The Seed and the Tree

2009-2-11 04:11:00

Paul wrote:

"It has always puzzled me why the Lord would tell some cultures about re-incarnation, and others he would disguise the teaching. If truth is truth why is it not just put out there? I mean, it is obvious to me that you explained that the people of the time of Jesus understood we had many lifetimes. So why did that teaching not filter down through the ages and remain being taught? Why did we lose that belief over time? Why would the spirit constrain the teaching of reincarnation to the earlier Mormons. and leave the people 170 years later having to seek truthfulness outside of the Church?

"I can sort of see why Joseph wouldn't teach it outright because then 'Mormonism' would be stuck out their in the 'east' field and never have been accepted by the west. Was the plan designed this way? Or did man cause it to be this way? I can see where people who think and believe in the things we do look at us as being way outside the box.

"So was Mormonism created to just be a higher step that people could reach to before stepping up again? In other words, he created all these 'religions' to appeal to the level of understanding of man? Each one having truths, but some having more than others?
"I just wish I understood why there are so many teachings, all at different levels, but many similar, but they do seem to be cultural. Is that the purpose for ethnic groups on the earth? To learn at different levels? It is late and my mind begins to wander a bit at this time, so if I do not make total sense. I will blame it on that.

"I really do appreciate your answers. I have been working hard on soul contact but it still eludes me. I am wondering why it just doesn't hit me like lighting. I am thinking that it must take much more effort, maybe something like meditation. Some say that is what prayer is, but personally I think it is similar, but still not the same. Hey, any help here would be appreciated."

JJ:

The important thing to understand is the Plan is much different than generally perceived. The Plan is the mustard seed and the tree. Long ago the seed was planted in the hearts and minds of mankind and now it has sprouted and broken ground and is struggling to survive in sunlight. Before the tree is fully formed the cells in its body look upon it and form incorrect conclusions as to how it is developing and what it will look like when mature. The seed, the sprout and the young plant know not their full destiny, but they can guess with more accuracy as they develop and time moves forward.

Revelation does not tell us with pinpoint accuracy all the ingredients of the Plan. Instead, it gives the seer the vital force necessary for the next step forward in growth and in that growth will come additional light.

As the plant grows the only thing that stays the same is change, yet within that state of flux are operating principles that are endless and ever true.

Joseph Smith was told the principle of unfolding revelation as follows:

"Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding. And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known;" [Doctrine & Covenants (D & C) 1:24-25]

As the wisest among us grow in understanding, the light from God shines through the soul upon our minds. Because the Plan is not fully developed that understanding must foment in our minds and then be expressed in our own understanding according to our imperfections.

This is why Verse 25 reads: "And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known;"

In the growing stage it is impossible to not make errors for revelation is always incomplete and thus understanding is incomplete.

BUT understanding and revelation is ever unfolding and the scriptures are correct when they say we will eventually see as in the perfect day.

Many acorn seeds with he same built-in plan produce a wide variety of trees. Some taller, some wider, some stronger and some with more acorns than others. Yet the basic plan for them and their final maturity is the same.

Even so, each prophet, seer and master teacher will teach differently. Each will also have their consciousness centered on a different part of the growth, but all will have their attention on growth. They may not understand exactly where that growth will lead, but know this: Growth is where they know they must proceed with all their strength.

For those of you seeking to establish soul contact the above paragraph is a major hint.

Some teachers did not teach reincarnation because they did not comprehend that part of the plan. Others did not teach it because they felt it would not be accepted. Still others did not teach it because they felt multiple chances would lead people into complacency.

Just as many branches of a tree all have their place, yet are seeking their own space in which to move and grow, even so do human leaders all move and teach a little differently in their own sphere.

Why was the teaching of reincarnation lost to the Christian church? Many early church fathers accepted it and used scriptural support for the doctrine. But when the church Fathers put the Bible together they took many plain and precious truths out. One of these was reincarnation.

Paul:

"So was Mormonism created to just be a higher step that people could reach to before stepping up again?"

JJ:

Mormonism was the last inspired work of the Piscean Age.

The building of the church was attempted in the days of Peter and fell short of perfection. This was the Alpha. Again it was attempted at the end of the age and an attempt was made at greater perfection. This is the Omega. This was not perfect either but it will have a strong influence on millions for some time to come.

Now we are entering the Aquarian Age and a new work will be attempted for those who are ready. It will be as different from the Christian church as a leaf is different from a branch. Even so, both are essential parts of the whole.