5/9/2017 - Section 24:1-19

May 9, 2017

Section 24:1-19

Callings – Secrets of Succeeding, Missionary Blessings, Miracles, Humility, Dust of your Feet, Holy Ghost Influence Of, Charity to All, Teaching Pruning, Cursing, Missionary Attitude,

Reminder from May 8, 2017: 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 [Sections 24, 25, 26] were given at this time to strengthen, encourage and instruct them.” 

In v’s 5-9 the Lord is giving directions to Joseph that will allow him to complete the tremendous calling that he has been given: “For thou shalt devote all thy service in Zion; and in this thou shalt have strength.   Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days…Attend to thy calling and thus shalt have wherewith to magnify thine office….”  These scriptures spoken to Joseph are spoken to us, too. If we do our work to the best of our ability, the Lord will be with US, and Christ—through the miracle of His atonement—will add to our efforts whatever is lacking. Our only requirement to achieve this help is that we work our hardest and we do our very best—always trying to be better today than we were yesterday.

V 11 speaks to me of true humility: “In me he shall have glory, and not of himself, whether in weakness or in strength, whether in bonds or free.”

V 13: “require not miracles” –p 49 “[Miracles] 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.”

V 15 speaks of shaking off the dust of your feet( found in Matthew 10:14) and explained on p 50: “Cursings as well as blessings may be administered by the power and authority of the priesthood (see D&C 124:93) and include the sealing up of the unbelieving and rebellious to punishment (see D&C 1:8-9). The act of cleansing the feet as a testimony against those who reject the servants of the Lord is an ordinance of cursing and is not just a demonstration that a witness of truth has been given and has been rejected. Through this cleansing ordinance, those who rejected the truth are on their own, and those who preached the gospel to them are no longer responsible for them before the Lord (see D&C 88:81-82). It is apparent in this and other scriptures given later in the D&C that this ordinance is to be performed only when the Lord expressly commands it (see also D&C 75:20-22). Our job is to reach out to all with love and kindness and if we are treated poorly, then we are able to practice our forgiveness. Perhaps it will be the memory of their meanness that will cause them to allow the missionaries who come next to speak in peace. The Lord, alone, judges who will be cursed.

V 19: we are called to prune the Lord’s vineyard. Pruning is hard work that requires knowledge applied with great care and after that: follow-up.