In 3 Nephi 11:15 we read that the people “did know of a surety… that it was [Jesus Christ] that visited them. Where did this knowledge come from?
Today at 10am Mountain I will be on Facebook Live sharing my thoughts on this verse.
Camille, of Chicken Scratch n’ Sniff and recent Podcast Guest, is hosting a weekly effort to do more to share the Gospel online. When she invited me I was just finishing a concert run with the Millennial Choirs and Orchestras and was thinking a lot about 3 Nephi 11:15 and the phrase, “did know of a surety.” One of the songs we performed at the concert was from the album we recorded, Messiah in America called “Arise and Come Forth Unto Me”.
Each of the songs on the album features text taken directly from the scriptures. This song in particular is from 3 Nephi 11:15.
And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.
I wanted to point out 5 phrases that stood out to me.
1. The Multitude Went Forth
Faith is an action word. In the preceding verse Christ invited the people to come to Him. They demonstrate their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ when they obey.
2. Thrust Their Hands into his Side
To exercise our faith we cannot always remain in the light. Sometimes we much reach out into the unknown.
3. Going Forth One by One
The love of God is not delivered through a megaphone. It is given one by one, face to face. While we can be transformed by an influential General Conference Talk or Church Meeting, the most profound growth and change happens on an individual level. It happens when a Home or Visiting Teacher comes to the home dutifully and with love. It happens when an individual meets with the Bishop as they go through the repentance process. It happens when a friend put their arm around you and tells you they love you and are proud of the progress you are making and are glad you are a part of their life. It happens when we kneel in prayer and pour our hearts to our Heavenly Father in gratitude and humility.
4. Did Know of a Surety… That it Was He
This is the point when I am typically in tears on stage. It is the sun rise after the dark night of the soul. As we act on our faith we feel the love of God and gain a knowledge that God keeps His promises. These people spent three days in utter darkness, but in the years before that they saw their whole civilization decline into familial clans. Even before the earthquake, fires, and darkness, it had to be a depressing time.
5. Of Whom it was Written by the Prophets
They reason they were able to recognize the Savior when He appeared to them was because they knew Him. They learned of Him as they studied the scriptures and listened to the words of the prophets. As it is with us. If we are to recognize Christ when He comes again, we must study His words and follow Him in faith.
If you would like to study or Ponderize this scripture, Camille is offering this wonderful printable on her post to accompany this scripture along with some of her own insights. You can also see the posts of weeks past and know who is coming up next Wednesday.
