The Allegory of the Maple Syrup
April 12, 2010 at 6:53am
Throughout His ministry, Christ used stories and metaphor to teach the people the gospel. On the surface, the stories are just that-- stories. Some were allegories. An allegory is a Greek word. It means a figurative story full of meaning and metaphor, where each thing in the story represents something else. If you look deeper into the meanings and symbols, bright truths can be learned. No matter what level a person is on, we can all gain light from the Savior's teachings.
In 1 Nephi 19:23 Nephi tells us: "And I did read many things unto them which were written in the abooks of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them …show more content…
Apply it to reading the scriptures, gaining a testimony and serving in the church. Likening scripture and truth unto us, that we may learn is what I'd like to do today.
The forest is for the use and benefit of man. It can provide us with food, shelter, fuel, medicine, and tools. We are told to be good stewards, and replenish and tend the earth.
In the forest there are many different types of maple trees. A sugar maple has a higher sugar content than a silver maple or a red maple. Maple trees are tapped to make maple syrup. Other trees such as the birch and box elder can also be tapped.
In order to make maple syrup, you don't go into the forest with a plate of pancakes and a fork and say, "Here syrup~"
You choose a maple tree. It needs to be of a certain size and in good health.
You drill or bore just under the bark (or skin) into the flesh.
You hammer a metal or plastic tap into place and attach a bucket.
The blood of the tree, or sap, drips one drop at a time into the bucket. In a good year, a tree will fill a gallon bucket in 24 hours. The buckets of sap need to be gathered when full. Maple sap is clear, colorless, and nearly …show more content…
The bottles are sealed. After they are cooled down, they are ready for market, or to open and pour on your pancakes.
In the allegory, there are many symbols and meanings. Any one of the activities, or items could have multiple levels of meanings. Everything to make syrup is in the forest. The trees, the wood, the water... It's all waiting right there.
(HOLD UP SCRIPTURES) Everything you need for a testimony and to learn about Christ, is right here.
Let's switch from the scriptures to a more modern symbol. Last week, we all had the opportunity to listen to, witness, and ponder the 180th general conference of the church.
I had several favorite talks during the two days. One was from the priesthood session and was about healings and annointings. We were blessed because now you can watch and listen to the priesthood session online. It was fantastic. My other favorite talk was by Neil Andersen of the Twelve Apostles. He was the last speaker at conference. He told us to teach the children the stories of Jesus.
We are blessed to have the scriptures and a modern day prophet and apostles to lead and guide us. We just have to use the resources we've been given and learn line upon line. I hope we can do this in the name of Jesus Christ.
April 12, 2010 at 6:53am
Throughout His ministry, Christ used stories and metaphor to teach the people the gospel. On the surface, the stories are just that-- stories. Some were allegories. An allegory is a Greek word. It means a figurative story full of meaning and metaphor, where each thing in the story represents something else. If you look deeper into the meanings and symbols, bright truths can be learned. No matter what level a person is on, we can all gain light from the Savior's teachings.
In 1 Nephi 19:23 Nephi tells us: "And I did read many things unto them which were written in the abooks of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them …show more content…
Apply it to reading the scriptures, gaining a testimony and serving in the church. Likening scripture and truth unto us, that we may learn is what I'd like to do today.
The forest is for the use and benefit of man. It can provide us with food, shelter, fuel, medicine, and tools. We are told to be good stewards, and replenish and tend the earth.
In the forest there are many different types of maple trees. A sugar maple has a higher sugar content than a silver maple or a red maple. Maple trees are tapped to make maple syrup. Other trees such as the birch and box elder can also be tapped.
In order to make maple syrup, you don't go into the forest with a plate of pancakes and a fork and say, "Here syrup~"
You choose a maple tree. It needs to be of a certain size and in good health.
You drill or bore just under the bark (or skin) into the flesh.
You hammer a metal or plastic tap into place and attach a bucket.
The blood of the tree, or sap, drips one drop at a time into the bucket. In a good year, a tree will fill a gallon bucket in 24 hours. The buckets of sap need to be gathered when full. Maple sap is clear, colorless, and nearly …show more content…
The bottles are sealed. After they are cooled down, they are ready for market, or to open and pour on your pancakes.
In the allegory, there are many symbols and meanings. Any one of the activities, or items could have multiple levels of meanings. Everything to make syrup is in the forest. The trees, the wood, the water... It's all waiting right there.
(HOLD UP SCRIPTURES) Everything you need for a testimony and to learn about Christ, is right here.
Let's switch from the scriptures to a more modern symbol. Last week, we all had the opportunity to listen to, witness, and ponder the 180th general conference of the church.
I had several favorite talks during the two days. One was from the priesthood session and was about healings and annointings. We were blessed because now you can watch and listen to the priesthood session online. It was fantastic. My other favorite talk was by Neil Andersen of the Twelve Apostles. He was the last speaker at conference. He told us to teach the children the stories of Jesus.
We are blessed to have the scriptures and a modern day prophet and apostles to lead and guide us. We just have to use the resources we've been given and learn line upon line. I hope we can do this in the name of Jesus Christ.