Old Testament Lesson 2: Thou Wast Chosen Before Thou Wast Born

"Grand Universe" by Gary Tonge (click on picture to enlarge)

Take a minute to really look at and enjoy this picture.
What do you see? 
If you are like me then you will probably recognize the earth and the moon and the sun and the stars but not much else.



What does it inspire within you? How does it make you feel? Again if you are anything like me, you will probably feel a little awe-struck; maybe a little insignificant or overwhelmed by our nothingness; maybe somewhat mystified, amazed and inspired; and even a desire to learn more about this grand universe. 
Remember this is just a picture. 
Now imagine if you got to see all of this in person.
Abraham did. 
And much much more...in person...with God as his tour guide!
 
What we will study today is amazing. What we learn will not be new to those of the LDS faith but it is profound and when understood within the framework of the lesson that the Lord God taught Abraham, it is truly inspiring.

The Lesson (part A)
So let's get to the lesson itself, Abraham 3:22-23.  
What are some of the things we learn, directly or indirectly, from this well-known passage of scripture? I have added a few insights from the text and some questions of my own that came to mind as I studied this week (I have not included answers to these questions) - they are questions that I hope will motivate a search of the scriptures and give you pause to ponder.

• Before the world was created there were intelligences, they were organized and among them were many noble and great ones. 
  (Who were they and how did they get to be noble and great? (cf D&C 138:38-57) What did others do or not do that they did not become so noble or so great? What does it mean when they say they were "organized"?)
• In this pre-earthly state, God saw these intelligences and saw that they were "good". 
  (What did He mean when he said they were "good"? Is this the same kind of "good" as when speaking of His creations where he declares them to be "good"?)
• God stood in the midst of them and said that he would make them his "rulers". 
  (What is the significance of God standing in the midst of them?)
• Abraham is told that he is one of those noble and great ones and that he was chosen before he was born. 
  (What does that mean to be chosen? We hear about being "called" and being "chosen" as two different stages. Was Abraham really chosen already at this point prior to earth life - if so what had he done to warrant such trust? Could he lose that trust once it was gained? Was Moses saved from the Nile and Abraham saved from the wicked priest of Elkanah because they were chosen? If Abraham was chosen before he was born into this earthly life, is it possible for us to be "chosen" before we die and move into our next level of existence?)

Personal Application
All of this insight and these questions can lead us to a deeper understanding about our own lives before we came to earth and the purpose of our lives here on earth. For example, knowing that 

1. there seemed to be an organized system that allowed each of us to develop based on ability and merit 
2. our development in pre-earth life qualified us for certain roles and blessings on earth...

...can help us more fully understand our individual purpose here today and what we might need to do to qualify for blessings after our earthly existence. 

President Harold B. Lee, in his last general conference address in October 1973, made this observation regarding the blessing we are born into in this life:

"All these rewards were seemingly promised, or foreordained, before

the world was. Surely these matters must have been determined by the

kind of lives we had lived in that premortal spirit world. Some may

question these assumptions, but at the same time they will accept

without any question the belief that each one of us will be judged when

we leave this earth according to his or her deeds during our lives here

in mortality. Isn't it just as reasonable to believe that what we have

received here in this earth life was given to each of us according to

merits of our conduct before we came here?"

 
Also, knowing God's definition of "good" and "noble" and "great" can help us know what to strive for. It seems one of the tests of this life is finding our true character - that being who we once were when we lived in the presence of God and before we took on this natural, mortal man.
One of the ways we can do that is with the aid of a patriarchal blessing.
Patriarchal blessings are a wonderful way to rediscover who we really were (and truly are) and identify the work the Lord has for us. They are a vital tool in helping us rise above the mortal mud-pit of mediocrity that we wallow in so often. I would encourage you to seek one as soon as possible and if you already have one I would encourage you to revisit it at least weekly, if not daily.

Ezra Taft Benson taught,

“God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the second coming of the Lord. Some individuals will fall away; but the kingdom of God will remain intact to welcome the return of its head—even Jesus Christ. While our generation will be comparable in wickedness to the days of Noah, when the Lord cleansed the earth by flood, there is a major difference this time. It is that God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest children, who will help bear off the kingdom triumphantly. …
“… Make no mistake about it—you are a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time than there is of us” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 104–5).

What does this quote (coupled with what we have learned in Abraham 3) suggest about our performance in the pre-existence? How does that make you feel about yourself? 

For those with patriarchal blessings may I suggest the following:
Study your patriarchal blessing and identify the characteristics you developed pre-earth and are now blessed with in this life. 
As you read your blessing identify instructions you have been given for this mortal life.
Using your patriarchal blessing identify what blessings you have been promised.

It is my sincere belief that we are greater than we realize, stronger than we suppose and capable of more than we currently imagine. This is the very same lesson Abraham learned here in chapter 3.

The Lesson (part B)
The other main passage of scripture we are asked to study in this lesson is Moses 4:1-4. 
In this particular passage of scripture Moses is taught a little bit more about Satan.  
What are some of the things we learn, directly or indirectly, from this passage of scripture?

• Satan was with us originally when we learned of Heavenly Father's plan for us. 
  (What status did Satan have among us before he failed his first estate? Was Satan "chosen" for his role? If so, what qualified him?)
• Satan volunteered to be our Saviour and Redeemer and promised everyone would be saved. (How did we feel when we first heard him volunteer? Were we enticed even a little by the prospect of guaranteed success? Do we see guaranteed salvation anywhere else in scriptures or modern day religions today? What is the problem with this philosophy when comparing it to God's purpose for us?)
• Satan wanted the glory for himself. 
  (Was he suggesting God "retire"? He wanted God's honour, was the intention here a coup or a child seeking attention? What specifically was he after when he stated his condition of "give me thine honour"?)
• Satan rebelled and sought to destroy the "agency of man" and was cast down by the power of Jesus Christ. 
  (Was Satan the first to rebel or did others put him up to it? If Satan was cast down, where was he cast down to before the earth was created? Was there a pre-mortal prison? Does the phrase "cast down" suggest a process, consequence as natural as those that went the other way and became noble and great?)
• Satan became the devil and leads us captive at his will if we don't listen to God. 
  (It says he deceives and blinds men or in other words takes away light (cf D&C 93:39). What does it mean when it says he leads us away captive "at his will"? If disobedience takes away light, does obedience add light? Does this measure of light denote our goodness, our nobility, our greatness?)

So despite all the deep questions and insights that can come from serious pondering of the text, the principles learned in this lesson are simple:

1. Before the world was, there were organized intelligences that varied in nobility and greatness. Abraham was one of the noble and great ones and because of his goodness was "chosen" before he came to earth to perform a task here on earth and to be a ruler here on earth.
2. Before the world was, there were organized intelligences that varied in nobility and greatness. Satan was not so noble or great and eventually because of his ego or pride or greed or all three, he rebelled and was cast down to become the father of all lies, the devil.

 I don't know about you but I am fascinated by the contrast between these two stories. The church leadership, in asking us to study these two passages together, seem to want us to learn something. What do you think it is? Again I don't think this is a deep lesson. I think it is a very simple principle that even a child could understand but it is taught beautifully by contrasting Abraham's choices and elevation with Satan's choices and drastic fall. And the lesson is explained plainly by Thomas S Monson, who said simply,

“The choices we make determine our destiny.”

That right there is the lesson. It's a simple lesson but it is an eternal lesson. It is as true today as it will be after this life and as it was before this life. Abraham's choices helped him progress. Satan's choices stunted his growth.

Epilogue
Now what has all this got to do with the stars and planets and the universe at the beginning of Abraham 3?
The first part of Abraham 3 is not read nearly as much as the verses we studied just now. That is understandable as those verses 22-23 really are the point of the lesson but join me in reading the first part of the chapter and together lets discover how the Lord actually taught Abraham this principle. I think, like me, you will find a new depth of appreciation regarding this principle.

Firstly to dispel any notion that these two teaching moments are unrelated let's compare a couple of the verses: v.2-3 with v.22-23  
What similarities do you see between these two passages?
STARS/PLANETS:

• Abraham saw the stars
• one was near throne of god
• many great ones near it
• these are the governing ones
• name of the great one is Kolob
• I have set this one to govern all things that are of the same order upon which thou standest

INTELLIGENCES:

• saw intelligences
• one like unto God
• God in the midst of them
• many noble and great ones
• These I will make my rulers

Who is the one "near the throne of God" or "like unto God"?

Now let us also compare v.6-9 with v.19 
What similarities do you see between these verses?
STARS/PLANETS

• two facts exist
• where there are two planets one greater than the other, another greater exists above them.
• there is a planet that governs them all

INTELLIGENCES

• two facts exist
• where there are two intelligences one greater than the other, another greater exists above them.
• there is an intelligence that governs them all

Who is represented by the planet that governs them all and is the intelligence that governs them all? 
 
And if you have any doubt still that the Lord wanted Abraham to draw a parallel between what he saw in the stars and what he saw when shown the intelligences, then read v.18. The word "howbeit" can be translated in our modern language as "Just as.." IN other words just as he made the greater star so too intelligences follow the same pattern.

The Lord has just taught Abraham about the order of the universe, and I dont know if you noticed but he also taught him about the space and time continuum and about the theory of relativity that Einstein rediscovered thousands of years later! That in itself is incredible. But in doing so He has also taught him about the order of intelligences. Do you see what he was teaching Abraham here? There is order and there is progression. It's as if he is telling Abraham, "Some intelligences are not as near to me yet as others. You Abraham, are close. You are not there yet. But you are close. I have a work for thee. You are called to rule over many. How many? Oh yes that's why I brought you out at at night (v.14). Look again at all those stars. Count them. As many as you can count and see and more, they will be your seed, will be under your rulership and governance. This my son, is your heritage. You can progress. Because that is what this whole universe is about. Order and Progression. If you are obedient you will progress and become like me and have all that I have."

Can you imagine that scene? Can you imagine being there being taught this same lesson as Abraham by the Lord. Can you imagine the Lord addressing you "My son. my son" or "My daughter, my daughter" (v.12). I imagine myself a few planets down the pecking order from Abraham but in the same way I imagine the Lord teaching me my potential and showing me my heritage there on that warm summer night with the stars shining brightly, innumerable in the heavens, as they do when there is no light from this mortal sphere to mask them.

And the lesson to us is that it matters not where we come in the order of things as long as we are part of that order and do not rebel against that order. For if we rebel we fall out of order and are no longer governable. But we also should know that no matter where we currently stand in that order, our Heavenly Father wants us to progress and become like Him. And as Thomas S Monson reminded us,

"Our choices determine our destiny."

If you wish to ponder this more cross reference this whole lesson with Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-21


Additional Study points:

v.20 why is this verse in here? It seems so out of place. Is it telling Abraham that God is the most intelligent being and was therefore able to deliver him from the priests of Elkenah? Or is it maybe helping Abraham see how special he is to God: I, the most intelligent being, the intelligence you must worship and praise and aspire to be like; I still, for all that greatness, care for you, love you and won't let anyone hurt you. I will deliver you from evil?

v.28 when you consider the things we have learned today and the great ideological battle that was fought AND when you consider with that how everyone living around us once chose the same choice we did and fought along side us, does it not make you feel more responsible for helping them "remember"?

In regards to the great lessons in astrophysics Abraham received, Spencer W. Kimball noted,

"Is it not thrilling to know that the prophets knew long ago that the earth is but one of numerous planets created and controlled by God! That knowledge came because faith and righteousness opened the door to revelation. It is from this perspective that we teach the truth that the Church is the greatest institution of learning in the world. The Church is designed to enlarge and develop the powers of our spirits, to educate us for eternity and to help us live intelligently and joyfully in mortality. The gospel and its teachings lead us to Christlike living, which in turn leads us not only toward exaltation but toward knowledge.

Of all the treasures of knowledge, the most truly vital is the knowledge of God, of his existence, his powers, his love, and his promises. Through this knowledge, we learn that our great objective in life is to build character. In fact, we learn that the building of faith and character is paramount, for character is higher than intellect, and perfect character will be continually rewarded with increased intellect." ("Seek Learning Even by Study and Also by Faith," Ensign, Sept. 1983, 4-5)

In this chapter we are referred to as intelligences, some brighter than others, but all capable of perfect brightness eventually, eternally. For further study on intelligences, their definition and make up, read Doctrine and Covenants 88 and 93. Its fascinating and is another step closer to understanding who we really are. It is literally enlightening! Is it any wonder then that the Lord used the lights in the heavens to explain intelligences to Abraham?

Below are my basic notes I took in trying to understand Abraham 3. It may help your study but I also included it here as I find when I am struggling to understand a chapter, writing a simple summary of each verse helps me focus and often reveals meaning to me. Of course, where any learning is concerned (especially scripture) this should also be coupled with prayer and pondering.
Abraham 3:

1. Abraham has Urim and Thummin
2. Saw stars; they were very great; one near throne of god; many great ones near it
3. These are the governing ones; great one near me called Kolob; it governs all in its sphere
4. Reckoning of Lords/Kolobs/earths time 1000:1
5. Lesser light greater than earth but lesser than sun
6. These two facts exist: given to thee to know times of reckoning, and set times
7. Moon has longer set time as to reckoning of earth time
8. Fact=creation and where these two creations exist, there is a greater one above it.
9. This reckoning continues all the way to Kolob (which is near God and his reckoning)
10. Given to thee to know all the set times of stars up to near to God
11. Abraham talked with god face to face and was taught all of his works
12. My son my son – then shown all the works
13. Shinehah=sun; Kokob=star; Olea=moon; Kokeaubeam=stars in the sky
14. Vision at night; promises his seed shall be as the stars he sees (or sands)
15. Showing Abraham to teach Egyptians
16. If two things exist and one is greater than the other then another greater exists above that; Kolob is greatest of what he has seen as it is nearest Him
17. There is more above the earth and moon; if God commits to do it he will do it
18. Just like the stars, intelligences also are never ending, eternal, there is always further to go.
19. These two facts exist: there are two intelligences one greater than the other and there is a greater intelligence above them. God is greater than them all
20. God delivered thee from priests of Elkanah
21. I am come to declare my works and be in the midst of them governing them all. In the beginning I was in the midst of the intelligences you saw.
22. Abraham had been shown the organized intelligences, in those intelligences he saw many noble and great ones.
23. Noble and great chosen because they were “good”. Abraham is one.
24. One among them like unto God; confirmation of commitment to follow through with creation “We will”
25. Prove them now – test of obediance
26. 1^st estate=added upon; those that don’t  shall not have glory in the same kingdom; 2^nd estate=glory added upon their heads forever and ever
27. Who shall I send? 2 replies of “send me”. 1^st chosen
28. 2^nd angry did not keep 1^st estate; many followed.

Old Testament Lesson 1: This Is My Work and My Glory

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $100 bill. In the room of 200, he asked. "Who would like this $100 bill?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $100 to one of you - but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the 100 dollar note up. He then asked. "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "what if I do this?" He dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $100.
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless; but no matter what happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.

Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you. The worth of our lives comes, not in what we do for work or who we know in life, but by ...WHO WE ARE. You are special - don't ever forget it."
                                                  _____________________

In Moses 1 we read of 3 encounters Moses had - 2 with the Lord God Almighty and 1 with the not-so-almighty Satan. A careful reading of these three encounters will give us a better understanding of who we are.

This account could be viewed as a college course split into 3 semesters/terms. The first semester of this Life Prep 101 course is in-class tutoring on self-identity. The second semester is a field test ensuring that the study and knowledge of the first semester is truly learned. If you pass the second semester successfully you return for a 3rd semester - of more in-class tutoring that covers the purpose of creation and life.

Life Prep 101:
           Semester          Scripture                         Location                   Course Material
               1                Moses 1:1-11     "an exceeding high mountain"            Identity
               2                Moses 1:12-23           "fell unto the earth"                   Field Test
               3                Moses 1: 24-42             "in the mount"                 Purpose of Creation

Like any good student, Moses is also instructed to take notes (see v.40). As we study the Old Testament together this year, may I suggest that we also take notes. Get a book or create a blog or just start a Word document in which you write your thoughts, your questions, your discoveries. It is not only a great way to reinforce learning and find greater truths but it will stand as a witness to your family and your children in years and generations to come.

Semester 1 - Identity Moses1:1-11
If this is about who Moses is, why does it start off with who the Lord is?
What 4 points does Moses learn about who he is? 

• "thou art my son"
• "I have a work for thee"
• "thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten"
• "man is nothing"

What is the difference between the first three points and the last point? 
The first three points are what the Lord teaches, the final point is Moses' conclusion from the lesson.
Could we rephrase the last point to give a clearer understanding of what Moses learned here?
Maybe, without God, man is nothing. With God, we are everything. And I wonder if this lesson is part of why the Lord began by teaching Moses of himself. Understanding that in and of ourselves we are nothing is pointless and demoralizing unless we also realize that we are not alone - and not only that but that He who is with us is dedicated to us and our growth despite being the God of all creation.

Semester 2 - Field Test Moses 1:12-23
At what point and where did Satan try to teach Moses? 
Moses is now at a lower point physically and geographically. He has descended from the mountain and is on the earth and has been weakened physically. Satan then comes calling. Likewise Satan will often try to tempt us at our lowest points: physically, emotionally and spiritually. An additional point to note is that he will also attempt to distract and tempt us when we are closest to our moments of growth and learning.
How did this differ from when and where the Lord God chose to teach Moses? 
The Lord God lifts Moses up onto "an exceedingly high mountain"and shared his glory with him to enable his learning. Likewise, the Lord God always seeks to inspire us and lift us when teaching us. The result is that under the Lord's guidance and teaching, Moses "greatly marveled"while under Satan's tutelage, Moses "began to fear" and "saw the bitterness of hell". On that recommendation, I know which instructor I would sign up for.

What 3 points does Satan try to teach Moses?

• you are "son of man"
• "worship me"
• "I am the Only Begotten"

Did you notice the similarities and contrasts between the Lord God's lessons and Satan's?  
Both try to teach Moses his identity:
But one teaches Moses he is of divine origin. The other teaches Moses he is of mortal origin.

Both have an instruction for Moses:
But one teaches Moses he has a purpose and a work for him. The other teaches Moses that his only purpose is to worship Satan.

Both speak to Moses of the Only Begotten:
But one teaches Moses he is like the Only Begotten. The other teaches Moses that Satan himself is actually the Only Begotten.

In all of the Lord's teaching, Moses is uplifted and taught he is better than he thought. In all of Satan's teaching Moses is belittled and Satan instead elevates himself to be central to the message. Who would you prefer as a teacher?

I suspect that when Satan was delivering his initial message to Moses he was more enticing and likeable than he comes across in our scriptures. In our day, he would maybe sound something more like, "Moses, my friend, we are all human. It's natural to enjoy all of these fun things around you. Live a little. Enjoy life. You only live once. I'll look after you. I am the God of this world. I have untold power to protect you. Worship me and we will have fun together."

Now this Semester was titled the Field Test. If this is a test, what was Moses' test and how did he answer the questions asked of him? The test was to simply see if he had learned and believed in what he had been taught and would be obedient to this knowledge. When Satan comes teaching an opposite view Moses answers Satan's proposals with the knowledge he has learned:

1. I'm not just mortal - "I am a son of God in the similitude of the Only Begotten"
2. God is glorified - He glorified and changed me and created the whole world and everything in it and there is no other God. What have you done? You, Satan, do nothing for me. "Where is thy glory?"
3. There is more to learn  - "I have other things to inquire of him"

Satan's answer to Moses' knowledge is, as Jeffrey Holland calls it, "both pathetic and frightening". Claiming he is the Only Begotten, Satan tries to display his power with ranting and shouting in a hope that the noise and special effects will distract and shake Moses from his sure foundation of knowledge. For a moment is seems to work, as Moses "began to fear exceedingly". But this is where we see the real test and the real answer. You see repeating knowledge will only get us so far. When the tides and the temptations of the world are raging against us and our knowledge is tested (even our very knowledge of who the Saviour really is), when our mortal limits are reached - what do we do? We call upon God and in doing so, like Moses, we will be strengthened against whatever temptation is besetting us. Satan cannot withstand the power of a consistent prayer from a sincere heart. He can stand toe to toe with you and argue facts and twist knowledge but he cannot withstand the power that comes through prayer.

And the result of Moses prayer has to be one of the greatest tantrums on record. "Satan cried with a loud voice, weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth." What a performance! This guy's ambition and pride and desperation are ridiculous - he really, really wanted to be the Chosen One! (cf Moses 4:1 "I will be they Son"). It's so tragic and sad, it's pitiful.

But one other thing of note is to be learned from this 2nd semester field test. After Moses' prayer and after Satan's tantrum something happened that is very relevant to us: Satan "departed hence, even from the presence of Moses, that he beheld him not".

We all know the things that tempt us, individually. Imagine your life without just one of those temptations. One of the hardest things in this life is having to face a constant barrage of these things. Whether it be greed, word of wisdom, law of chastity, gambling - whatever the temptation is, the lesson we learn from Moses is that through prayer we can banish these temptations so that we "behold them not". Half the battle is having those things in front of you all the time and yet with simple sincere prayer we can receive the strength to banish them from our presence so that we behold them not. 

From personal experience I know this to be true. Despite whatever desire or determination we may have individually, prayer allows us to tap into divine powers that we just do not have if acting alone.

Semester 3 - Purpose of Creation Moses 1:24-42
Notice at the beginning of this semester Moses is given a refresher on what he learned in the first semester. Whether it is that he has had time to study, or his field test gave him greater understanding, or the refresher helped him see things differently, but Moses uses this refresher to ask two questions.
What are the two questions Moses asks at the beginning of this semester? (v.30)
Why do these worlds and we people exist?
How did you make them?
How does the Lord answer Moses' questions?
The simple answers are that he created them by "the word of my power" which he then defines as Christ. He also declares the reason in verse 39. A verse that is quoted verbatim by many Saints every week in lessons and sacrament meetings: "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man".

When Moses asks his questions did you notice the change in teaching style and location. At first, when he starts the semester off, he is being taught by vision and a voice (v.25-27). But as soon as he asks his questions it becomes personalized tutoring again (v.31): he is brought into the presence of God and is now, once more, talking with God "face to face". I'm not sure if there is a deeper relevance but it just demonstrates for me so effectively how much God loves us. I'm sure he has many methods of teaching us, from angels, and symbols and visions and the spirit and I'm sure with all his worlds and creations there is a lot to do and yet he takes the time to visit with Moses personally on this. And in so doing re-emphasizes the answer to Moses question. Why does this all exist? Because YOU are my existence! This is my work and my glory - my purpose, my raison d'etre, - to bring to pass your growth. My whole purpose is YOU!
It's not a great comparison but it reminds me so much of a child wanting to get the attention of their dad and the great satisfaction they get when their dad picks them up, looks them in the eye and says "I love you". Aside from the doctrinal learning here, underlying it all I just feel this great big "I love you" when I read these verses.

The reality is these verses are just the start of his third semester and in the coming weeks we will study more of what Moses learned from his Life Prep 101 course with the rest of the books of Moses. But there is no doubt that front and centre to all that is to come, Moses, Adam, the children of Israel, you and me, each one of us individually are His work and His glory. To me this beginning of scripture is an overwhelming testimony to the love God has for us. There is great doctrinal depth to be learned as you study these verses but if you are to gain nothing more than a testimony of His love for you personally and your worth to Him personally, you will be richer than most people alive today.

Additional study points:

• v.22 and v.41 I imagine of all the scripture that exists this chapter is one of the most damaging to Satan and his cause. Not only does it clearly contrast his character with God's but it clearly shows his battle plan against the Saints. And it shows how to defeat him. AND it shows him in his true non-divine like character: a sulking, desperate egotist who is unwilling to accept truth and who takes defeat really badly. Is it any wonder that he worked so hard to remove and hide these verses from the world?
• Comparing v.6 with v.25, I sense that these are parallel verses. They teach the very same thing in different ways with one exception. The same thing they teach in principle is that Moses is special: "my son" and "blessed". They teach that he is like the Saviour: "in similitude of mine Only Begotten" and "thou shalt be made stronger than many waters; for they shall obey thy command". They teach that there is only one God: "there is no God beside me" and "as if thou wert God"(implying he is not actually God - as there is only one God). But I sense one difference. In v.6 the Lord God tells him "I have a work for thee". It is an invitation to Moses. However in v.25 we see a change "I, the Almighty, have chosen thee and thou shalt be..."This is no longer an invitation. Moses answered the call and was found worthy in the second semester field test when he overcame the encounter with Satan through knowledge and prayer. Like all who are called, they must then qualify for the work. We are told that only a few do. But those few become "chosen". (cf D&C 4:3,5; D&C 121:34-36).
• v.25 There seems to be a deep link with water throughout Moses life. Moses name in Hebrew is Moshe (my 5 yr old son thinks Moses liked mashed potato because his Hebrew name sounds like it!). Moshe means to draw from and is a reference to the fact that he was drawn from the waters of the Nile as a baby. I believe this verse here in Moses 1 alludes not only to his overcoming the fate of other male babies of his day who were drowned in the Nile but also to his parting of the Red Sea and his producing water from the rock at Horeb. I would be fascinated to know if anyone else has studied more into this aspect of Moses' life. It is of course another facet wherein he was in similitude of the Saviour who is the Living Water and held power over the waves of the sea.
• Looking at the chapter in macro, you can also see a very simple portrayal of the basic tenets of the plan of salvation. We start in God's presence where we learn of our mission. We then come to earth where we experience the frailties of mortality and are tempted and tested as to our faithfulness. Eventually, if we are faithful we are able to return to God's presence as his chosen people to continue in learning and growing. This is alluded to in the beginning where it is as if Moses is already in the exceeding high mountain (v.1) and then after this is sent to earth (v.9) and once he passes the test he is caught up to return to God's presence (v.31).