The Abrahamic Covenant is the promise God made that the whole world, by way of husbands and wives marrying in the covenant and having children under the covenant, will be able to return to Him. We recognize the covenant through the words of His only Begotten, Jesus Christ, and we enter in at the gate of baptism, pledging ourselves His. Upon entering the temple, we receive His most glorious promise of the New and Everlasting Covenant where we are sealed to one another, and to Him, forever and ever, according to our desire and righteousness.
Because of what Joseph Smith told the Relief Society sisters at that first meeting in Nauvoo, we know that women have been organized on the earth whenever the men were organized. In each dispensation, the men have been given the responsibility of the priesthood. Women too have been organized. The priesthood and the women have worked side by side, since Adam and Eve, to bring to pass the eternal life of all mankind.
The Old Testament is full of examples of principles in action, and the story of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, as well as Jacob and Rachel, are no exceptions. We learn a lot about marriage from Isaac and Rebekah. In chapters 24-31 of Genesis, we see these examples:
- At all costs, marry in the Covenant (Gen 24:3-4, 26:34-35, 28:6-9)
- The Lord prepares those who listen and obey (Gen 24:12, 24:40, 24:58-60, 25:22-24, 26:3-6, 27:5-17)
- Husbands and wives should show love toward one another (Gen 23:16-20, 24:63-67, 26:8, 29:18)
- All marriages are imperfect, but all have promise (Gen 11: 30, 25:21, 29:31)
- Each individual/spouse must develop a relationship with God as they overcome personal trials (Gen 16:8-11, 25:22, 26:16-25, 27:13, 30:22)
- These marriages began with a great act of service—Let service continue throughout married life (Gen 24:18-20, 29:10)
- Receive your own endowment and keep the sacred covenants (Gen 28:11-22). On his way to find a covenant wife, Jacob received his endowment at Beth-el (House of God), he built an altar, learned how to climb toward God, vowed a vow, and found peace.
- A wife should obey her husband in righteousness, however, should never ignore personal revelation. Isaac was caught up in tradition, and the fact that Esau was his favorite son, (probably good-looking, athletic, and popular). In Isaac’s mind, there was no question that the oldest should receive the birthright, even though he was not worthy. However,
Rebekah received her own revelation; Jacob, who was worthy and chosen, must receive the blessing at all cost. Rebekah obeyed God’s will over tradition and Isaac recognized it, after the fact, and accepted what had been done. He could have reversed the blessings, but he did not. (Gen 27)
No family situation is perfect. Each individual is expected to overcome weaknesses. However, all are able to, and must, come unto the Lord to be saved. His grace is truly sufficient when we put His will before our own.
Sisters, we have a work to do. We must understand our role in the Abrahamic Covenant; taking the examples found in the story of Isaac and Rebekah, as well as other wonderful examples in our scriptures. We are valued in our Father’s eyes, and as we fulfill our combined role with the brethren, we must teach our children and spread the gospel wherever we stand. We all are accountable for saving souls.
And please remember; the temple is where we will find the answers we need so we can learn, covenant, and turn to our Savior. There we will find the peace and glory that awaits us.
This is absolutely true Jan. Sister Beck recently gave a wonderful talk about partaking of the Blessings of Abraham. I love to think of Relief Society in broader terms like this and see the eternal implications of it all. The covenants given to Abraham are eternal and will bless all of us. However, nothing can happen in these covenants without the women. So, I say, we better be prepared and ready to accept that great blessing and the responsibilities that go with it. How to do this? You have outlined it very well. By listening to the spirit and having the courage to do what is right. Traditions can be good and bad. What might have been helpful in one season is not necessary good in another. It is important to be able to ‘let go’ of things that may not serve our purpose anymore so that we can move forward in more meaningful ways. I find it is hard for sisters to let go of things they have enjoyed and had fun with. My feeling is that they can still have fun and an even greater fulfillment as they follow counsel of leaders and listen carefully to their remarks in conferences and other addresses.
If I had a nickel for every time I came here.. Incredible writing.
Jan, I love this, especially the last line, “the temple is where we will find the answers we need so we can learn, covenant, and turn to our Savior. There we will find the peace and glory that awaits us.” That is so very true.