Daily Thoughts

I the Book of Mormon we read that every art of the law of Moses was pointing toward the great and last sacrifice made by the Son of God who would bring salvation to all who would have faith and repent. Thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice.  Alma 34:14- 16 "And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal.  And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance. And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption."

In the New Testament we read about the birth of John the Baptist.  The people wanted him to be named Zechariah, after his father, but Elizabeth told them his name should be John.  They asked Zechariah what he wanted and he wrote that the child should be named John.  And after that his tongue was loosed and he was able to speak. The people knew the Lord's power was with him.  Luke 1:57-66 "Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.  And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.  And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.  And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.  And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.  And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.  And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.  And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judæa. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him."

In some verses with a thought booklet we read about the believers were of one heart and one soul and had all things in common, so no one among them was in need or lacked anything. Those who had great possessions sold them for the benefit of others. Instead of being selfish and only concerned with our own needs, we need to love others and do what we can to help and support them.  Acts 4:32-35 "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,  And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."