Kapitel 144		Paper 144
I Gilboa Og Dekapolis		At Gilboa and in the Decapolis
144:0.1 (1617.1) SEPTEMBER og oktober blev tilbragt i tilbagetrukkethed i en afsides lejr på Gilboa-bjergets skråninger. September måned tilbragte Jesus her alene med sine apostle, hvor han underviste og instruerede dem i rigets sandheder.		144:0.1 (1617.1) SEPTEMBER and October were spent in retirement at a secluded camp upon the slopes of Mount Gilboa. The month of September Jesus spent here alone with his apostles, teaching and instructing them in the truths of the kingdom.
144:0.2 (1617.2) Der var en række grunde til, at Jesus og hans apostle på dette tidspunkt trak sig tilbage på grænsen til Samaria og Dekapolis. De religiøse magthavere i Jerusalem var meget modstridende; Herodes Antipas holdt stadig Johannes i fængsel og frygtede enten at løslade eller henrette ham, mens han fortsat nærede mistanke om, at Johannes og Jesus på en eller anden måde var forbundet. Disse forhold gjorde det uklogt at planlægge et aggressivt arbejde i hverken Judæa eller Galilæa. Der var en tredje grund: den langsomt voksende spænding mellem lederne af Johannes’ disciple og Jesu apostle, som blev værre med det stigende antal troende.		144:0.2 (1617.2) There were a number of reasons why Jesus and his apostles were in retirement at this time on the borders of Samaria and the Decapolis. The Jerusalem religious rulers were very antagonistic; Herod Antipas still held John in prison, fearing either to release or execute him, while he continued to entertain suspicions that John and Jesus were in some way associated. These conditions made it unwise to plan for aggressive work in either Judea or Galilee. There was a third reason: the slowly augmenting tension between the leaders of John’s disciples and the apostles of Jesus, which grew worse with the increasing number of believers.
144:0.3 (1617.3) Jesus vidste, at dagene med det indledende arbejde med at undervise og prædike var ved at være forbi, at det næste skridt indebar begyndelsen på den fulde og endelige indsats i hans liv på jorden, og han ønskede ikke, at lanceringen af dette foretagende på nogen måde skulle være hverken anstrengende eller pinlig for Johannes Døberen. Jesus havde derfor besluttet at bruge noget tid i sit otium på at øve sine apostle og derefter udføre noget stille arbejde i byerne i Dekapolis, indtil Johannes enten blev henrettet eller løsladt for at slutte sig til dem i en fælles indsats.		144:0.3 (1617.3) Jesus knew that the days of the preliminary work of teaching and preaching were about over, that the next move involved the beginning of the full and final effort of his life on earth, and he did not wish the launching of this undertaking to be in any manner either trying or embarrassing to John the Baptist. Jesus had therefore decided to spend some time in retirement rehearsing his apostles and then to do some quiet work in the cities of the Decapolis until John should be either executed or released to join them in a united effort.
1. Lejren ved gilboa ^top		1. The Gilboa Encampment ^top
144:1.1 (1617.4) Som tiden gik, blev de tolv mere og mere hengivne over for Jesus og mere og mere engagerede i rigets arbejde. Deres hengivenhed var i høj grad et spørgsmål om personlig loyalitet. De fattede ikke hans mangesidede lære; de forstod ikke helt Jesu natur eller betydningen af hans overdragelse på jorden.		144:1.1 (1617.4) As time passed, the twelve became more devoted to Jesus and increasingly committed to the work of the kingdom. Their devotion was in large part a matter of personal loyalty. They did not grasp his many-sided teaching; they did not fully comprehend the nature of Jesus or the significance of his bestowal on earth.
144:1.2 (1617.5) Jesus gjorde det klart for sine apostle, at de var i afsondrethed af tre grunde:		144:1.2 (1617.5) Jesus made it plain to his apostles that they were in retirement for three reasons:
144:1.3 (1617.6) 1. At bekræfte deres forståelse af og tro på evangeliet om Riget.		144:1.3 (1617.6) 1. To confirm their understanding of, and faith in, the gospel of the kingdom.
144:1.4 (1617.7) 2. At lade modstanden mod deres arbejde i både Judæa og Galilæa falde til ro.		144:1.4 (1617.7) 2. To allow opposition to their work in both Judea and Galilee to quiet down.
144:1.5 (1617.8) 3. At afvente Johannes Døberens skæbne.		144:1.5 (1617.8) 3. To await the fate of John the Baptist.
144:1.6 (1617.9) Mens han opholdt sig på Gilboa, fortalte Jesus de tolv meget om sit tidlige liv og sine oplevelser på Hermonbjerget; han afslørede også noget af det, der skete i bjergene i de fyrre dage umiddelbart efter hans dåb. Og han pålagde dem direkte, at de ikke skulle fortælle nogen om disse oplevelser, før han var vendt tilbage til Faderen.		144:1.6 (1617.9) While tarrying on Gilboa, Jesus told the twelve much about his early life and his experiences on Mount Hermon; he also revealed something of what happened in the hills during the forty days immediately after his baptism. And he directly charged them that they should tell no man about these experiences until after he had returned to the Father.
144:1.7 (1618.1) I løbet af disse septemberuger hvilede de ud, besøgte hinanden, fortalte om deres oplevelser, siden Jesus kaldte dem til tjeneste, og gjorde en seriøs indsats for at koordinere det, Mesteren hidtil havde lært dem. På en måde fornemmede de alle, at dette ville være deres sidste mulighed for længerevarende hvile. De var klar over, at deres næste offentlige indsats i enten Judæa eller Galilæa ville markere begyndelsen på den endelige proklamation af det kommende rige, men de havde kun ringe eller ingen fast idé om, hvad riget ville være, når det kom. Johannes og Andreas mente, at riget allerede var kommet; Peter og Jakob mente, at det endnu ikke var kommet; Nathaniel og Thomas indrømmede ærligt, at de var forvirrede; Mattæus, Filip og Simon Zelotes var usikre og forvirrede; tvillingerne var lykkeligt uvidende om kontroversen; og Judas Iskariot var tavs og uforpligtende.		144:1.7 (1618.1) During these September weeks they rested, visited, recounted their experiences since Jesus first called them to service, and engaged in an earnest effort to co-ordinate what the Master had so far taught them. In a measure they all sensed that this would be their last opportunity for prolonged rest. They realized that their next public effort in either Judea or Galilee would mark the beginning of the final proclamation of the coming kingdom, but they had little or no settled idea as to what the kingdom would be when it came. John and Andrew thought the kingdom had already come; Peter and James believed that it was yet to come; Nathaniel and Thomas frankly confessed they were puzzled; Matthew, Philip, and Simon Zelotes were uncertain and confused; the twins were blissfully ignorant of the controversy; and Judas Iscariot was silent, noncommittal.
144:1.8 (1618.2) Meget af denne tid var Jesus alene på bjerget nær lejren. Af og til tog han Peter, James eller Johannes med sig, men oftere tog han af sted for at bede eller tale sammen alene. Efter Jesu dåb og de fyrre dage i Pereen-bjergene er det næppe korrekt at tale om disse perioder med fællesskab med sin Far som bøn, og det er heller ikke konsekvent at tale om Jesus som tilbedende, men det er helt korrekt at henvise til disse perioder som personligt fællesskab med sin Far.		144:1.8 (1618.2) Much of this time Jesus was alone on the mountain near the camp. Occasionally he took with him Peter, James, or John, but more often he went off to pray or commune alone. Subsequent to the baptism of Jesus and the forty days in the Perean hills, it is hardly proper to speak of these seasons of communion with his Father as prayer, nor is it consistent to speak of Jesus as worshiping, but it is altogether correct to allude to these seasons as personal communion with his Father.
144:1.9 (1618.3) Det centrale tema for diskussionerne i hele september måned var bøn og tilbedelse. Efter at de havde diskuteret tilbedelse i nogle dage, holdt Jesus endelig sin mindeværdige tale om bøn som svar på Thomas’ anmodning: “Mester, lær os, hvordan vi skal bede.”		144:1.9 (1618.3) The central theme of the discussions throughout the entire month of September was prayer and worship. After they had discussed worship for some days, Jesus finally delivered his memorable discourse on prayer in answer to Thomas’s request: “Master, teach us how to pray.”
144:1.10 (1618.4) Johannes havde lært sine disciple en bøn, en bøn om frelse i det kommende rige. Selvom Jesus aldrig forbød sine tilhængere at bruge Johannes’ form for bøn, forstod apostlene meget tidligt, at deres Mester ikke fuldt ud billigede praksissen med at fremsige faste og formelle bønner. Ikke desto mindre bad de troende konstant om at blive undervist i, hvordan man beder. De tolv længtes efter at vide, hvilken form for bøn Jesus ville godkende. Og det var hovedsageligt på grund af dette behov for nogle enkle bønner til almindelige mennesker, at Jesus på dette tidspunkt indvilligede i, som svar på Thomas’ anmodning, at lære dem en suggestiv form for bøn. Jesus gav denne lektion en eftermiddag i den tredje uge af deres ophold på Gilboa-bjerget.		144:1.10 (1618.4) John had taught his disciples a prayer, a prayer for salvation in the coming kingdom. Although Jesus never forbade his followers to use John’s form of prayer, the apostles very early perceived that their Master did not fully approve of the practice of uttering set and formal prayers. Nevertheless, believers constantly requested to be taught how to pray. The twelve longed to know what form of petition Jesus would approve. And it was chiefly because of this need for some simple petition for the common people that Jesus at this time consented, in answer to Thomas’s request, to teach them a suggestive form of prayer. Jesus gave this lesson one afternoon in the third week of their sojourn on Mount Gilboa.
2. Forelæsningen om bøn ^top		2. The Discourse on Prayer ^top
144:2.1 (1618.5) “Johannes lærte dig faktisk en enkel form for bøn: ‘O Fader, rens os for synd, vis os din herlighed, åbenbar din kærlighed, og lad din ånd hellige vores hjerter for evigt, Amen!’ Han lærte jer denne bøn, for at I kunne have noget at lære mængden. Han havde ikke til hensigt, at I skulle bruge en sådan fast og formel bøn som udtryk for jeres egne sjæle i bøn.		144:2.1 (1618.5) “John indeed taught you a simple form of prayer: ‘O Father, cleanse us from sin, show us your glory, reveal your love, and let your spirit sanctify our hearts forevermore, Amen!’ He taught this prayer that you might have something to teach the multitude. He did not intend that you should use such a set and formal petition as the expression of your own souls in prayer.
144:2.2 (1618.6) “Bøn er helt og holdent et personligt og spontant udtryk for sjælens holdning til ånden; bøn bør være slægtskabets fællesskab og udtryk for samhørighed. Bøn, når den er indstiftet af ånden, fører til samarbejdsvillig åndelig fremgang. Den ideelle bøn er en form for åndeligt fællesskab, som fører til intelligent tilbedelse. Sand bøn er den oprigtige holdning, hvor man rækker ud mod himlen for at opnå sine idealer.		144:2.2 (1618.6) “Prayer is entirely a personal and spontaneous expression of the attitude of the soul toward the spirit; prayer should be the communion of sonship and the expression of fellowship. Prayer, when indited by the spirit, leads to co-operative spiritual progress. The ideal prayer is a form of spiritual communion which leads to intelligent worship. True praying is the sincere attitude of reaching heavenward for the attainment of your ideals.
144:2.3 (1619.1) “Bøn er sjælens åndedræt og bør få jer til at være vedholdende i jeres forsøg på at finde ud af Faderens vilje. Hvis nogen af jer har en nabo, og I går hen til ham ved midnat og siger: ‘Ven, lån mig tre brød, for en af mine venner på rejse er kommet for at besøge mig, og jeg har ikke noget at give ham’; og hvis jeres nabo svarer: ‘Det skal du ikke bekymre dig om, for døren er lukket nu, og børnene og jeg er gået i seng; derfor kan jeg ikke stå op og give dig brød,’ vil I blive ved og forklare, at jeres ven sulter, og at I ikke har noget mad at tilbyde ham. Jeg siger dig, at selv om din nabo ikke vil stå op og give dig brød, fordi han er din ven, så vil han alligevel stå op og give dig så mange brød, som du har brug for, på grund af din påtrængende bøn. Hvis vedholdenhed kan vinde tjenester selv fra dødelige mennesker, hvor meget mere vil jeres vedholdenhed i ånden så ikke vinde livets brød til jer fra den himmelske Faders villige hænder. Igen siger jeg til jer: Bed, så skal der gives jer; søg, så skal I finde; bank på, så skal der lukkes op for jer. For hver den, der beder, får; den, der søger, finder; og for den, der banker på, vil frelsens dør blive åbnet.		144:2.3 (1619.1) “Prayer is the breath of the soul and should lead you to be persistent in your attempt to ascertain the Father’s will. If any one of you has a neighbor, and you go to him at midnight and say: ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine on a journey has come to see me, and I have nothing to set before him’; and if your neighbor answers, ‘Trouble me not, for the door is now shut and the children and I are in bed; therefore I cannot rise and give you bread,’ you will persist, explaining that your friend hungers, and that you have no food to offer him. I say to you, though your neighbor will not rise and give you bread because he is your friend, yet because of your importunity he will get up and give you as many loaves as you need. If, then, persistence will win favors even from mortal man, how much more will your persistence in the spirit win the bread of life for you from the willing hands of the Father in heaven. Again I say to you: Ask and it shall be given you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door of salvation will be opened.
144:2.4 (1619.2) “Hvem af jer, der er fædre, vil, hvis hans søn beder uklogt, tøve med at give i overensstemmelse med forældrenes visdom snarere end i overensstemmelse med sønnens fejlagtige bøn? Hvis barnet har brug for et brød, vil du så give ham en sten, bare fordi han uklogt beder om det? Hvis din søn har brug for en fisk, vil du så give ham en havslange, bare fordi den måske tilfældigvis kommer op i nettet sammen med fisken, og barnet dumt nok beder om slangen? Hvis du, som er dødelig og begrænset, ved, hvordan man besvarer bønner og giver gode og passende gaver til dine børn, hvor meget mere vil din himmelske Fader så ikke give ånden og mange andre velsignelser til dem, der beder ham om det? Mennesker bør altid bede og ikke blive modløse.		144:2.4 (1619.2) “Which of you who is a father, if his son asks unwisely, would hesitate to give in accordance with parental wisdom rather than in the terms of the son’s faulty petition? If the child needs a loaf, will you give him a stone just because he unwisely asks for it? If your son needs a fish, will you give him a watersnake just because it may chance to come up in the net with the fish and the child foolishly asks for the serpent? If you, then, being mortal and finite, know how to answer prayer and give good and appropriate gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the spirit and many additional blessings to those who ask him? Men ought always to pray and not become discouraged.
144:2.5 (1619.3) “Lad mig fortælle jer historien om en vis dommer, som boede i en ond by. Denne dommer frygtede ikke Gud og havde ikke respekt for mennesker. Der var en trængende enke i den by, som gentagne gange kom til den uretfærdige dommer og sagde: ‘Beskyt mig mod min modstander.’ I nogen tid ville han ikke høre på hende, men snart sagde han til sig selv: ‘Selv om jeg ikke frygter Gud eller har respekt for mennesker, vil jeg, fordi denne enke ikke holder op med at genere mig, give hende ret, så hun ikke udmatter mig ved sit stadige besøg.’ Disse historier fortæller jeg jer for at opmuntre jer til at blive ved med at bede og ikke for at antyde, at jeres bønner vil ændre den retfærdige og retskafne Fader ovenover. Din vedholdenhed er dog ikke for at vinde Guds gunst, men for at ændre din jordiske indstilling og for at udvide din sjæls evne til modtagelighed af ånden.		144:2.5 (1619.3) “Let me tell you the story of a certain judge who lived in a wicked city. This judge feared not God nor had respect for man. Now there was a needy widow in that city who came repeatedly to this unjust judge, saying, ‘Protect me from my adversary.’ For some time he would not give ear to her, but presently he said to himself: ‘Though I fear not God nor have regard for man, yet because this widow ceases not to trouble me, I will vindicate her lest she wear me out by her continual coming.’ These stories I tell you to encourage you to persist in praying and not to intimate that your petitions will change the just and righteous Father above. Your persistence, however, is not to win favor with God but to change your earth attitude and to enlarge your soul’s capacity for spirit receptivity.
144:2.6 (1619.4) “Men når du beder, udøver du så lidt tro. Ægte tro vil fjerne bjerge af materielle vanskeligheder, som tilfældigvis kan ligge i vejen for sjælens ekspansion og åndelige fremskridt.”		144:2.6 (1619.4) “But when you pray, you exercise so little faith. Genuine faith will remove mountains of material difficulty which may chance to lie in the path of soul expansion and spiritual progress.”
3. Den troendes bøn ^top		3. The Believer’s Prayer ^top
144:3.1 (1619.5) Men apostlene var endnu ikke tilfredse; de ønskede, at Jesus skulle give dem en modelbøn, som de kunne lære de nye disciple. Efter at have lyttet til denne tale om bøn, sagde James Zebedee: “Meget godt, Mester, men vi ønsker ikke så meget en form for bøn til os selv som til de nye troende, der så ofte beder os: ‘Lær os, hvordan vi på en acceptabel måde kan bede til Faderen i himlen.’”		144:3.1 (1619.5) But the apostles were not yet satisfied; they desired Jesus to give them a model prayer which they could teach the new disciples. After listening to this discourse on prayer, James Zebedee said: “Very good, Master, but we do not desire a form of prayer for ourselves so much as for the newer believers who so frequently beseech us, ‘Teach us how acceptably to pray to the Father in heaven.’”
144:3.2 (1619.6) Da James var færdig med at tale, sagde Jesus: “Hvis du stadig ønsker en sådan bøn, vil jeg præsentere den, som jeg lærte mine brødre og søstre i Nazaret”:		144:3.2 (1619.6) When James had finished speaking, Jesus said: “If, then, you still desire such a prayer, I would present the one which I taught my brothers and sisters in Nazareth”:
144:3.3 (1620.1) Fader vor, du som er i himlen,		144:3.3 (1620.1) Our Father who is in heaven,
144:3.4 (1620.2) Helliget være dit navn,		144:3.4 (1620.2) Hallowed be your name.
144:3.5 (1620.3) Må dit rige komme, må din vilje ske,		144:3.5 (1620.3) Your kingdom come; your will be done
144:3.6 (1620.4) På jorden som den sker i himmelen.		144:3.6 (1620.4) On earth as it is in heaven.
144:3.7 (1620.5) Giv os i dag vort brød til i morgen.		144:3.7 (1620.5) Give us this day our bread for tomorrow;
144:3.8 (1620.6) Forfrisk vore sjæle med livets vand.		144:3.8 (1620.6) Refresh our souls with the water of life.
144:3.9 (1620.7) Og forlad os hver især vor skyld,		144:3.9 (1620.7) And forgive us every one our debts
144:3.10 (1620.8) Som også vi har tilgivet vore skyldnere.		144:3.10 (1620.8) As we also have forgiven our debtors.
144:3.11 (1620.9) Frels os fra fristelsen, fri os fra det onde.		144:3.11 (1620.9) Save us in temptation, deliver us from evil,
144:3.12 (1620.10) Og gør os mere og mere så fuldkommen som dig selv.		144:3.12 (1620.10) And increasingly make us perfect like yourself.
144:3.13 (1620.11) Det er ikke mærkeligt, at apostlene ønskede, at Jesus skulle lære dem en modelbøn for troende. Johannes Døberen havde lært sine tilhængere adskillige bønner, og alle store lærere havde formuleret bønner til deres elever. Jødernes religiøse lærere havde omkring 25 eller 30 faste bønner, som de reciterede i synagogerne og endda på gadehjørnerne. Jesus havde en særlig modvilje mod at bede offentligt. Indtil dette tidspunkt havde de tolv kun hørt ham bede nogle få gange. De havde set ham tilbringe hele nætter i bøn eller tilbedelse, og de var meget nysgerrige efter at vide, hvordan og i hvilken form han bad. De havde virkelig svært ved at vide, hvad de skulle svare folkemængden, da de bad om at blive undervist i at bede, som Johannes havde lært sine disciple.		144:3.13 (1620.11) It is not strange that the apostles desired Jesus to teach them a model prayer for believers. John the Baptist had taught his followers several prayers; all great teachers had formulated prayers for their pupils. The religious teachers of the Jews had some twenty-five or thirty set prayers which they recited in the synagogues and even on the street corners. Jesus was particularly averse to praying in public. Up to this time the twelve had heard him pray only a few times. They observed him spending entire nights at prayer or worship, and they were very curious to know the manner or form of his petitions. They were really hard pressed to know what to answer the multitudes when they asked to be taught how to pray as John had taught his disciples.
144:3.14 (1620.12) Jesus lærte de tolv altid at bede i det skjulte; at gå ud for sig selv i naturens rolige omgivelser eller at gå ind på deres værelser og lukke dørene, når de var i gang med at bede.		144:3.14 (1620.12) Jesus taught the twelve always to pray in secret; to go off by themselves amidst the quiet surroundings of nature or to go in their rooms and shut the doors when they engaged in prayer.
144:3.15 (1620.13) Efter Jesu død og himmelfart til Faderen blev det praksis for mange troende at afslutte denne såkaldte Fadervor med tilføjelsen—“I Herren Jesu Kristi navn.” Endnu senere gik to linjer tabt i kopieringen, og der blev tilføjet en ekstra sætning til denne bøn, som lød: “Thi dit er riget og magten og æren i evighed.”		144:3.15 (1620.13) After Jesus’ death and ascension to the Father it became the practice of many believers to finish this so-called Lord’s prayer by the addition of—“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Still later on, two lines were lost in copying, and there was added to this prayer an extra clause, reading: “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forevermore.”
144:3.16 (1620.14) Jesus gav apostlene bønnen i kollektiv form, som de havde bedt den i hjemmet i Nazaret. Han underviste aldrig i en formel personlig bøn, kun i gruppe-, familie- eller sociale bønner. Og han meldte sig aldrig frivilligt til at gøre det.		144:3.16 (1620.14) Jesus gave the apostles the prayer in collective form as they had prayed it in the Nazareth home. He never taught a formal personal prayer, only group, family, or social petitions. And he never volunteered to do that.
144:3.17 (1620.15) Jesus lærte, at en effektiv bøn skal være:		144:3.17 (1620.15) Jesus taught that effective prayer must be:
144:3.18 (1620.16) 1. Uselvisk—ikke kun for en selv.		144:3.18 (1620.16) 1. Unselfish—not alone for oneself.
144:3.19 (1620.17) 2. Troende—i overensstemmelse med troen.		144:3.19 (1620.17) 2. Believing—according to faith.
144:3.20 (1620.18) 3. Oprigtig—ærligt af hjertet.		144:3.20 (1620.18) 3. Sincere—honest of heart.
144:3.21 (1620.19) 4. Intelligent—i overensstemmelse med lyset.		144:3.21 (1620.19) 4. Intelligent—according to light.
144:3.22 (1620.20) 5. Tillidsfuld—i underkastelse til Faderens alvise vilje.		144:3.22 (1620.20) 5. Trustful—in submission to the Father’s all-wise will.
144:3.23 (1620.21) Når Jesus tilbragte hele nætter på bjerget i bøn, var det hovedsageligt for sine disciple, især for de tolv. Mesteren bad meget lidt for sig selv, selv om han var engageret i megen tilbedelse, der havde karakter af forståelsesfuldt fællesskab med hans Paradisiske Fader.		144:3.23 (1620.21) When Jesus spent whole nights on the mountain in prayer, it was mainly for his disciples, particularly for the twelve. The Master prayed very little for himself, although he engaged in much worship of the nature of understanding communion with his Paradise Father.
4. Mere om bøn ^top		4. More About Prayer ^top
144:4.1 (1620.22) I flere dage efter talen om bøn fortsatte apostlene med at stille Mesteren spørgsmål om denne vigtige og tilbedende praksis. Jesu instruktioner til apostlene i disse dage om bøn og tilbedelse kan opsummeres og omformuleres i moderne sprogbrug som følger:		144:4.1 (1620.22) For days after the discourse on prayer the apostles continued to ask the Master questions regarding this all-important and worshipful practice. Jesus’ instruction to the apostles during these days, regarding prayer and worship, may be summarized and restated in modern phraseology as follows:
144:4.2 (1621.1) Den alvorlige og længselsfulde gentagelse af enhver bøn, når en sådan bøn er et Guds barns oprigtige udtryk og fremsiges i tro, uanset hvor uklogt eller umuligt det er at få direkte svar, undlader aldrig at udvide sjælens evne til åndelig modtagelighed.		144:4.2 (1621.1) The earnest and longing repetition of any petition, when such a prayer is the sincere expression of a child of God and is uttered in faith, no matter how ill-advised or impossible of direct answer, never fails to expand the soul’s capacity for spiritual receptivity.
144:4.3 (1621.2) I al bøn skal du huske, at sønskab er en gave. Intet barn har noget at gøre med at optjene status som søn eller datter. Det jordiske barn bliver til ved sine forældres vilje. På samme måde kommer Guds barn ind i nåden og det nye åndelige liv ved den himmelske Faders vilje. Derfor skal himlenes rige—det guddommelige slægtskab—modtages som af et lille barn. Man gør sig fortjent til retfærdighed—progressiv karakterudvikling—men man modtager slægtskabet af nåde og gennem tro.		144:4.3 (1621.2) In all praying, remember that sonship is a gift. No child has aught to do with earning the status of son or daughter. The earth child comes into being by the will of its parents. Even so, the child of God comes into grace and the new life of the spirit by the will of the Father in heaven. Therefore must the kingdom of heaven—divine sonship—be received as by a little child. You earn righteousness—progressive character development—but you receive sonship by grace and through faith.
144:4.4 (1621.3) Bønnen førte Jesus op til sin sjæls superfællesskab med de højeste herskere i universernes univers. Bøn vil føre de dødelige på jorden op til den sande tilbedelses fællesskab. Sjælens åndelige evne til modtagelighed bestemmer mængden af himmelske velsignelser, som man personligt kan tilegne sig og bevidst realisere som svar på bøn.		144:4.4 (1621.3) Prayer led Jesus up to the supercommunion of his soul with the Supreme Rulers of the universe of universes. Prayer will lead the mortals of earth up to the communion of true worship. The soul’s spiritual capacity for receptivity determines the quantity of heavenly blessings which can be personally appropriated and consciously realized as an answer to prayer.
144:4.5 (1621.4) Bøn og den tilhørende tilbedelse er en teknik til at løsrive sig fra den daglige rutine i livet, fra den materielle eksistens monotone trummerum. Det er en vej til spiritualiseret selvrealisering og individualitet i intellektuel og religiøs udfoldelse.		144:4.5 (1621.4) Prayer and its associated worship is a technique of detachment from the daily routine of life, from the monotonous grind of material existence. It is an avenue of approach to spiritualized self-realization and individuality of intellectual and religious attainment.
144:4.6 (1621.5) Bøn er en modgift mod skadelig introspektion. I det mindste er bøn, som Mesteren lærte det, en sådan gavnlig tjeneste for sjælen. Jesus brugte konsekvent den gavnlige indflydelse af at bede for sine medmennesker. Mesteren bad som regel i flertal, ikke i ental. Kun i de store kriser i sit jordiske liv bad Jesus nogensinde for sig selv.		144:4.6 (1621.5) Prayer is an antidote for harmful introspection. At least, prayer as the Master taught it is such a beneficent ministry to the soul. Jesus consistently employed the beneficial influence of praying for one’s fellows. The Master usually prayed in the plural, not in the singular. Only in the great crises of his earth life did Jesus ever pray for himself.
144:4.7 (1621.6) Bøn er åndelivets åndedrag midt i menneskehedens materielle civilisation. Tilbedelse er frelse for de nydelsessøgende generationer af dødelige.		144:4.7 (1621.6) Prayer is the breath of the spirit life in the midst of the material civilization of the races of mankind. Worship is salvation for the pleasure-seeking generations of mortals.
144:4.8 (1621.7) Ligesom bøn kan sammenlignes med at genoplade sjælens åndelige batterier, kan tilbedelse sammenlignes med at indstille sjælen til at opfange universets udsendelser af den Universelle Faders uendelige ånd.		144:4.8 (1621.7) As prayer may be likened to recharging the spiritual batteries of the soul, so worship may be compared to the act of tuning in the soul to catch the universe broadcasts of the infinite spirit of the Universal Father.
144:4.9 (1621.8) Bøn er barnets oprigtige og længselsfulde blik på sin åndelige Fader; det er en psykologisk proces, hvor den menneskelige vilje byttes ud med den guddommelige vilje. Bøn er en del af den guddommelige plan om at gøre det, der er, til det, der burde være.		144:4.9 (1621.8) Prayer is the sincere and longing look of the child to its spirit Father; it is a psychologic process of exchanging the human will for the divine will. Prayer is a part of the divine plan for making over that which is into that which ought to be.
144:4.10 (1621.9) En af grundene til, at Peter, James og Johannes, som så ofte ledsagede Jesus på hans lange nattevagter, aldrig hørte Jesus bede, var, at deres Mester så sjældent udtalte sine bønner som talte ord. Næsten al Jesu bøn foregik i ånden og i hjertet—stille og roligt.		144:4.10 (1621.9) One of the reasons why Peter, James, and John, who so often accompanied Jesus on his long night vigils, never heard Jesus pray, was because their Master so rarely uttered his prayers as spoken words. Practically all of Jesus’ praying was done in the spirit and in the heart—silently.
144:4.11 (1621.10) Af alle apostlene var det Peter og James, der kom tættest på at forstå Mesterens lære om bøn og tilbedelse.		144:4.11 (1621.10) Of all the apostles, Peter and James came the nearest to comprehending the Master’s teaching about prayer and worship.
5. Andre typer af bønner ^top		5. Other Forms of Prayer ^top
144:5.1 (1621.11) Fra tid til anden, under resten af Jesu ophold på jorden, gjorde han apostlene opmærksomme på flere yderligere former for bøn, men han gjorde det kun som illustration af andre ting, og han påbød, at disse “lignelsesbønner” ikke skulle læres til folkemængderne. Mange af dem var fra andre beboede planeter, men dette faktum afslørede Jesus ikke for de tolv. Blandt disse bønner var følgende:		144:5.1 (1621.11) From time to time, during the remainder of Jesus’ sojourn on earth, he brought to the notice of the apostles several additional forms of prayer, but he did this only in illustration of other matters, and he enjoined that these “parable prayers” should not be taught to the multitudes. Many of them were from other inhabited planets, but this fact Jesus did not reveal to the twelve. Among these prayers were the following:
144:5.2 (1622.1) Vor Fader i hvem universets riger består,		144:5.2 (1622.1) Our Father in whom consist the universe realms,
144:5.3 (1622.2) Ophøjet være dit navn og herligheden af din karakter.		144:5.3 (1622.2) Uplifted be your name and all-glorious your character.
144:5.4 (1622.3) Dit nærvær omslutter os og din ære er manifesteret		144:5.4 (1622.3) Your presence encompasses us, and your glory is manifested
144:5.5 (1622.4) Ufuldkommen igennem os som det fuldkomment er vist i det høje.		144:5.5 (1622.4) Imperfectly through us as it is in perfection shown on high.
144:5.6 (1622.5) Giv os på denne dag lysets livgivende kræfter,		144:5.6 (1622.5) Give us this day the vivifying forces of light,
144:5.7 (1622.6) Og lad os ikke forvilde os ind på vores fantasis onde sideveje,		144:5.7 (1622.6) And let us not stray into the evil bypaths of our imagination,
144:5.8 (1622.7) For du er den hellige, der bor i os, den evige kraft,		144:5.8 (1622.7) For yours is the glorious indwelling, the everlasting power,
144:5.9 (1622.8) Og til os, den evige gave af din Søns uendelige kærlighed.		144:5.9 (1622.8) And to us, the eternal gift of the infinite love of your Son.
144:5.10 (1622.9) Selv sådan og evigt sandt.		144:5.10 (1622.9) Even so, and everlastingly true.
* * *		* * *
144:5.12 (1622.10) Vores Skabende Forældre, som er i universets center,		144:5.12 (1622.10) Our creative Parent, who is in the center of the universe,
144:5.13 (1622.11) Skænk os din natur og giv os din karakter.		144:5.13 (1622.11) Bestow upon us your nature and give to us your character.
144:5.14 (1622.12) Gør os til dine sønner og døtre af nåde.		144:5.14 (1622.12) Make us sons and daughters of yours by grace
144:5.15 (1622.13) Og herliggør dit navn gennem vores evige præstation.		144:5.15 (1622.13) And glorify your name through our eternal achievement.
144:5.16 (1622.14) Giv din styrende og kontrollerende ånd at leve og bo i os		144:5.16 (1622.14) Your adjusting and controlling spirit give to live and dwell within us
144:5.17 (1622.15) Så vi kan gøre din vilje på denne sfære, som engle gør dit bud i lyset.		144:5.17 (1622.15) That we may do your will on this sphere as angels do your bidding in light.
144:5.18 (1622.16) Støt os på denne dag i vores fremskridt på sandhedens vej.		144:5.18 (1622.16) Sustain us this day in our progress along the path of truth.
144:5.19 (1622.17) Befri os fra slaphed, ondskab og alle syndefulde overtrædelser.		144:5.19 (1622.17) Deliver us from inertia, evil, and all sinful transgression.
144:5.20 (1622.18) Vær tålmodig med os, når vi viser kærlig venlighed til vores medmennesker.		144:5.20 (1622.18) Be patient with us as we show loving-kindness to our fellows.
144:5.21 (1622.19) Lad din barmhjertigheds ånd strømme ind i vores skabte hjerter		144:5.21 (1622.19) Shed abroad the spirit of your mercy in our creature hearts.
144:5.22 (1622.20) Led os ved din egen hånd, skridt for skridt, gennem livets usikre labyrint,		144:5.22 (1622.20) Lead us by your own hand, step by step, through the uncertain maze of life,
144:5.23 (1622.21) Og når vores ende kommer, så tag imod vores trofaste ånder i dit eget bryst.		144:5.23 (1622.21) And when our end shall come, receive into your own bosom our faithful spirits.
144:5.24 (1622.22) Alligevel skal ikke vores ønsker, men din vilje ske.		144:5.24 (1622.22) Even so, not our desires but your will be done.
* * *		* * *
144:5.26 (1622.23) Vores perfekte og retfærdige himmelske Fader,		144:5.26 (1622.23) Our perfect and righteous heavenly Father,
144:5.27 (1622.24) led og styr vores rejse denne dag.		144:5.27 (1622.24) This day guide and direct our journey.
144:5.28 (1622.25) Helliggør vores skridt og koordiner vores tanker.		144:5.28 (1622.25) Sanctify our steps and co-ordinate our thoughts.
144:5.29 (1622.26) Led os altid på den evige fremgangs veje.		144:5.29 (1622.26) Ever lead us in the ways of eternal progress.
144:5.30 (1622.27) Fyld os med visdom til magtens fylde		144:5.30 (1622.27) Fill us with wisdom to the fullness of power
144:5.31 (1622.28) Og vitaliser os med din uendelige energi.		144:5.31 (1622.28) And vitalize us with your infinite energy.
144:5.32 (1622.29) Inspirer os med den guddommelige bevidsthed om		144:5.32 (1622.29) Inspire us with the divine consciousness of
144:5.33 (1622.30) De serafiske hærskarers nærvær og vejledning.		144:5.33 (1622.30) The presence and guidance of the seraphic hosts.
144:5.34 (1622.31) Led os altid opad på lysets vej;		144:5.34 (1622.31) Guide us ever upward in the pathway of light;
144:5.35 (1622.32) Retfærdiggør os fuldt ud på den store doms dag.		144:5.35 (1622.32) Justify us fully in the day of the great judgment.
144:5.36 (1622.33) Gør os som dig selv i evig herlighed		144:5.36 (1622.33) Make us like yourself in eternal glory
144:5.37 (1622.34) Og modtag os i din endeløse tjeneste i det høje.		144:5.37 (1622.34) And receive us into your endless service on high.
* * *		* * *
144:5.39 (1622.35) Vor Fader, som er i mysteriet,		144:5.39 (1622.35) Our Father who is in the mystery,
144:5.40 (1622.36) Åbenbar for os din hellige karakter.		144:5.40 (1622.36) Reveal to us your holy character.
144:5.41 (1622.37) Giv dine børn på jorden denne dag		144:5.41 (1622.37) Give your children on earth this day
144:5.42 (1622.38) At se vejen, lyset og sandheden.		144:5.42 (1622.38) To see the way, the light, and the truth.
144:5.43 (1622.39) Vis os vejen til evig fremgang		144:5.43 (1622.39) Show us the pathway of eternal progress
144:5.44 (1622.40) Og giv os viljen til at gå den.		144:5.44 (1622.40) And give us the will to walk therein.
144:5.45 (1622.41) Etabler dit guddommelige kongedømme i os		144:5.45 (1622.41) Establish within us your divine kingship
144:5.46 (1622.42) Og skænk os derved den fulde beherskelse af os selv.		144:5.46 (1622.42) And thereby bestow upon us the full mastery of self.
144:5.47 (1622.43) Lad os ikke forvilde os ind på mørkets og dødens stier;		144:5.47 (1622.43) Let us not stray into paths of darkness and death;
144:5.48 (1622.44) Led os evigt ved livets vande.		144:5.48 (1622.44) Lead us everlastingly beside the waters of life.
144:5.49 (1622.45) Hør disse vores bønner for din egen skyld;		144:5.49 (1622.45) Hear these our prayers for your own sake;
144:5.50 (1622.46) Vær tilfreds med at skabe os mere og mere som dig selv.		144:5.50 (1622.46) Be pleased to make us more and more like yourself.
144:5.51 (1623.1) Til sidst, for den guddommelige Søns skyld,		144:5.51 (1623.1) At the end, for the sake of the divine Son,
144:5.52 (1623.2) Modtag os i dine evige arme,		144:5.52 (1623.2) Receive us into the eternal arms.
144:5.53 (1623.3) Alligevel skal ikke vores, men din vilje ske.		144:5.53 (1623.3) Even so, not our will but yours be done.
* * *		* * *
144:5.55 (1623.4) Ærede Fader og Moder, kombineret i en forælder,		144:5.55 (1623.4) Glorious Father and Mother, in one parent combined,
144:5.56 (1623.5) Loyale vil vi være over for din guddommelige natur.		144:5.56 (1623.5) Loyal would we be to your divine nature.
144:5.57 (1623.6) Så dit eget selv igen kan leve i og igennem os		144:5.57 (1623.6) Your own self to live again in and through us
144:5.58 (1623.7) Ved din guddommelige ånds gave og overdragelse,		144:5.58 (1623.7) By the gift and bestowal of your divine spirit,
144:5.59 (1623.8) For på denne måde at genskabe dig ufuldkommen på denne sfære		144:5.59 (1623.8) Thus reproducing you imperfectly in this sphere
144:5.60 (1623.9) Som du perfekt og majestætisk er vist i det høje.		144:5.60 (1623.9) As you are perfectly and majestically shown on high.
144:5.61 (1623.10) Giv os dag for dag din søde broderskabstjeneste		144:5.61 (1623.10) Give us day by day your sweet ministry of brotherhood
144:5.62 (1623.11) Og led os øjeblik for øjeblik på den kærlige tjenestes vej.		144:5.62 (1623.11) And lead us moment by moment in the pathway of loving service.
144:5.63 (1623.12) Vær altid og ufejlbarlig tålmodig med os		144:5.63 (1623.12) Be you ever and unfailingly patient with us
144:5.64 (1623.13) Selv når vi viser din tålmodighed til vores børn.		144:5.64 (1623.13) Even as we show forth your patience to our children.
144:5.65 (1623.14) Giv os den guddommelige visdom, der gør alting godt		144:5.65 (1623.14) Give us the divine wisdom that does all things well
144:5.66 (1623.15) Og den uendelige kærlighed som er nådig mod enhver skabning.		144:5.66 (1623.15) And the infinite love that is gracious to every creature.
144:5.67 (1623.16) Skænk os din tålmodighed og kærlige venlighed		144:5.67 (1623.16) Bestow upon us your patience and loving-kindness
144:5.68 (1623.17) Så vores næstekærlighed kan omslutte de svage i riget.		144:5.68 (1623.17) That our charity may enfold the weak of the realm.
144:5.69 (1623.18) Og når vores karriere er slut, lad den da være en ære i dit navn,		144:5.69 (1623.18) And when our career is finished, make it an honor to your name,
144:5.70 (1623.19) en glæde for din gode ånd og en tilfredsstillelse for vores sjælehjælpere.		144:5.70 (1623.19) A pleasure to your good spirit, and a satisfaction to our soul helpers.
144:5.71 (1623.20) Ikke som vi ønsker det, vores kærlige Fader, men som du ønsker det evigt gode for dine dødelige børn,		144:5.71 (1623.20) Not as we wish, our loving Father, but as you desire the eternal good of your mortal children,
144:5.72 (1623.21) For altid skal det således være.		144:5.72 (1623.21) Even so may it be.
* * *		* * *
144:5.74 (1623.22) Vores altid trofaste Kilde og almægtige Center,		144:5.74 (1623.22) Our all-faithful Source and all-powerful Center,
144:5.75 (1623.23) Ærbødigt og helligt være din ærede Søns navn.		144:5.75 (1623.23) Reverent and holy be the name of your all-gracious Son.
144:5.76 (1623.24) Din gavmildhed og velsignelser er kommet ned til os,		144:5.76 (1623.24) Your bounties and your blessings have descended upon us,
144:5.77 (1623.25) For at give os kraften til at opfylde din vilje og udføre dit bud.		144:5.77 (1623.25) Thus empowering us to perform your will and execute your bidding.
144:5.78 (1623.26) Giv os øjeblik efter øjeblik næring fra livets træ;		144:5.78 (1623.26) Give us moment by moment the sustenance of the tree of life;
144:5.79 (1623.27) Forfrisk os daglig med det levende vand fra floden.		144:5.79 (1623.27) Refresh us day by day with the living waters of the river thereof.
144:5.80 (1623.28) Før os skridt for skridt ud af mørket og ind i det guddommelige lys.		144:5.80 (1623.28) Step by step lead us out of darkness and into the divine light.
144:5.81 (1623.29) Forny vores sind ved forvandlingen af den iboende ånd,		144:5.81 (1623.29) Renew our minds by the transformations of the indwelling spirit,
144:5.82 (1623.30) Og når den jordiske afslutning endelig nærmer sig,		144:5.82 (1623.30) And when the mortal end shall finally come upon us,
144:5.83 (1623.31) Modtag os da selv og send os ind i evigheden.		144:5.83 (1623.31) Receive us to yourself and send us forth in eternity.
144:5.84 (1623.32) Kron os med himmelske diademer af frugtbar tjeneste,		144:5.84 (1623.32) Crown us with celestial diadems of fruitful service,
144:5.85 (1623.33) Og vi vil ære Faderen, Sønnen og den Hellige Indflydelse,		144:5.85 (1623.33) And we shall glorify the Father, the Son, and the Holy Influence.
144:5.86 (1623.34) For altid, igennem et univers uden ende.		144:5.86 (1623.34) Even so, throughout a universe without end.
* * *		* * *
144:5.88 (1623.35) Vor Fader, som bor i universets hemmelige steder,		144:5.88 (1623.35) Our Father who dwells in the secret places of the universe,
144:5.89 (1623.36) Æret være dit navn, din barmhjertighed er ærbødig og respekteret er din dømmekraft.		144:5.89 (1623.36) Honored be your name, reverenced your mercy, and respected your judgment.
144:5.90 (1623.37) Lad retfærdighedens sol skinne på os ved middagstid,		144:5.90 (1623.37) Let the sun of righteousness shine upon us at noontime,
144:5.91 (1623.38) Mens vi bønfalder dig om at vejlede vores uberegnelige skridt i tusmørket.		144:5.91 (1623.38) While we beseech you to guide our wayward steps in the twilight.
144:5.92 (1623.39) Før os ved hånden på vejen af dit eget valg		144:5.92 (1623.39) Lead us by the hand in the ways of your own choosing
144:5.93 (1623.40) Og svigt os ikke når vejen er hård og timerne er mørke.		144:5.93 (1623.40) And forsake us not when the path is hard and the hours are dark.
144:5.94 (1623.41) Glem os ikke, som vi så ofte tilsidesætter og glemmer dig.		144:5.94 (1623.41) Forget us not as we so often neglect and forget you.
144:5.95 (1623.42) Men vær barmhjertig og elsk os, som vi ønsker at elske dig.		144:5.95 (1623.42) But be you merciful and love us as we desire to love you.
144:5.96 (1623.43) Kig på os med venlighed og tilgiv os i nåde		144:5.96 (1623.43) Look down upon us in kindness and forgive us in mercy
144:5.97 (1623.44) Som vi i retfærdighed tilgiver de som bedrøver og sårer os.		144:5.97 (1623.44) As we in justice forgive those who distress and injure us.
144:5.98 (1624.1) Må den majestætiske Søns kærlighed, hengivenhed og overdragelse		144:5.98 (1624.1) May the love, devotion, and bestowal of the majestic Son
144:5.99 (1624.2) Tilvejebringe et evigt liv med din endeløse nåde og kærlighed.		144:5.99 (1624.2) Make available life everlasting with your endless mercy and love.
144:5.100 (1624.3) Må universernes Gud overdrage os det uindskrænkede omfang af sin ånd;		144:5.100 (1624.3) May the God of universes bestow upon us the full measure of his spirit;
144:5.101 (1624.4) Giv os nåde til at følge denne ånds ledelse.		144:5.101 (1624.4) Give us grace to yield to the leading of this spirit.
144:5.102 (1624.5) Gennem de hengivne serafiske hærskarers kærlighedsfulde tjeneste		144:5.102 (1624.5) By the loving ministry of devoted seraphic hosts
144:5.103 (1624.6) Må Sønnen vejlede og fører os til tidsalderens ende.		144:5.103 (1624.6) May the Son guide and lead us to the end of the age.
144:5.104 (1624.7) Skab os altid og i stadig større udstrækning som dig selv		144:5.104 (1624.7) Make us ever and increasingly like yourself
144:5.105 (1624.8) Og ved vores afslutning modtag os da ind i Paradisets evige omfavnelse		144:5.105 (1624.8) And at our end receive us into the eternal Paradise embrace.
144:5.106 (1624.9) For altid, i den overdraget Søns navn		144:5.106 (1624.9) Even so, in the name of the bestowal Son
144:5.107 (1624.10) Og til den Højeste Faders ære og berømmelse.		144:5.107 (1624.10) And for the honor and glory of the Supreme Father.
144:5.108 (1624.11) Selvom apostlene ikke havde frihed til at præsentere disse bønnelektioner i deres offentlige undervisning, havde de stor gavn af alle disse åbenbaringer i deres personlige religiøse erfaringer. Jesus brugte disse og andre bønnemodeller som illustrationer i forbindelse med den intime undervisning af de tolv, og der er givet specifik tilladelse til at transskribere disse syv eksemplariske bønner i denne optegnelse.		144:5.108 (1624.11) Though the apostles were not at liberty to present these prayer lessons in their public teachings, they profited much from all of these revelations in their personal religious experiences. Jesus utilized these and other prayer models as illustrations in connection with the intimate instruction of the twelve, and specific permission has been granted for transcribing these seven specimen prayers into this record.
6. Konferense med johannes apostle ^top		6. Conference with John’s Apostles ^top
144:6.1 (1624.12) Omkring den første oktober var Filip og nogle af hans medapostle i en nærliggende landsby for at købe mad, da de mødte nogle af Johannes Døberens apostle. Som et resultat af dette tilfældige møde på markedspladsen opstod der en tre uger lang konference i Gilboa-lejren mellem Jesu apostle og Johannes’ apostle, for Johannes havde for nylig udnævnt tolv af sine ledere til apostle efter Jesu forbillede. Johannes havde gjort dette som svar på en opfordring fra Abner, lederen af hans loyale støtter. Jesus var til stede i Gilboa-lejren i hele den første uge af denne fælles konference, men var fraværende de sidste to uger.		144:6.1 (1624.12) Around the first of October, Philip and some of his fellow apostles were in a near-by village buying food when they met some of the apostles of John the Baptist. As a result of this chance meeting in the market place there came about a three weeks’ conference at the Gilboa camp between the apostles of Jesus and the apostles of John, for John had recently appointed twelve of his leaders to be apostles, following the precedent of Jesus. John had done this in response to the urging of Abner, the chief of his loyal supporters. Jesus was present at the Gilboa camp throughout the first week of this joint conference but absented himself the last two weeks.
144:6.2 (1624.13) I begyndelsen af den anden uge i denne måned havde Abner samlet alle sine medarbejdere i Gilboa-lejren og var parat til at gå i rådslagning med Jesu apostle. I tre uger holdt disse fireogtyve mænd møde tre gange om dagen og seks dage hver uge. Den første uge blandede Jesus sig med dem mellem deres formiddags-, eftermiddags- og aftenmøder. De ønskede, at Mesteren skulle mødes med dem og lede deres fælles drøftelser, men han nægtede standhaftigt at deltage i deres diskussioner, selvom han indvilligede i at tale til dem ved tre lejligheder. Disse samtaler mellem Jesus og de fireogtyve handlede om sympati, samarbejde og tolerance.		144:6.2 (1624.13) By the beginning of the second week of this month, Abner had assembled all of his associates at the Gilboa camp and was prepared to go into council with the apostles of Jesus. For three weeks these twenty-four men were in session three times a day and for six days each week. The first week Jesus mingled with them between their forenoon, afternoon, and evening sessions. They wanted the Master to meet with them and preside over their joint deliberations, but he steadfastly refused to participate in their discussions, though he did consent to speak to them on three occasions. These talks by Jesus to the twenty-four were on sympathy, co-operation, and tolerance.
144:6.3 (1624.14) Andreas og Abner skiftedes til at lede disse fællesmøder for de to apostoliske grupper. Disse mænd havde mange vanskeligheder at diskutere og mange problemer at løse. Igen og igen gik de til Jesus med deres problemer, blot for at høre ham sige: “Jeg beskæftiger mig kun med jeres personlige og rent religiøse problemer. Jeg er Faderens repræsentant over for individet, ikke over for gruppen. Hvis du har personlige problemer i dit forhold til Gud, så kom til mig, og jeg vil lytte til dig og rådgive dig i løsningen af dit problem. Men når du går i gang med at koordinere divergerende menneskelige fortolkninger af religiøse spørgsmål og med at socialisere religion, er du bestemt til at løse alle sådanne problemer ved dine egne beslutninger. Men jeg er altid sympatisk indstillet og altid interesseret, og når I når frem til jeres konklusioner vedrørende disse spørgsmål af ikke-spirituel betydning, forudsat at I alle er enige, så lover jeg på forhånd min fulde godkendelse og mit hjertelige samarbejde. Og nu forlader jeg jer i to uger for at lade jer være uhindret i jeres overvejelser. Vær ikke bekymrede for mig, for jeg vender tilbage til jer. Jeg vil tage mig af min fars sager, for vi har andre riger end dette.”		144:6.3 (1624.14) Andrew and Abner alternated in presiding over these joint meetings of the two apostolic groups. These men had many difficulties to discuss and numerous problems to solve. Again and again would they take their troubles to Jesus, only to hear him say: “I am concerned only with your personal and purely religious problems. I am the representative of the Father to the individual, not to the group. If you are in personal difficulty in your relations with God, come to me, and I will hear you and counsel you in the solution of your problem. But when you enter upon the co-ordination of divergent human interpretations of religious questions and upon the socialization of religion, you are destined to solve all such problems by your own decisions. Albeit, I am ever sympathetic and always interested, and when you arrive at your conclusions touching these matters of nonspiritual import, provided you are all agreed, then I pledge in advance my full approval and hearty co-operation. And now, in order to leave you unhampered in your deliberations, I am leaving you for two weeks. Be not anxious about me, for I will return to you. I will be about my Father’s business, for we have other realms besides this one.”
144:6.4 (1625.1) Efter at have talt sådan gik Jesus ned ad bjergsiden, og de så ham ikke mere i to hele uger. Og de vidste aldrig, hvor han gik hen, eller hvad han lavede i de dage. Der gik nogen tid, før de fireogtyve kunne tage deres problemer op til seriøs overvejelse, så forvirrede var de over Mesterens fravær. Men inden for en uge var de igen midt i deres diskussioner, og de kunne ikke gå til Jesus for at få hjælp.		144:6.4 (1625.1) After thus speaking, Jesus went down the mountainside, and they saw him no more for two full weeks. And they never knew where he went or what he did during these days. It was some time before the twenty-four could settle down to the serious consideration of their problems, they were so disconcerted by the absence of the Master. However, within a week they were again in the heart of their discussions, and they could not go to Jesus for help.
144:6.5 (1625.2) Det første punkt, gruppen blev enige om, var at vedtage den bøn, som Jesus for nylig havde lært dem. Det blev enstemmigt vedtaget at acceptere denne bøn som den, begge grupper af apostle skulle lære de troende.		144:6.5 (1625.2) The first item the group agreed upon was the adoption of the prayer which Jesus had so recently taught them. It was unanimously voted to accept this prayer as the one to be taught believers by both groups of apostles.
144:6.6 (1625.3) De besluttede derefter, at så længe Johannes levede, uanset om han var i fængsel eller ej, skulle begge grupper af tolv apostle fortsætte deres arbejde, og at der skulle holdes fælles møder af en uges varighed hver tredje måned på steder, der skulle aftales fra gang til gang.		144:6.6 (1625.3) They next decided that, as long as John lived, whether in prison or out, both groups of twelve apostles would go on with their work, and that joint meetings for one week would be held every three months at places to be agreed upon from time to time.
144:6.7 (1625.4) Men det mest alvorlige af alle deres problemer var spørgsmålet om dåb. Deres vanskeligheder blev endnu større, fordi Jesus havde nægtet at udtale sig om emnet. Til sidst blev de enige: Så længe Johannes levede, eller indtil de i fællesskab kunne ændre denne beslutning, ville kun Johannes’ apostle døbe de troende, og kun Jesu apostle ville endelig instruere de nye disciple. Fra det tidspunkt og indtil efter Johannes’ død ledsagede to af Johannes’ apostle derfor Jesus og hans apostle for at døbe de troende, for det fælles råd havde enstemmigt vedtaget, at dåben skulle være det første skridt i den ydre alliance med rigets anliggender.		144:6.7 (1625.4) But the most serious of all their problems was the question of baptism. Their difficulties were all the more aggravated because Jesus had refused to make any pronouncement upon the subject. They finally agreed: As long as John lived, or until they might jointly modify this decision, only the apostles of John would baptize believers, and only the apostles of Jesus would finally instruct the new disciples. Accordingly, from that time until after the death of John, two of the apostles of John accompanied Jesus and his apostles to baptize believers, for the joint council had unanimously voted that baptism was to become the initial step in the outward alliance with the affairs of the kingdom.
144:6.8 (1625.5) Dernæst blev det aftalt, at i tilfælde af Johannes’ død skulle Johannes’ apostle præsentere sig for Jesus og underlægge sig hans ledelse, og at de ikke skulle døbe mere, medmindre Jesus eller hans apostle gav dem tilladelse til det.		144:6.8 (1625.5) It was next agreed, in case of the death of John, that the apostles of John would present themselves to Jesus and become subject to his direction, and that they would baptize no more unless authorized by Jesus or his apostles.
144:6.9 (1625.6) Og så blev det vedtaget, at i tilfælde af Johannes’ død ville Jesu apostle begynde at døbe med vand som symbolet på den guddommelige Ånds dåb. Hvorvidt omvendelse skulle knyttes til forkyndelsen af dåb eller ej, var valgfrit; ingen beslutning blev gjort bindende for gruppen. Johannes’ apostle prædikede: “Omvend jer og bliv døbt.” Jesu apostle forkyndte: “Tro og bliv døbt.”		144:6.9 (1625.6) And then was it voted that, in case of John’s death, the apostles of Jesus would begin to baptize with water as the emblem of the baptism of the divine Spirit. As to whether or not repentance should be attached to the preaching of baptism was left optional; no decision was made binding upon the group. John’s apostles preached, “Repent and be baptized.” Jesus’ apostles proclaimed, “Believe and be baptized.”
144:6.10 (1625.7) Og dette er historien om Jesu tilhængeres første forsøg på at koordinere divergerende bestræbelser, sammensætte meningsforskelle, organisere gruppeforetagender, lovgive om ydre observanser og socialisere personlig religiøs praksis.		144:6.10 (1625.7) And this is the story of the first attempt of Jesus’ followers to co-ordinate divergent efforts, compose differences of opinion, organize group undertakings, legislate on outward observances, and socialize personal religious practices.
144:6.11 (1625.8) Mange andre mindre spørgsmål blev overvejet, og deres løsninger blev enstemmigt vedtaget. Disse 24 mænd havde en virkelig bemærkelsesværdig oplevelse i disse to uger, hvor de blev tvunget til at se problemer i øjnene og løse vanskeligheder uden Jesus. De lærte at være uenige, at debattere, at skændes, at bede og at gå på kompromis, og hele vejen igennem at bevare sympatien for den andens synspunkt og i det mindste en vis grad af tolerance over for hans ærlige meninger.		144:6.11 (1625.8) Many other minor matters were considered and their solutions unanimously agreed upon. These twenty-four men had a truly remarkable experience these two weeks when they were compelled to face problems and compose difficulties without Jesus. They learned to differ, to debate, to contend, to pray, and to compromise, and throughout it all to remain sympathetic with the other person’s viewpoint and to maintain at least some degree of tolerance for his honest opinions.
144:6.12 (1625.9) Den eftermiddag, hvor de afslutningsvis diskuterede økonomiske spørgsmål, vendte Jesus tilbage, hørte om deres overvejelser, lyttede til deres beslutninger og sagde: “Dette er så jeres konklusioner, og jeg vil hjælpe jer alle med at udføre ånden i jeres fælles beslutninger.”		144:6.12 (1625.9) On the afternoon of their final discussion of financial questions, Jesus returned, heard of their deliberations, listened to their decisions, and said: “These, then, are your conclusions, and I shall help you each to carry out the spirit of your united decisions.”
144:6.13 (1626.1) To en halv måned efter dette tidspunkt blev Johannes henrettet, og i hele denne periode forblev Johannes’ apostle sammen med Jesus og de tolv. De arbejdede alle sammen og døbte troende i løbet af denne arbejdssæson i byerne i Dekapolis. Gilboa-lejren blev opløst den 2. november år 27 e.Kr.		144:6.13 (1626.1) Two months and a half from this time John was executed, and throughout this period the apostles of John remained with Jesus and the twelve. They all worked together and baptized believers during this season of labor in the cities of the Decapolis. The Gilboa camp was broken up on November 2, a.d. 27.
7. I byerne i dekapolis ^top		7. In the Decapolis Cities ^top
144:7.1 (1626.2) I løbet af november og december arbejdede Jesus og de 24 stille og roligt i de græske byer i Dekapolis, hovedsageligt i Skytopolis, Gerasa, Abila og Gadara. Dette var i virkeligheden afslutningen på den indledende periode med at overtage Johannes’ arbejde og organisation. Den socialiserede religion i en ny åbenbaring betaler altid prisen for at gå på kompromis med de etablerede former og skikke i den tidligere religion, som den forsøger at redde. Dåben var den pris, som Jesu tilhængere betalte for at bære Johannes Døberens tilhængere med sig som en socialiseret religiøs gruppe. Da Johannes’ tilhængere sluttede sig til Jesu tilhængere, opgav de stort set alt undtagen vanddåben.		144:7.1 (1626.2) Throughout the months of November and December, Jesus and the twenty-four worked quietly in the Greek cities of the Decapolis, chiefly in Scythopolis, Gerasa, Abila, and Gadara. This was really the end of that preliminary period of taking over John’s work and organization. Always does the socialized religion of a new revelation pay the price of compromise with the established forms and usages of the preceding religion which it seeks to salvage. Baptism was the price which the followers of Jesus paid in order to carry with them, as a socialized religious group, the followers of John the Baptist. John’s followers, in joining Jesus’ followers, gave up just about everything except water baptism.
144:7.2 (1626.3) Jesus underviste kun lidt offentligt på denne mission til byerne i Dekapolis. Han brugte meget tid på at undervise de 24 og havde mange særlige møder med Johannes’ tolv apostle. Med tiden blev de mere forstående over for, hvorfor Jesus ikke besøgte Johannes i fængslet, og hvorfor han ikke gjorde noget for at få ham løsladt. Men de kunne aldrig forstå, hvorfor Jesus ikke gjorde underfulde gerninger, hvorfor han nægtede at frembringe ydre tegn på sin guddommelige autoritet. Før de kom til Gilboa-lejren, havde de mest troet på Jesus på grund af Johannes’ vidnesbyrd, men snart begyndte de at tro som følge af deres egen kontakt med Mesteren og hans lære.		144:7.2 (1626.3) Jesus did little public teaching on this mission to the cities of the Decapolis. He spent considerable time teaching the twenty-four and had many special sessions with John’s twelve apostles. In time they became more understanding as to why Jesus did not go to visit John in prison, and why he made no effort to secure his release. But they never could understand why Jesus did no marvelous works, why he refused to produce outward signs of his divine authority. Before coming to the Gilboa camp, they had believed in Jesus mostly because of John’s testimony, but soon they were beginning to believe as a result of their own contact with the Master and his teachings.
144:7.3 (1626.4) I disse to måneder arbejdede gruppen det meste af tiden i par, hvor en af Jesu apostle gik ud sammen med en af Johannes’. Johannes’ apostel døbte, Jesu apostel underviste, mens de begge forkyndte evangeliet om riget, som de forstod det. Og de vandt mange sjæle blandt disse hedninger og frafaldne jøder.		144:7.3 (1626.4) For these two months the group worked most of the time in pairs, one of Jesus’ apostles going out with one of John’s. The apostle of John baptized, the apostle of Jesus instructed, while they both preached the gospel of the kingdom as they understood it. And they won many souls among these gentiles and apostate Jews.
144:7.4 (1626.5) Abner, den øverste af Johannes’ apostle, blev en hengiven troende på Jesus og blev senere gjort til leder af en gruppe på halvfjerds lærere, som Mesteren gav til opgave at forkynde evangeliet.		144:7.4 (1626.5) Abner, the chief of John’s apostles, became a devout believer in Jesus and was later on made the head of a group of seventy teachers whom the Master commissioned to preach the gospel.
8. I lejren nær pella ^top		8. In Camp Near Pella ^top
144:8.1 (1626.6) Sidst i december tog de alle over i nærheden af Jordan, tæt på Pella, hvor de igen begyndte at undervise og prædike. Både jøder og ikke-jøder kom til denne lejr for at høre evangeliet. Det var, mens Jesus underviste folkemængden en eftermiddag, at nogle af Johannes’ særlige venner bragte Mesteren med hvad der var den sidste besked fra Døberen.		144:8.1 (1626.6) The latter part of December they all went over near the Jordan, close by Pella, where they again began to teach and preach. Both Jews and gentiles came to this camp to hear the gospel. It was while Jesus was teaching the multitude one afternoon that some of John’s special friends brought the Master the last message which he ever had from the Baptist.
144:8.2 (1626.7) Johannes havde nu været i fængsel i halvandet år, og det meste af denne tid havde Jesus arbejdet meget stille, så det var ikke mærkeligt, at Johannes skulle undre sig over riget. Johannes’ venner afbrød Jesu undervisning for at sige til ham: “Johannes Døberen har sendt os for at spørge—er du virkelig Frelseren, eller skal vi se os om efter en anden?”		144:8.2 (1626.7) John had now been in prison a year and a half, and most of this time Jesus had labored very quietly; so it was not strange that John should be led to wonder about the kingdom. John’s friends interrupted Jesus’ teaching to say to him: “John the Baptist has sent us to ask—are you truly the Deliverer, or shall we look for another?”
144:8.3 (1626.8) Jesus holdt en pause for at sige til Johannes’ venner: “Gå tilbage og fortæl Johannes, at han ikke er glemt. Fortæl ham, hvad I har set og hørt, at de fattige får et godt budskab forkyndt.” Og da Jesus havde talt videre til Johannes’ sendebud, vendte han sig igen mod folkemængden og sagde: “Tro ikke, at Johannes tvivler på evangeliet om riget. Han spørger kun for at forsikre sine disciple, som også er mine disciple. Johannes er ikke nogen svækling. Lad mig spørge jer, der hørte Johannes prædike, før Herodes satte ham i fængsel: Hvad så I i Johannes—et siv, der blev rystet af vinden? En mand med omskifteligt humør og klædt i bløde klæder? Som regel er de, der er smukt klædt, og som lever fint, ved kongernes hoffer og i de riges palæer. Men hvad så du, da du så Johannes? En profet? Ja, siger jeg jer, og meget mere end en profet. Om Johannes står der skrevet: ‘Se, jeg sender mit sendebud for dit ansigt; han skal bane vejen for dig.		144:8.3 (1626.8) Jesus paused to say to John’s friends: “Go back and tell John that he is not forgotten. Tell him what you have seen and heard, that the poor have good tidings preached to them.” And when Jesus had spoken further to the messengers of John, he turned again to the multitude and said: “Do not think that John doubts the gospel of the kingdom. He makes inquiry only to assure his disciples who are also my disciples. John is no weakling. Let me ask you who heard John preach before Herod put him in prison: What did you behold in John—a reed shaken with the wind? A man of changeable moods and clothed in soft raiment? As a rule they who are gorgeously appareled and who live delicately are in kings’ courts and in the mansions of the rich. But what did you see when you beheld John? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet. Of John it was written: ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face; he shall prepare the way before you.’
144:8.4 (1627.1) “Sandelig, sandelig siger jeg jer: Blandt dem, der er født af kvinder, er der ikke opstået en større end Johannes Døberen; men den, der kun er lille i Himmeriget, er større, fordi han er født af ånden og ved, at han er blevet en Guds søn.”		144:8.4 (1627.1) “Verily, verily, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen a greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is but small in the kingdom of heaven is greater because he has been born of the spirit and knows that he has become a son of God.”
144:8.5 (1627.2) Mange, der hørte Jesus den dag, underkastede sig Johannes’ dåb og bekendte derved offentligt, at de var kommet ind i riget. Og Johannes’ apostle var fast knyttet til Jesus fra den dag og frem. Denne begivenhed markerede den virkelige forening af Johannes’ og Jesu tilhængere.		144:8.5 (1627.2) Many who heard Jesus that day submitted themselves to John’s baptism, thereby publicly professing entrance into the kingdom. And the apostles of John were firmly knit to Jesus from that day forward. This occurrence marked the real union of John’s and Jesus’ followers.
144:8.6 (1627.3) Efter at budbringerne havde talt med Abner, tog de af sted til Machaerus for at fortælle alt dette til Johannes. Han blev meget trøstet, og hans tro blev styrket af Jesu ord og Abners budskab.		144:8.6 (1627.3) After the messengers had conversed with Abner, they departed for Machaerus to tell all this to John. He was greatly comforted, and his faith was strengthened by the words of Jesus and the message of Abner.
144:8.7 (1627.4) Denne eftermiddag fortsatte Jesus med at undervise og sagde: “Men hvad skal jeg sammenligne denne generation med? Mange af jer vil hverken tage imod Johannes’ budskab eller min undervisning. I er som de børn, der leger på markedspladsen, og som kalder på deres kammerater og siger: ‘Vi spillede for jer, og I dansede ikke; vi klagede, og I sørgede ikke.’ Og sådan er det med nogle af jer. Johannes kom hverken spisende eller drikkende, og de sagde, at han havde en djævel. Menneskesønnen kommer og spiser og drikker, og de samme mennesker siger: ‘Se, en frådser og en vindrikker, en ven af toldere og syndere!’ Sandelig, visdom retfærdiggøres af sine børn.		144:8.7 (1627.4) On this afternoon Jesus continued to teach, saying: “But to what shall I liken this generation? Many of you will receive neither John’s message nor my teaching. You are like the children playing in the market place who call to their fellows and say: ‘We piped for you and you did not dance; we wailed and you did not mourn.’ And so with some of you. John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said he had a devil. The Son of Man comes eating and drinking, and these same people say: ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!’ Truly, wisdom is justified by her children.
144:8.8 (1627.5) “Det ser ud til, at Faderen i himlen har skjult nogle af disse sandheder for de vise og hovmodige, mens han har åbenbaret dem for børn. Men Faderen gør alting godt; Faderen åbenbarer sig for universet med de metoder, han selv har valgt. Kom derfor, alle I, som arbejder og er tynget af byrder, og I skal finde hvile for jeres sjæle. Tag det guddommelige åg på jer, og I vil opleve Guds fred, som overgår al forstand.”		144:8.8 (1627.5) “It would appear that the Father in heaven has hidden some of these truths from the wise and haughty, while he has revealed them to babes. But the Father does all things well; the Father reveals himself to the universe by the methods of his own choosing. Come, therefore, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and you shall find rest for your souls. Take upon you the divine yoke, and you will experience the peace of God, which passes all understanding.”
9. Johannes døberens død ^top		9. Death of John the Baptist ^top
144:9.1 (1627.6) Johannes Døberen blev henrettet efter ordre fra Herodes Antipas om aftenen den 10. januar år 28 e.Kr. Næste dag hørte nogle af Johannes’ disciple, som var taget til Machaerus, om henrettelsen, og da de gik til Herodes, bad de om at få hans lig, som de lagde i en grav og senere begravede i Sebaste, hvor Abner boede. Den følgende dag, den 12. januar, tog de nordpå til Johannes’ og Jesu apostles lejr nær Pella, og de fortalte Jesus om Johannes’ død. Da Jesus hørte deres beretning, afviste han folkemængden og kaldte de fireogtyve sammen og sagde: “Johannes er død. Herodes har halshugget ham. Gå i aften ind til et fælles råd og ordn jeres sager i overensstemmelse hermed. Der skal ikke være nogen forsinkelse længere. Tiden er inde til at forkynde riget åbent og med kraft. I morgen tager vi til Galilæa.”		144:9.1 (1627.6) John the Baptist was executed by order of Herod Antipas on the evening of January 10, a.d. 28. The next day a few of John’s disciples who had gone to Machaerus heard of his execution and, going to Herod, made request for his body, which they put in a tomb, later giving it burial at Sebaste, the home of Abner. The following day, January 12, they started north to the camp of John’s and Jesus’ apostles near Pella, and they told Jesus about the death of John. When Jesus heard their report, he dismissed the multitude and, calling the twenty-four together, said: “John is dead. Herod has beheaded him. Tonight go into joint council and arrange your affairs accordingly. There shall be delay no longer. The hour has come to proclaim the kingdom openly and with power. Tomorrow we go into Galilee.”
144:9.2 (1627.7) Tidligt om morgenen den 13. januar 28 e.Kr. tog Jesus og apostlene, ledsaget af omkring 25 disciple, derfor til Kapernaum og overnattede i Zebedæus’ hus.		144:9.2 (1627.7) Accordingly, early on the morning of January 13, a.d. 28, Jesus and the apostles, accompanied by some twenty-five disciples, made their way to Capernaum and lodged that night in Zebedee’s house.