PATTERNS

Patterns in Nature: the Spiral

Just as there are identifiable patterns in nature, so, too, are their patterns in the scriptures.  Recognizing them helps us connect gospel themes through patterns.

Our  lesson this week challenges us to look for patterns in the scriptures that teach us how the Lord works.  I suggested one, yesterday: the Pride Cycle. Anther is the Plan of Salvation and agency.  Yet another are types and shadows of the Savior.

The Plan of Salvation: God gave man his agency in the Garden of Eden by allowing Adam and Eve to choose for themselves as to eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.  It was part of the plan from before the beginning of the earth. God knew what Adam and Eve would have to do in order to bring mortality into this world.  I believe Eve knew what she had to do and that, ultimately, so did Adam.  They transgressed the law and fell and the world became a mortal domain wherein God's children could gain bodies and experience, tests and trials, a time of probation where they could learn by experience to know between good and evil.

Christ's Role in the Plan: Part of God's knowing was that because this is a fallen world that we would become a fallen people: every one of us would make mistakes: every one of us would sin. Heavenly Father gave us His Son to make propitiation for our sins.  Because of the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can live with our Heavenly Father again.

The Pattern We Call the Pride Cycle

The Pride Cycle: What we learn from the Pride Cycle is this: that God cannot support and bless His children in wickedness. Every time anyone chooses to put the Lord aside and do what they want instead of what He wants, they tie his hands as to blessings. The Lord taught the Prophet Joseph Smith: I the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise. (Doctrine and Covenants 82:10)

This one is so plainly visible in our modern world. Here is an example of the economic impact of the Pride Cycle:

Warning for Today: The Pride Cycle destroyed the Nephites as a people. The potential for it to do so in Modern-day America is frightening. As I follow the news with it's hatred, violence, and lies, I shudder because I know I am watching a scenario that occurred twice in the Book of Mormon.  Unfortunately, not everyone in America has read the Book of Mormon and, therefore, they don't recognize the pattern.  It is not partisan politics: it is survival.

Types for Christ: The Book of Mormon also points out the pattern of prophets and patriarchs typifying Jesus.  Chapter 11 of 2 Nephi tells us that Moses typifies Christ, as does the Law of Moses as His schoolmaster.  The Brazen Serpent in the wilderness is a type for Christ. The fall of Israel and Judah are types for the condition of the world prior to Christ's Second Coming.

2020 Academy Awards "gown"

Billy Porter wins Red Carpet? Ridiculous?!

There are other patterns, such as Isaiah's description of the Daughters of Israel in 2 Nephi 13 and a symptom of pride in 4 Nephi: 24.  I can see the pattern today just by watching any awards show out of Hollywood - even to the point of ridiculous! 

Now it is your turn: what patterns do you see being repeated today? They are easy to find because they are as predictable as those in the Chambered Nautilus (which is actually a reverse spiral pattern.)

© February 2020 Dr. Kathleen Rawlings Buntin Danielson