Jeremiah 52

(February 10, 2015)

                I must admit that I am not disappointed to come to the end of Jeremiah this time through the scriptures.  But one thing becomes apparent as I read through the last chapter in this book – Jeremiah lacked a prophetic redactor.  Having written a journal for years (of which these scripture postings make a small part), I have learned the way that my life (including spiritual experiences) is presented.  There is a flavor to journal text that is different from narrative or legend.  Too many irrelevant details are included, because we don’t know what will be relevant and what won’t be relevant at the time we write.  Their is an Author of our life, but it isn’t us and when we are writing we are not privy to the Author’s full Plan.

                There are elements of contemporaneous journal writing in the Book of Mormon, but they have clearly passed through the filter of a redactor who (1) knows the history, such that less irrelevant detail is included; and (2) is able to receive revelation and inspiration as to what to include and what not to include.  The underlying journal aspect of the Book of Mormon is still there (despite being a lineage record, which it certainly is, it is also clearly a composite journal), but in a fashion more readable and profitable.  We don’t have to sort through the chaff for the precious Gospel wheat.  That is something that I am very grateful for.