The Old Testament is just so...well, OLD

Ever feel this way?  It’s a massive volume and I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t think I’ve read every page.  Some of the content is questionable and let’s face it, if some of the stories were made into a modern day movie, it would definitely get an “R” rating or worse!

I confess to confining most of my study, aside from a few choice stories here and there, to the teachings in the New Testament, The Book of Mormon and other modern books of scripture.  I have struggled to find the Savior in its pages, other than when some of the prophets have had communications with Jehovah directly or through the sacrifices that were made foreshadowing His atonement.

I am once again indebted to those far wiser than me for these insights.  I was reading, The Holy Secret, by James L. Ferrell when he pointed me to this gem.  When you are looking for the Savior as you read, you discover that He is everywhere, and yes, even in the Old Testament.

Here are a few examples:

He is the first born and created in God’s image.  He chose to leave God’s presence to fulfill the plan of salvation and partook of bitterness in a garden.  He willingly took upon himself death so that all could live.  It was through him the gospel was taught to mankind.  He is the head and reigns as our father.

Here you have a description of Christ…. through Adam.

He was the chosen son through whom the priesthood would continue.  Genesis tells us he was in the image of his father and modern scriptures reveal he, “was a perfect man, and his likeness was the express likeness of his father, insomuch that he seemed to be like unto his father in all things, and could be distinguished from him only by his age.” (D&C 107:43) (emphasis mine)

Here you have a description of Christ…. through Seth.

He preached tirelessly to a hardened people who mostly rejected him.  He was mocked and ridiculed and the people sought his life though he was a just and perfect man in his generation (Moses 8:18, 27) Obeying God’s commands, he was responsible for crafting a vessel that was the means of saving his family and animals from death.

Here you have a description of Christ…. through Noah.

He was a great high priest, in fact, none was greater.  He established righteousness among his followers and was known as the “prince of peace”, the “king of heaven” and the “king of peace.”  He was a king.  He administered the Lord’s Supper.  The Holy Priesthood was named after him.

Here you have a description of Christ…. through Melchizedek.

His name and long awaited birth was foretold by an angel.  His mother’s conception was miraculous and she brought forth a son.  He was the ‘only begotten son.’  He was cast out because the people were intimidated by him saying, “thou art much mightier than we” (Genesis 26:16) He rode to Jerusalem on an ass and those with him were asked to wait while he went “yonder to worship” and pray.  He willingly submitted his will to his father’s and was to be sacrificed on a hill near Moriah.  He carried the wood that was to be used in carrying out his death.  He was in the similitude of his father and those who accept the gospel become his seed.

Here you have a description of Christ…. through Isaac.

He was the beloved son.  He said he would be a ruler in Israel but was rejected and hated by others for so declaring, seeing it as a threat to their authority.  Obeying a command of his father, he sought his brethren only to be betrayed and sold for the price of a slave.  Judah (which in Greek is Judas) betrayed him.  The attempt to do away with him yielded eventual salvation from death for the children of Israel.  He was taken prisoner and held under guard of the strongest army in the known world.  Though he resisted temptation, he was falsely accused.  He began his service at 30 years old, providing bread and water to Israel without price.  He forgave those sinners who caused him such suffering.  He was recognized and accepted by the children of Israel only the second time they met and they all bowed to him.

Here you have a description of Christ…. through Joseph.

The king at the time of his birth called for all children of his age to be killed.  His parents saved him from death by sending him into Egypt.  He spent 40 days fasting to prepare for his mission of taking the gospel to Israel.  He was rejected as their deliverer when he first went to Israel.  He performed many miracles and had power over the elements.  He preferred not to do what he was told to do but submitted his will to God.  He fed his followers with bread from heaven and revealed a new law.  He delivered Israel from bondage.  He was the mediator of the covenant between God and man.

Here you have a description of Christ…. through Moses.

James Ferrell goes on to mention that most of the Old Testament characters in some way point to Christ through their lives and experiences.  He names a few in addition to those I have listed above: Jacob, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, Samuel, David, Abigail, Elijah, Job, Isaiah, Maher-shalal-hash-baz (this is Isaiah’s son), Eliakim, Jeremiah and Daniel “to name a few.”

I decided to study one of these myself.  My findings are below.

He was able to be fast asleep on a boat in a storm that was so fierce “the ship was like to be broken.”  He was awakened by a panicked crew, fearing for their lives. He willingly offered his life so that others would be saved. Gentiles tried in vain to save his life (1:13, Matt. 27:19). Those involved with his death feared shedding innocent blood (1:14, Matt. 27: 17-22, 24). The parties involved in his death cast lots.  Jehovah calmed the sea. As a result of his sacrifice, Gentiles praised God (1:9-10, 16; Matt. 27: 51, 54; Luke 23:47-48). He spent three days and three nights in unfathomable darkness and despair.  He felt forsaken (2:4).  He had weeds wrapped around his head.  After three days, he was miraculously delivered alive.  His experience became a sign for others of hope.

Here you have a description of Christ…. through Jonah.

What can you find?