Revelations 16-18

(September 8, 2015)

                I had two thoughts as I read through these chapters.  The first was on the reality that there are those who would prefer to blaspheme than to repent – even when their destruction was imminent.  A fundamental theory behind our economic and political systems is that of rational self-interest.  And as I work through spiritual issues, I believe that there is a level (perhaps a total level) of rational self-interest when it comes to spiritual things as well.

                What is most important to us?  Is it joy?  Then we will serve and follow the Savior.  Is it our pride, or our delight in wickedness?  Then we will blaspheme rather than repent.  This world, of course, is a test (and a good one at that) which will allow us in the end to both know what we have chosen as our interest (even if what we choose is wrong or leads to lesser joy) and will develop us to receive that in the eternities.

                The second thought was on the vague nature of prophecies.  It seems that there are two types of prophecies that we see in the scriptures.  The first are vague but available to those who can affect the outcomes.  The second are specific, but available only to those who cannot affect the outcome.  Thus Nephi’s prophecies were more specific than John’s (as an example).  This, of course, makes perfect sense.