8/30/2017 - Section 68:1-6

August 30, 2017

Section 68: 1-6

Missionary Instructions from Christ, Holy Ghost How To Follow,

In the missionary information we received with our call, we were asked to read the Book of Mormon again prior to the start of our mission. We have begun that task, but it has –at this point here in Bend—affected our study of other scriptures. I am going to continue with my D&C study, but for now it must be done in shorter spurts for we are still here to help Alex and that is taking up a large portion of our days—as it should.

In v 1, 2 & 6: the Lord is explaining what these elders, who have been called to serve missions, are to do, and that is to “proclaim the everlasting gospel, by the Spirit of the living God, from people to people…reasoning with and expounding all scriptures unto them.   And, behold, and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth.    Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.” Our part is that we MUST share those things that come forcibly into our minds—for the Lord knows what they need to hear. We must have faith that the Lord is directing us. It comes back to moving forward into the darkness first, and then the light will shine. I guess it a little like a spiritual motion detector.

6/22/2021 – D&C 68

Several men (Orson Hyde, LukeJohnson, Lyman Johson and William McLellin) had been given new callings of high priests. The Church is still very new. These offices are new to them. They went to Joseph, asking him to ask what the Lord would have them do in these new positions.

The first thing the Lord tells them is to “proclaim the everlasting gospel, by the Spirit of the living God, from people to people, and from land to land…expounding all scriptures unto them.” (v 1) Then in v 3, He gives them further explanation: “And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.”

He is teaching them things that are so new to them! And I love that He follows up with a heavenly pep talk: “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, and that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.” (v 6) That verse brings to mind one of the hymns my granny (Myrtle) used to sing under her breath—‘You’ve got a friend in Jesus”. That is true for all of us. Our spiritual challenge is to work to maintain our side of that friendship.

Christ goes on to remind these men that they now have the authority to do those things that He has asked of them. (v 8)

In v’s 9 & 10, I hear Him saying that those that believe in Him and who take the step to be baptized, which includes the covenant of taking upon us His name…to me that means we take upon us His teachings and make them a part of our very lives. He goes on to tell them that they will be blessed as “it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the signs of the coming of the Son of Man.” (v 11) 

He also speaks to those who ‘believeth not’ and explains that their spiritual growth will be stopped.

The Lord then starts telling them about more positions that will be found in the Church, including some explanations, and some history, of those callings.

Then, in v 25-28, the Lord teaches on an individual level. He focuses on what I feel are our most important duties as a parent.  He speaks of the responsibilities we have in our own homes. ‘And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God….And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.” I pray each day for our wonderful, amazing children to look back on those things there were taught when they were young, and that they see, once again, the beauty and the joy of the gospel.

The Lord ends this section with warning us against the becoming “idlers”, but instead to use our time and efforts in seeking eternal truths. (v 31). His final warning to us is to stay close to Him through our frequent, heartfelt, prayers---with an added assurance to us that “these sayings are true and faithful; wherefore, transgress them not, neither take therefrom.” (v 34)

There is a talk from President Howard Hunter in which he speaks of situations when loved ones decide to leave the church. That talk touched my heart even before some of our children made that very decision to leave the church. I know that their decisions do not change the depth of their goodness here on the earth, but I do worry about the fact that they may have slowed their eternal progressing. My love for them has not changed at all, nor has the love that their Heavenly Father feels for them. But my prayers have increased.