What do Olives have to do with anything? As I have read the allegory of the Olive Tree in Jacob chapter 5 of the Book of Mormon, I noticed that several phrases were mentioned over and over. This time through, I counted how often three particular phrases are taught: 11 ½ times! What would be so important that Jacob would be inspired to repeat these same words so many times? Are they extra applicable this week and month of many changes?
The three phrases repeated over so much are: “Lay up Fruit,” “Against the Season,” and “Unto mine Own Self” found in Jacob 5, verses 13, 18, 19, 20, 23, 27, 29, 31, 46, 71, 76 and partially in verse 33 too. What is the Lord trying to teach us by repeating these over and over so many times in one chapter? Here are some ideas I came up with:
“Lay Up Fruit.” During good times, we need to be saving up. We could save food or money, or we could develop attitudes of confident, provident living and being change-hearty. Another way to look at this is: what are fruits? Actions, service, acts of kindness maybe? If we have filled our lives with good works/fruits, we are more filled and ready to take on the seasons of drought and despair.
“Unto Mine Own Self.” At first, this may seem a bit selfish. But as I thought about it more, I decided that it must mean to be self-reliant. If we have laid up fruit, we can feed ourselves and our own families. Then no neighbors, governments or charities have to worry about us, and we can help others through! Self-reliance is a good goal to shoot for.
“Against the Season.” Everyone has seasons of plenty and seasons of famine. Our world is going through a season of sickness and calamity. If we have laid up attitudes and storage, “against the season” we are less likely to be fearful. We are more able to say “Lord, Lord” since we have done what He says (See Luke 6:46).
This season may be a “dress rehearsal” for greater challenges foretold, leading up to the Second Coming of our Lord. May we use this chance to prepare for when the big curtain goes up!
See also “A Firm Mind in a Crisis” https://theanswerismorelove.com/2014/10/a-firm-mind-in-a-crisis/