and we discussed who most of these chapters were about.
Chronicles was written for those in captivity just before (or slightly thereafter) their return to Jerusalem. It skipped some of the uglier moments, but focused on David and then marginally on Solomon. It's purpose was to show God's deliverance and teach reliance and trust upon the Lord.

We spent time talking about what the students had learned in seminary. Other than some historical and cultural information, the students agreed that they hadn't really heard anything new this year. We talk about faith, repentance, obedience, baptism, the Holy Ghost etc. These are all things that we've heard about before. The students estimated that they have probably heard / learned about faith 4500.5 times throughout their lives as members of the church (where that number comes from I'm not sure, but we went with it). Chronicles is a repetition of what we've already heard before. The gospel really doesn't change too much. The Lord uses repetition to teach us because we still don't always seem to get it. Something along the lines of Practice makes perfect. We discussed how 'practicing correct principles makes perfect'. The scriptures are a constant reminder used by the Lord to teach us what we need to learn. As we went through Chronicles, we were able to see that repetition.

Several of our students are running track, so they shared how they feel just before they get to the end of their race. Some hit a wall where they go numb. Some get a burst of speed, and others are just exhausted and even sick.
We talked about the kings that we've seen throughout the old testament. As we examined them, we could see that several started out well, and then almost all of them (excepting a very small minority) backslid. They got halfway through, and then they gave in.
Just as these kings started out well, many of them petered out and gave up at the end. We talked about how easy it is to do this in life - when school, seminary, work etc all seem to get in the way and life gets so busy and complicated, we just give up and stop doing those things that really are so important.

As a class we read through 2 Chronicles 20 and talked about trusting in the Lord. We see SO many miracles and instances of the Lord stepping in and fighting our battles. 2 Chronicles 20 is another example of this. The Lord tells the people to 'stand still'. How do you stand still when you see that you are surrounded by the enemy? How do you not keep a sword in your back pocket just in case? The answer is FAITH in the LORD. When we believe the Lord, when we have FAITH in His promises, we are strengthened. When we let go and let him drive - we are safe and protected. What an amazing lesson we are taught in this story. Be obedient, follow the commandments/prophet/Lord, and you will be saved. Not just physically, but also spiritually.
The students had the opportunity to act this scripture story out - it was interesting to see them as they tried to decide whether they should keep their swords with them or not - how much they thought they would trust in the Lord in this situation, and as we saw the outcome of this story.
Tomorrow we will be covering Ezra 1-10.