My shadow by Day

My Shadow by Day, My Pillar by Night. [1]

In a New Testament institute experience I learned about the veil of the temple (of Solomon.) This is the partition between the persons sacrificing and approaching a most holy part of the temple (the Holy of Holies). At the time of the Savior’s crucifixion, as He died, the veil was rent in twain.[2] Ripped in two. Paul teaches that the flesh of the Savior also represents the veil. [3] Broken for us. In studying symbols, it has been suggested that in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve realized they were naked (and found wanting) they were given a coat of skins, a covering.[4] Just as Adam and Eve were given a covering from the Savior, so are each of His children, those who choose to become His sons and daughters. The atonement (or “at-one-ment”) of Christ is our covering.

As no man can come unto the Father but by the Savior or his word or his law[5], it is His new and everlasting covenant that contains the fulness of his everlasting gospel[6]. He promised that He would speak unto us as…in days of old.[7] If the veil has been rent in twain, if Christ represents the veil, and if the Book of Mormon is a testament of Jesus Christ, how often and how deeply will I peek through this veil to “see afar off[8]“, to get balance and bearings on my universe, through the record of heaven[9]?

What am I doing daily to search out, find and collect hidden treasures of knowledge[10] inviting me to “do good[11]” to “do truth[12]“to come to the light; so, I too, can grow from grace to grace[13], and receive more light until the perfect day[14]? Who would refuse a perfect day? I will rise early, to practice for the day when I rise to greet the “keeper” of the gate.[15] I will forget Him, but He will not forget me. He has graven me upon the palms of His hands and my walls are continually before Him.[16]

If I want my own walls of Jericho to fall down[17], what if I circle and conquer my problems as the Israelites of old by trusting that it is by Him (and his word and his law) that I am led[18], trusting that He will fight my battles (and those of my children’s children)[19] wherever we may be found wanting[20]? Every day, every day, every [21] day. Yea, when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death[22] (every day, every day, every day) I will hush my fears[23]. I will fear no evil, for God is with me, in a marvelous work, a wonder[24] found within this amazing gift that helps me and my children and grandchildren know to whom we may look for a remission of our sins. [25]

[1] Redeemer of Israel, Hymn no. 6

[2] Matthew 27:51. “The Veil of the Temple Was Rent” (see also Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45)

[3] Hebrews 10: 19,20

[4] Genesis 3:21

[5] Doctrine and Covenants 132:12

[6] Doctrine and Covenants 45:8-9

[7] Doctrine and Covenants 45:15

[8]Hebrews 11:13

[9] Moses 6:61

[10] Doctrine and Covenants 89:19

[11] Acts 10:38

[12] John 3:21