![]() ![]() His preconceived expectations of not only how he would treated, but that his leprosy would be removed by some spectacular occurrence has only increased his anger. He states, “Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call out to the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper” (vs. Naaman’s reaction to Elisha’s action is both disgust and disappointment. Elisha’s message to the Syrian commander is, “Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean” (vs. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him… ” (vs, 9-10). He “stood at the door of the house of Elisha. In desperation, Naaman goes to Elisha’s home expecting an audience with this man. In this instance the attack by two she bear! In the final analysis, the consequences are not the choice of either the Lord or his prophet, they are ours or in this instance, the forty-two errant youth. Whatever the action in which we may be engaged that is displeasing to the Lord, if the individual or group chooses not to heed the warning, the promised circumstances will occur. ![]() This event is then yet another example of the warnings of the Lord to each of us. It is my supposition that the youth were given a warning along with the accompanied circumstances that would follow. When however the warning is not heeded, then the promised action follows whither it involves an individual, city or nation. ![]() Throughout Israel’s history, including today, before the Lord takes any adverse action against his sons and daughters, he warns them through his prophets so that they may have the opportunity to repent or to change their actions. Israel was taught “to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12). We are taught that men are to “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear ” (Hebrews 12:28). When we take adverse action against his person, it is “as if” we are mocking the Lord himself. What are the lasting effects of the miracle upon the actions of the recipient “for a good tree bringth… forth good fruit” (Luke 6:43).Ī prophet is the Lord’s servant upon the earth and therefore represents the Lord himself. You will recall that the Pharaoh’s wise men, sorcerers, and magicians were able to replicate the miracles of Moses and Aaron up to a point (Exodus 7:11-12 22 8:7, 17-18). Miracle are also evidence that the power and authority of God rests with the individual, however it is important to understand that Satan also has the power to bring about manifestations that appear to duplicate the authority of the Lord. Lastly, the one who is performing the miracle must be spiritually pure, “there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he was cleansed every whit from his iniquity” (B/M, 3 Nephi 8:1). ![]() We learn from the Book of Mormon, “For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracles among them” (Ether 12:12). The second requirement necessary is the presence of belief or faith on the part of the individual or on his/her behalf. The timing of the event is wholly under the will and direction of deity and “it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:68). It is important to note that the miracle is the result of the manifestation of spiritual power, not achievable through scientific advancement. Elijah threw down his mantle as he ascended, which Elisha took up and started off alone… he had received the answer to his prayer” (Journal of Discourses 21. How did Elijah know that? Because he knew that the Melchizedek Priesthood holds the keys of the mysteries and the revelations of God and that if he could see him as he ascended, it would be an evidence to him that the Lord had granted his request, although he himself had not the power to grant it… I do not suppose that saw anything of Elijah as he was being taken up into heaven… Elisha saw the manner in which he went… God had conferred upon him that priesthood by which he was enabled to see them. What answer did Elijah make him? He said that he had asked a hard thing nevertheless, if thou seest me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee but if not it shall not be so. But could Elijah grant his request? No, he could not. “Elisha, knowing that he had something to do and that he was about to be left alone,… requested Elijah to let a double portion of his spirit rest upon him. ![]()
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