But If Not

Jewish tradition gives us an interesting perspective on Moses parting the Red Sea. Moses was commanded to raise his staff and stretch out his hand over the sea, and the sea would split. However, the Jewish account states that the sea did not part initially. It did not happen until a person named Nachshon, son of Aminadav, who was tribal prince of Judah, took action. As Moses raised his staff over the sea, Nachshon strode into the rising tide, leading his tribal column. The waters first reached his waist, then his chest, then his shoulders. Just when the water reached his nostrils and he thought he would drown, low and behold, the waters parted. This act of faith is not unlike that of Shadrach, Meshack and Abed-nego, who knew that God would deliver them from the burning fiery furnace at the hand of King Nebuchadnezzar. “But if not,” stated Daniel, “be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image.” In The Book of Mormon, the Nephites were confronted with a similarly grave prospect when their faith was challenged in a life-or-death situation just prior to the Savior's birth:

 3 Nephi 1:9 Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet.
 12 And it came to pass that he [Nephi] cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:
 13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

LESSON LEARNED: Lessons of faith come at varying cost. Highest on this scale are prices that have occasionally required the ultimate sacrifice.

FEEDBACK: HOW DO THESE ACCOUNTS IMPACT YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF FAITH?