Whom Do You Follow: Jesus or Joseph?

20 January

Russell NelsonIntroduction to Family History Student Manual, (2012), Chapter 7: Submitting Names for Temple Ordinances; “Elder Russell M. Nelson explained that a newly updated Family Search computer program facilitates family history work and helps Church members determine what temple ordinances have or have not been performed for each individual ancestor: “The Prophet Joseph Smith said, ‘The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead’ [Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 475]. New technology makes it easier than ever to fulfill that responsibility. Temple and family history work is now facilitated by [Family Search]. This Internet-based system helps members identify their ancestors, determine what ordinance work needs to be done for them, and prepare their names for the temple. It can be accessed from home, a family history center, or wherever the Internet is available. The steps are easy to follow” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2010, 90; or Ensign, May 2010, 92–93).”

Luke 9:59-60; “And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”

The Mormon ordinance to baptize dead relatives looks like a tradition taken from the play book of the Israelites. One year to the day after a loved one’s death, Mormons are mandated to perform works for their dead relatives in the temples.

Israelites had a very similar tradition – one year to the day after the death of a loved one someone from the family was responsible to enter the tomb, and move the bones of the deceased into an ossuary. It was typically the duty of the oldest son to rebury the bones of his father, and so this man may have felt a duty to do so. Additionally, it had become a tradition to stay near the deceased in order to gain an inheritance.

Whatever the case may be in this man’s reasoning not to follow Jesus, was met with a quick answer from the Lord.

People who are of the world are only focused on worldly things. Inheritances, and duties to other men are indicative of where our hearts are focused. Jesus pointed out those who are spiritually dead would care about those who are literally dead. He wanted unabated devotion to Him, and not for us to care about dead things. Only His sheep hear His voice – John 10:27.

The Mormon’s obsession with focusing on dead people speaks volumes in light of what Jesus said! Only those who are spiritually dead focus on dead things…

Pray for the Mormon whose focus isn’t in the proper place!

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