Vertical Study: Elder Rasband's Footnotes on the Proclamation
The talk for Week 3, Elder Ronald A. Rasband's "The Family Proclamation—Words from God," is a powerful affirmation of the Family Proclamation's divine origin and enduring relevance. A deep dive into the footnotes reveals the scriptural and prophetic foundation that supports his main points, transforming the Proclamation from a statement into living doctrine.
Vertical Study: Elder Rasband's Footnotes on the Proclamation
Elder Rasband structured his talk to emphasize that the Proclamation is revelation meant to guide us toward our eternal destiny. The footnotes often contain scriptural references that confirm the revealed nature of the document.
1. Divine Origin and Purpose
Elder Rasband begins by stating that the Proclamation was given by "divine design" to "maintain and strengthen the family."
- Footnote Connection to Revelation: Look for the footnote referencing the Lord's statement in Doctrine and Covenants 1:38: "Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."
- The Deeper Lesson: By citing this scripture, Elder Rasband seals the Proclamation's standing: it is not merely policy or a committee statement, but the voice of the Lord delivered through His living prophets. This requires us to treat the document with the reverence due to scripture.
- Prophetic Backstory: The talk often references the sacred events and counsel surrounding the Proclamation's announcement (e.g., President Hinckley's presentation). These references confirm the process of revelation behind the document, emphasizing that the Lord guides the timing and content of His declarations.
2. Five Key Words: Scriptural Anchors
Elder Rasband chose five key words from the Proclamation to focus on: family, Creator, eternal destiny, children, and happiness. The footnotes for these sections tie these words directly back to core gospel texts.
| Key Word | Footnote Focus/Connection | Principle Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Family | References to the eternal nature of families and the charge to love and care for each other (Proclamation). | The gospel is about eternal relationships; families are not temporary. |
| Children | References to the Proclamation's statement: "a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents." | Our divine identity is the constant in our lives and the bedrock of our self-worth, regardless of family structure or circumstance. |
| Happiness | References to the phrase: "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of Jesus Christ." | This links the Proclamation's principles (faith, prayer, forgiveness, etc.) directly to the Savior's counsel, confirming they are the source of true joy, not just rules. |
3. Roles and Equal Partnership
A key part of Elder Rasband's counsel involves the roles of fathers and mothers.
- The Second Witness: The talk references 1 Nephi 1:1—"I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents"—to provide a scriptural witness for the Proclamation's principle that parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness. This links the Proclamation's instruction to the pattern found at the beginning of the Book of Mormon.
- Equal Partnership: Elder Rasband's personal story about making a decision without consulting his wife underscores the practical meaning of "equal partners" within the Proclamation's defined roles. The counsel to live with an "eye single to the glory of God" (D&C 4:5 is a common reference for this principle) ensures that the divinely distinct roles are carried out in a way that respects and supports both partners equally.
Personal Study Worksheet: The Family Proclamation—Words from God
Section 1: The Weight of Revelation
- Divine Authority: Find the footnote where Elder Rasband cites Doctrine and Covenants 1:38 ("...it is the same."). What does this verse compel you to do differently in how you study and refer to the Family Proclamation in your home?
- Parental Witness: Find the footnote that links the Proclamation's instruction on parenting to 1 Nephi 1:1. How does Nephi's opening statement provide a simple, powerful model for what "goodly parents" look like?
Section 2: Applying the Five Key Words
Choose one of the five key words discussed by Elder Rasband that you want to focus on this week.
- Key Word Chosen:
- Proclamation's Counsel: Find the sentence(s) in the Proclamation related to your chosen word. Write down the core counsel.
- Christ-Centered Action: What specific action can I take today, based on this counsel, that follows one of the teachings of Jesus Christ listed in the Proclamation (faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, wholesome recreation)?
Section 3: Commitment to Partnership
- Equal Partnership: Elder Rasband emphasized that "equal is a word that matters." What is one specific way I can "respect" and "support" my spouse/family members in their unique, divinely appointed roles this week? (This applies whether you are married or single, supporting family members.)
- Final Testimony: Elder Rasband promised that if we live close to the Father and the Son, the Spirit will inspire us and help us feel peace. Write a commitment to seek that promised peace by living a principle from the Proclamation this week.
Comments
Post a Comment