3/27/2018 - Section 88:51-61

March 27, 2018

Section 88:51-61

Christ the Creator, Worlds Without Number, Progression in Eternity, Right Now Importance Of,

The study manual considers verses 51-61 a parable of the many worlds that Christ created (see Moses 1:27-29), and sees these verses as assurance that Christ will come and visit all the worlds He created. And then, from the Journal of Discourses 17:331-32, Elder Orson Pratt: “…By and by, when each of these creations has fulfilled the measure and bounds set and the times given for its continuance in a temporal state, it and its inhabitants who are worthy will be made celestial and glorified together. Then, from that time henceforth and for ever, there will be no intervening veil between God and his people who are sanctified and glorified, and he will not be under the necessity of withdrawing from one to go and visit another, because they will all be in his presence.” That’s something so very interesting to think of, but for me the most important time is the ‘right now’. I must try every moment to keep the commandments and keep my covenants that I might grow—little by little-- in understanding, in spirituality, in happiness and in that deep peace of the gospel.

8/11/2021 – D&C 88:51-73

In v’s 51-60, the Lord gives us a parable, one that is difficult for me to understand. And that’s okay because there will be time enough for me to learn more and to understand more. The Lord knows this of us. In v 61 He calls us “my friends” and lovingly tells us: “…I leave these sayings with you to ponder in your hearts, with this commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near.”

And then he follows with some of my favorite verses. In my past readings of the D&C, verses 63-72 are almost all underlined. The different colored pencils I used, shows the different times I have truly pondered this section. And each time, I see a little better and learn a bit more.

V 63 combines so many of the verses I often repeat in my mind: “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you;” “seek my diligently and ye shall find me;” “ask and ye shall receive;” “know, and it shall be opened uno you.” My trying to follow those instructions, and proving to myself that they work, have enriched my life, and have brought me peace in hard times, and sweetness in all times. 

V 66 tells us that in this life, we cannot see Him, but that is not a problem “because my voice is Spirit; my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound.

Sheri Dew spoke of this part of this section of the D&C. I believe it was in the Oct 1997 General Conference. But wherever it was, I have a portion of that talk: “There are no disclaimers or exceptions in His invitation [in D&C 88:63]. We are the ones who determine whether or not we will come unto Him. The drawing near, seeking, asking, and knocking are up to us. And the more we know about the Lord—meaning the more we experience His mercy, devotion, and willingness to guide us even when we may not feel worthy of His direction—the more confident we become that He will respond to our petitions. …There are many ways to draw near, seek, ask, and knock. If, for example, your prayers offered to Heavenly Father in the name of Christ have become a little casual, would you recommit yourself to meaningful prayer, offered in unrushed solitude and with a repentant heart? If you have not yet come to appreciate the peace and the power of temple worship, would you partake of the ordinances of the house of the Lord as often as your circumstances allow? If you have not yet found that immersion in the scriptures increases your sensitivity to the Spirit, would you consider incorporating the word of God into your life more consistently? Tonight would be a wonderful time to begin.

These efforts and many others increase our connection with Jesus Christ. As our testimony of Him expands and matures, we begin to care more about life forever than life today, and we have no desire but to do what He needs us to do and to live as He has asked us to live”

In v 68 He commands us to “sanctify yourselves”. That means ‘to make holy’. We do this just be trying to be a little bit better today in following His commandments than we were yesterday.