Moses 7: Lesson 17

Moses 7:22–47

Enoch’s Vision

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

Sometimes we see paintings of God sitting on a throne. Thinking of Him that way can be a little intimidating. What if God were more like a caring parent who stays up late, watching, hoping, and waiting for their children to come safely home? This lesson can help you feel God’s mercy and love for all His children.

Study the Scriptures

Read the following scenarios and think about why these people might feel the way they do.

Caleb wonders whether God only cares about people who are doing what’s right.

Zoe worries God may be angry about the choices someone close to her is making. She worries He may want to punish them.

Olivia doesn’t think she’s ever felt God’s love.

Select one of these scenarios to ponder as you continue this lesson.

• What do you know about Heavenly Father that could help you if you had similar concerns?

• What questions do you have about Heavenly Father?

Recall that through the help and guidance of the Lord, Enoch established the city of Zion. The people of Zion were unified in the Lord, lived in righteousness, and cared for one another (see Moses 7:16–19). In a vision, the Lord showed Enoch that He would take the people of Zion into heaven because of their faith and righteousness (see Moses 7:20–21). Enoch also “beheld the residue of the people” (Moses 7:22), referring to those people who were left on the earth because they would not follow the Savior.

Seek help from the Lord to know and feel His love for you and for all His children.

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

How does God feel when His children do not follow Him?

Enoch had a tender experience as he watched God look upon the people who had chosen not to obey Him.

Read Moses 7:28–33, and tag words or phrases that show that God loves His children. Your tag could be “God’s love,” or “God weeps,” or you could create your own tag.

Then write a note next to a word or phrase from a verse you liked and answer the following questions:

• Why is that truth about Heavenly Father meaningful to you?

• How can knowing that truth help the person in the situation you chose? How can it help you?

You may want to link these verses to the following statement from President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

That single, riveting scene does more to teach the true nature of God than any theological treatise could ever convey. …

What an indelible image of God’s engagement in our lives! What anguish in a parent when His children do not choose Him nor “the gospel of God” He sent! [Romans 1:1] How easy to love someone who so singularly loves us! …

I bear personal witness this day of a personal, living God, who knows our names, hears and answers prayers, and cherishes us eternally as children of His spirit. (“The Grandeur of God,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2003, 72)

Look back at the scenarios at the start of the lesson. Imagine that you feel prompted to respond to one of those people. Choose a way to communicate, such as a letter, note, or text message. As part of your message, include the following:

• What you learned from Moses 7 about God’s mercy and love, including specific phrases or verses you feel would be especially meaningful

• Other scriptures or experiences that have helped you feel God’s mercy and love

• Additional ideas you think may help this person feel God’s love

Option B

What can I learn from comparing God and Satan?

Study the verses listed below to compare God and Satan. Pay attention to how they reacted to the people Enoch saw in vision. As you study, you could fill out a chart like the one below to record what you learn. Alternatively, you could mark the words or phrases that show how Satan reacted with one color or style, then mark how God reacted to those same people with a different color or style.

Satan (Moses 7:23–26)	God (Moses 7:28–33)
Satan (Moses 7:23–26)	God (Moses 7:28–33)

Record your answers to the following questions in your notebook:

• Why do you think God weeps for us when we do not choose to follow and love Him?

• What are some lies that Satan would like us to believe about God’s feelings toward us?

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you feel God’s mercy and love for all His children.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

• What you wrote to the person you chose from the start of the lesson.

• Your notes or thoughts about what you learned from comparing God and Satan.

• Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

• Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?