Sometimes when we as new members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (casually known as the Mormons) study the scriptures, we come across something that confuses us or that we don’t quite understand. This is perfectly normal. In fact, all of us experience this at one time or another. And one of the best tools of understanding we can use at this time is to simply ask questions.
What do I mean by this? Well, as the seminary student manual (for the Old Testament, for example) states,
Before you read it is helpful to ask yourself questions like “Who wrote these verses?” “To whom?” “Why is this teaching included in the scriptures?” “What do I want to know or learn as I read today?” and “What would the Lord want me to learn from these scriptures?” (Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, p. 5)
I have found that question-asking is quite a potent scripture study tool. Rather than simply gliding along the scripture page, empty-minded and glibly reading, instead when I am asking questions as I read, I find more vibrancy in what I read.
For example, in the Bible in Exodus 32 we read that the Lord is quite angry with the children of Israel. In fact, He is so angry with the Israelites that He declares to Moses (as recorded in Exodus 32):
“Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: …”
This could appear puzzling on the surface. If God is a gracious God, why is He about to destroy those He’d just led in that miraculous exodus from Pharaoh (who was ready to destroy them himself)?
Thus, it is time for questions to help my understanding. If God is a merciful God (and there are many scriptures which point to this), then what could have brought Him to such ire He would destroy those whom He had led out of bondage in such miraculous ways?
Another question: What could Israel have done that was so repugnant to God that their destruction was preferable to their current activities? What is it about sin that at times it is better for the person to no longer live, rather than continue in destructive ways?
Or here is another question: Why could destruction of a wicked people actually be a merciful choice for and in behalf of them?
The questions that come might be different ones for different individuals. I urge you to read Exodus 32 so you can find out just what the Israelites did do that brought God’s ire. But I promise you that as you spend time contemplating what you read in the scriptures, asking questions as you go, the Lord will lead you to truth and a deeper understanding of His ways.
I testify that the Lord indeed is a merciful God. I’ve seen His hand in patience and kindness in more times than I can count in my life. Thus, when I find a confusing passage of scripture, I know that it is my own lack of insight that confuses that issue – not any weakness on the part of God.
I invite you the next time you study your scriptures to use the tool of questions as you do so. Ask the questions and then seek the answers by researching deeper in the scriptures themselves and asking God Himself. You will find your answers and He will aid you in them. Here’s the link to the scriptures to get started!
