5/8/2017 - Section 24: Preface

May 8, 2017

Section 24:Preface

Persecution, Comfort How the Lord Provides, Seek the Lord in All Times, Priesthood Power,

The student manual speaks of increased persecution, particularly of the leaders of the newly organized church. In the previous Section 23, it states that while visiting Colesville, and spending time in the Joseph Knight Sr’s home. (Joseph Knight Sr –not a member at that time had come to JS (along with Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum, Samuel and Joseph Smith Sr) to seek revelation from the Lord for themselves—Section 23 came as a result of their request.) Now Joseph Smith had traveled to the Knight’s home. While visiting there, Joseph Smith cast out an evil spirit from Newel Knight, one of Mr Knight’s sons. “Most of those who witnessed the miracle eventually sought baptism. This brought increased opposition from neighbors, some trying to prevent baptisms, others bringing lawsuits against the Prophet based on trumped-up charges. The Prophet was acquitted of the charges but lost much time. Joseph had the responsibility of caring for his family and at the same time leading, counseling, and directing the newly organized Church. After the prophet returned home from Colesville, New York, to his home in Harmony, Pennsylvania, the Lord gave him what is now known as section 24. Joseph did not record a specific reason for this revelation, but the courtroom experiences certainly made him aware that efforts were being made to absorb his time made impede the work of the Restoration.” (p48) The preface in the D&C under section 24 states: “…Though less than four months had elapsed since the Church was organized, persecution had become intense, and the leaders had to seek safety in partial seclusion. The following three revelations [24, 25, 26] were given at this time to strengthen, encourage and instruct them.”  The Lord provides comfort in so many ways. It’s just up to us to seek that comfort. “Ask, and it shall be given.”

3/9/2021 – D&C 24

It has now been four months since the Church was legally organized. Persecution had become intense. There were great efforts to prevent baptisms. Others brought lawsuits against Joseph, and while he was always acquitted of the charges, “it took so much of his time to do so as he was trying to care for his family, and leading, counseling and directing the newly organized Church.” (Student Manual)

This revelation helps the saints with encouragement and instruction and strengthening. 

Joseph is helped—not by removing his duties or assignments from him, but by more specific instructions and promised blessings. The Lord reminds Joseph of his calling, and that Joseph has been delivered from all his enemies. And on the other side of things the Lord reminds Joseph that “thou are not excusable in thy transgressions”. ( v 2) It’s time for Joseph to review his thoughts and actions, and make needed corrections—and these corrections do not mean huge shifts…I believe they are more like ‘fine tuning’. That’s something I am trying to do in prayer at the close of my every day. 

Then Lord tells Joseph explicitly what he should do: “Magnify thine office; and after thou has sowed they fields and secured them, go speedily unto the church which is in Colesville, Fayette and Manchester…” (v 4) The Lord will give us strength for our callings. He also expects us to continue normal life with the performance of our church callings. 

In v 5 the Lord specifically tells Joseph to “…continue calling upon God in my name, and writing the things which shall be given thee by the comforter, and expounding all scriptures unto the Church.” And then the very next verse, I think, is to let Joseph know that all these things are possible for him to do, and do well…and then the Lord adds a caution for those who are following Joseph: “And it shall be given thee in the very moment what thou shalt speak and write, and they shall here it, or I will send unto them a cursing instead of a blessing.”  ( 6) We all have our commandments.

Will this be easy? Probably not, for how else would we grow if we aren’t required to stretch ourselves: “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them unto the end of thy days.” (v 8) I should embroidery that verse!

The Lord then speaks to Oliver Cowdery and tells him that his job will be to declare the gospel. After writing down every word of the Book of Mormon, he certainly knows the truths of the gospel. The Lord’s promise to Oliver in v 11 is beautiful, but also – to me—would be a little frightening: “In me he shall have glory and not of himself, but whether in weakness or in strength, whether in bonds or free” he is to do the work he has been given.” That is a definition of true humility.

And then in v 13 the Lord instructs Oliver: “Require not miracles, except I shall command you…” This is what the student manual said about this verse: “The miracles mentioned by the Lord in verse 13 are identical to the signs mentioned in Mark 16:16–20; Mormon 9:24–25; and Doctrine and Covenants 84:64–72. They are gifts of the Spirit (Holy Ghost) bestowed upon those who believe and obey the gospel of Christ and are intended not to convert people to the truth but to bless those who are already converted. By requiring the person who is in need of a miracle to request it, the scriptures are fulfilled, that is, the miracle is performed in behalf of one who believes and is, therefore, a sign of his faith.” 

It is my prayer that I will be aware of the miracles in my life—aware, and thankful for them—for that increases my joy.