SURAN 4 - ASK, RECEIVE, FOLLOW

After Suran finishes teaching his family everything he's learned, his second son, Shurak, isn't convinced. He rationalizes these things away as "nothing" but "ramblings" "manufactured" by a "strange" and "delusional man" and that no one can know the future. It is interesting though, that he also says these ideas will lead their hearts away from their tribal gods. So, while Shurak is still religious or superstitious, he fears abandoning the traditional worship. 

But, in Shurak's words, Mormons will no doubt hear the echoes of Book of Mormon characters who also struggled to believe in and accept the Gospel of Christ when presented to them. From Laman & Lemuel, to the Antichrists, to the apostates and dissenters, we hear similar phrases such as "visionary", "foolish traditions", "derangement", "effect of a frenzied mind", "no man can know of anything that is to come."

However, in this case, there is hope for Shurak. Ahkman, his older brother, does what any of us should be doing when presented with new spiritual ideas -- he heads out to be alone, ponders on what their father had taught them, and prays mightily to know the truth. An angel appears to him and confirms that everything Suran taught is true. Ahkman, then, is a second witness to Suran's teachings, and Shurak believes. Though it is interesting that Shurak only testifies that this God must be the most powerful of all the gods, and therefore, should be hearkened to and worshipped. (Ahkman will give a more detailed, first hand account of this in Ahkman 4.)

All the rest of Suran's family--his wife, youngest son, and daughter--believe, as well, and he is amazed at their faith because he, himself, still can't yet fully wrap his mind around what is going on. But in spite of this uncertainty, they begin to worship God and obey His commandments. I think this is such an amazing example of faith for each and every one of us. None of us have a full comprehension of what exactly the Lord has in store for us. Each of us are left with some degree of uncertainty within which we can act in faith and exercise wise use of our agency. Not fully knowing or understanding a spiritual principle or request from the Lord should never preclude our diligence in doing our part and magnifying our calling to the best of our ability, continually seeking for and being empowered by His grace.