July 15, 2026

In 2 Kings 19, after Hezekiah hears the blasphemous words that Rab-shakeh, messenger of the king of Assyria spoke to Eliakim, he sends messengers to the prophet Isaiah and begins his message with "This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth" (verse 3). The image of a child at breach and no strength left to bring it forth is a Hebrew idiom that represents a critical moment, often characterized by fear, where there is nothing more you can do to overcome or succeed in the moment. It is saying that you have done all you can and have no strength left, and without external help the situation is hopeless.

What a beautiful, humble way to approach the prophet, and thus the Lord. We have done all we can, please help us with the rest. Save us after all we can do. Yoke with us, for we are not strong enough alone. This exemplifies complete faith and reliance on the Lord characterized by works. And to complete the lesson, the Lord did save them and Isaiah prophesied the defeat of Assyria. He will do the same in our lives. As we put forth our best efforts, we will fall short, but yoked with our Savior, He will carry us the rest of the way when we have no strength left.

Dr. Mike Day, a religious educator for Seminaries and Institute of Religion, compared Rab-shakeh, messenger of the king of Assyria, and his speech in 2 Kings 18 to the mouth of Sauron confronting Aragorn and his army. This got me thinking about LOTR and some of the beautiful symbolism contained therein. There are a lot of types of Christ in Tolkien's work. The primary type is Aragorn. Gandalf is also a vivid type given his divine origin and resurrection. But what came to mind as an example of the intimate relationship and love Christ has for us was the example of Sam Gamgee. The Savior will not take our agency, just as Sam ultimately could not carry the ring - that was the adversary's plan. But when our burdens are too heavy for us to carry, He will carry us instead. Also, as Israel rejects and pushes away their Lord, He remains close by, ready to accept them back, for He loves them dearly, despite our constant betrayals. Sam is a wonderful type of Christ, and also an example of how we should treat others, especially when they smite us and we must turn the other cheek and still love them.

Verses 14 - 19: a beautiful prayer by Hezekiah in the temple. Great example of going to the House of the Lord to plead with Him.

What benefit would there be for Joseph Smith to convert native Americans?

"follow the money"is a common phrase to figure out motive, or to uncover a con. If you follow the money then and now, doesn't seem like there is any motive for a con. The money doesn't go to anyone.