Sariah - The Wife of Lehi and Mother of Nephi

1 Nephi 5:2-3, 8  

"For she had supposed that we had perished in the wilderness; and she also had complained against my father, telling him that he was a visionary man; saying: Behold thou hast led us forth from the land of our inheritance, and my sons are no more, and we perish in the wilderness.  And after this manner of language had my mother complained against my father...And she spake, saying: Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath commanded my husband to flee into the wilderness; yea, and I also know of a surety that the Lord hath protected my sons, and delivered them out of the hands of Laban, and given them power whereby they could accomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them. And after this manner of language did she speak."

In the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ we learn very early on about Sariah.  There are several instances that show that she was a faithful, loving, patient, and strong woman.  Nephi, her son and prophet after his father Lehi, said that he had been "born of goodly parents" (1 Nephi 1:1).  She loved her children very much and when they were commanded by Heavenly Father through their father Lehi to return to Jerusalem to obtain the plates she supported that decision but was concerned for their safety.

The verses above show how much she loved them and worried about them during this absence.  She believed that as they returned to Jerusalem that they had died in the wilderness.  I'm sure that in her concern she imagined any number of deaths that she was sure had befallen her sons.  I am unsure how long they were gone but it was long enough that she began to talk against her husband.  She complained that he was a "visionary" man.  She probably resented his gift of visions although they were leading them to a better place and avoiding the destruction of Jerusalem.  

The situation that Sariah found herself in is not that different from what we encounter today.  Our children wander through a "wilderness" every day as they go to school, hang out with friends, go shopping, or attend church functions.  Our children are faced with dangers just as frightening and perilous as Sariah was concerned about.  In this moment of weakness we can see ourselves reflected in her.  How often have we second-guessed our spouse, a parent, or the leader of our church.  As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the leader of our church a prophet called by God to lead us.  Sometimes it is difficult to hear what he, the Apostles, and other leaders may teach us and we may "complain" about their guidance.  Sometimes this complaining isn't vocal but in our hearts.  This is just as loud and dangerous to our testimony than if we were to talk to someone about it.  

General Conference is coming up soon and it is an opportunity to learn from the leaders of our church the will of our Heavenly Father.  Will we have an open heart and be willing to do what He wants us to do or will we second guess their counsel?  Will we eventually come to the same understanding that she did in verse eight? "I know of a surety that the Lord hath commanded my husband...and protected my sons..and delivered them...given them power...[to]..accomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them."  I hope that when we find ourselves doubting the prophets that we can remember the example of Sariah and open ourselves to the lessons we are trying to be taught.  I think the lesson she was being taught was faith in the prophets, something I need to be reminded of periodically.  I am grateful for her example and that we have it to learn from.

The Wife of Pilate

Matthew 27:19
When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.


(http://mendezlastrucci.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html)

The wife of Pilate receives only one mention in the entire New Testament but there is much we can learn from her example.  What historians know about are are that her name was Claudia Procula and that she belonged to a distinguished and powerful Roman family.  They also indicate that due to her birth and connection it was her influence that allowed Pontius Pilate to become governor in Judea.

Based on the verse in Matthew it seems likely that she was involved or at least understood politics and how difficult a position her husband was in.  How often do we look to our spouses and realize that they are in a no-win situation?  How can we offer them support and assistance?  Claudia Procula did what she felt was best after receiving a powerful dream.  It is never mentioned that she was a prophetess or a visionary but this one dream moved her to action.  Politically her suggestion to "Have thou nothing to do with that just man" didn't make sense.  Pilate had to keep peace in the land and an angry mob thirsted for Christ's blood. 

I don't think that Pilate wanted to appease his wife, I think he took her guidance and tried to help the people he ruled over to see the truth.  They didn't want to free Christ, instead they demanded that Barabbas, "a notable prisoner" be freed and that Christ be crucified.  Her suggestion caused him to hesitate but eventually he allowed the mob to win.  He released Barabbus and crucified Christ but not until after he said that he felt that Jesus was innocent.  Pilate felt he was keeping the peace by crucifying Christ but what would have happened if he would have listened to Claudia?

After looking at this remarkable woman, a Roman who listened to the Spirit of God, how can we take her example and include it in our lives?  Although she was not a Jew she followed the prompting of God even when it was not popular.  Believing in a Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost sometimes we are accused of being strange, trapped, or otherwise less than but by living a life that would make our Heavenly Family happy means that we are able to remain open to the promptings that can help to improve our lives or warn us if we are about to make a mistake.  Also, she went to her husband and told him of the spiritual experience she had had and her own interpretation of it.  I suspect that they discussed the matter and he was convinced that she was right.  It is sometimes unpopular to believe that the husband is the head of the household but this is formula we have been given. When we follow the patriarchal order we are co-rulers of our home and family.  Neither spouse has more power over the other and Claudia understood this.  She also recognized that her husband was in a position to make a positive change. 

In the story of Christ's judgement and crucifixion Claudia is sometimes forgotten.  Many women feel this in relation to their husband but women have a crucial role to be fulfilled.  If we can keep Claudia as a part of us and remember her example it can help to provide us strength as we raise our children, work on creating peace and love in our home, improve our relationships with our husband, children, family and friends.  Claudia remained open-minded and when she received a powerful dream she knew what she needed to do.  Why did Matthew include this in his version of the trial?  He obviously felt it important for us to realize how important women were, and still are. 

Ladies, you are pertinent and vital.  You make a difference.  Guys, listen to these righteous women.  We can support each other to live to our highest potential but we have to remain open to each other and to the Spirit of God.