We're in Revelations...good stuff.
This week we studied Rev. 1-3 and 12. If you haven't studied it recently I would encourage you to do so :). I am not listing all of the findings to the symbolism...for fun if you email me with the answers, I'll bring you dessert :).
Some background from the manual...
"the Apostle John, author of the book of Revelation, came out of a culture that used symbolism extensively in its language and literature. Readers today often have difficulty with the symbolism in John’s writings. If we interpret the images literally, the book of Revelation can seem strange and confusing. If we remember that many of the images are symbolic and represent people, things, or concepts with which we are already familiar, the book becomes easier to understand."
We talked about the symbols used in the first three chapters, candlesticks, seven stars, two-edged sword and keys.
Also found in those chapters are words of the Lord to the seven branches of the church in Asia. He corrected them and then gave them promises for overcoming the trials and tribulations of mortality. One example was, "shall not be hurt of the second death".
I briefly mentioned Revelations 12 and told who represented what. The woman was the church of God, the child was the kingdom of God or the government that will exist upon the earth during Jesus' millennial reign and the dragon was Satan.
The lesson pointed out the theme of Revelations is that "there will be an eventual triumph on this earth of God over the devil; a permanent victory of good over evil" Bible Dictionary, Revelation of John
There is a war going on, we know how it ends. I used quotes from the following talks repesenting how imporant a strong testimony is and how our trials/tribulations are helping us become who we are supposed to be.
http://lds.org/general-conference/2001/10/the-power-of-a-strong-testimony?lang=eng
"As your testimony is fortified, Satan will try harder to tempt you. Resist his efforts. You will become stronger and his influence on you weaker. 9 Satan’s increasing influence in the world is allowed to provide an atmosphere in which to prove ourselves. While he causes havoc today, Satan’s final destiny was fixed by Jesus Christ through His Atonement and Resurrection. The devil will not triumph.
Even now, he must operate within bounds set by the Lord. He cannot take away any blessing that has been earned. He cannot alter character that has been woven from righteous decisions. He has no power to destroy the eternal bonds forged in a holy temple between a husband, wife, and children. He cannot quench true faith. He cannot take away your testimony. Yes, these things can be lost by succumbing to his temptations. But he has no power in and of himself to destroy them."
http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/more-than-conquerors-through-him-that-loved-us?lang=eng
"Elder Orson F. Whitney said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”5
Recently a nine-year-old boy was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. The doctor explained the diagnosis and the treatment, which included months of chemotherapy and major surgery. He said it would be a very difficult time for the boy and his family but then added, “People ask me, ‘Will I be the same after this is over?’ I tell them, ‘No, you won’t be the same. You will be so much stronger. You will be awesome!’”"
Next week's lesson is the last of the year! Revelation 5-6; 19-22.
Have a great week!
