Ether’s prophecies to the Jaredites were “great and marvelous” (Ether 12:5). He “told them of all things, from the beginning of man” (Ether 13:2). He foresaw “the days of Christ” and the latter-day New Jerusalem (Ether 13:4). And he spoke of “hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God” (Ether 12:4). But the Jaredites rejected his words, for the same reason people often reject the prophecies of God’s servants today—“because they [see] them not” (Ether 12:5). It takes faith to believe in promises or warnings about things we can’t see, just as it took faith for Ether to prophesy of “great and marvelous things” to an unbelieving people. It took faith for Moroni to trust that the Lord could take his “weakness in writing” and turn it into strength (see Ether 12:23–27). It’s this kind of faith that makes us “sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God” (Ether 12:4). And it’s this kind of faith by which “all things are fulfilled” (Ether 12:3).
It’s common today, as it was in Ether’s day, for people to want to see evidence before believing in God and His power. What do you learn from Ether 12:5–6 about this idea?
As you read Ether 12, you might make note of every time you find the word “faith.” Consider what each instance teaches about faith. Questions like these may help: What is faith? What does it mean to exercise faith? What are the fruits of faith in Jesus Christ? You could also record your thoughts about witnesses you have gained “after the trial of your faith” (Ether 12:6).
Let others share, and sometimes teach. People learn best when they have opportunities to share what they are learning or even teach in a formal setting. Whether at home or at church, consider allowing others, including youth, to teach a part of the lesson.
When we read Moroni’s powerful writings, it’s easy to forget that he worried about his “weakness in writing” and feared that people would mock his words (see Ether 12:23–25). If you have ever felt anxious about your own weakness, read about Moroni’s struggles—and the Savior’s response—in Ether 12:23–29. You might also ponder times when Jesus Christ has helped you recognize your weakness and made you strong—even if He didn’t completely remove it. Also think about weaknesses you are currently struggling with. What do you need to do to receive the Savior’s promise to “make weak things become strong”? (Ether 12:27).
Consider searching the following passages to see how others in the scriptures gained strength through the grace of Jesus Christ:
Rejecting the Lord’s prophets puts me in spiritual danger.
Being king of the Jaredites was, historically, a dangerous position. This was especially true for Coriantumr, as many “mighty men … sought to destroy him” (Ether 13:15–16). In Ether 13:15–22, notice what Coriantumr did to protect himself and what the prophet Ether counseled him to do instead. As you read the rest of the book of Ether, ponder the consequences of rejecting the prophets. What happens to people when “the Spirit of the Lord [ceases] striving with them”? (Ether 15:19). What might the Lord want you to learn from these accounts? Consider what you will do to follow His prophets.
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
Consider helping your children repeat with you “Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen” from Ether 12:6. They might enjoy looking at pictures that show the examples of faith in Ether 12:13–15, 19–21 (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 78, 85, and this week’s activity page). Let your children explain what they know about each story. Here are some questions to help you discuss these examples of faith:
What did these people hope for?
How was their faith tested?
What happened because of their faith?
You could also share your own experiences exercising faith.
To understand what Ether 12:4 teaches about hope, you and your children could look at a picture of a boat and an anchor. Why do boats need anchors? What would happen to a boat that does not have an anchor? As you read Ether 12:4 together, talk about how hope helps us the way an anchor helps a boat. Invite your children to draw pictures of a boat and anchor so they can teach others about hope.
If your children need a definition of hope, help them find one in Guide to the Scriptures, “Hope” (Gospel Library). According to this definition and Ether 12:4, 32, what should we hope for? (see also Moroni 7:40–42). Help your children think of other words for hope, along with words that mean the opposite of hope. You could also share with each other some gospel truths that give you hope.
Jesus Christ can help me become spiritually strong.
Children sometimes face situations in which they feel weak, just as Moroni did. Help your children find out why Moroni felt this way in Ether 12:23–25, and ask them if they have ever had similar feelings. Then invite them to read verses 26–27 to find out how the Lord helped Moroni.
Perhaps your children could draw a picture of something weak and something strong. Then they could add to their drawing some words and phrases from Ether 12:23–29 that teach them about how the Savior can turn our weakness into strength. Encourage your children to think about a weakness they have and then seek the Savior’s help to become strong. You could also share an experience when the Savior helped you become strong enough to do something hard.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
