5/24/2018 - Section 100:1-2

May 24, 2018

Section 100: 1-2

Missionary Blessings for Families,

There is great unrest in and around the saints in Missouri, there is much to do in Kirtland, and the Lord called Joseph and Sidney Rigdon to go on a mission. They had been “long absent” from their families. Joseph wrote in his journal on 10/11/1833 “I feel very well in my mind. The Lord is with us, but have much anxiety about my family.” This revelation is dated Oct 12, 1833. Verses 1 says everything we need to know about how missionary work affects our families: “1. Verily (truly), thus saith the Lord unto you, my friends Sidney and Joseph, your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good: for in me there is all power.” And verse 2 defines our role: “2. Therefore, follow me, and listen to the counsel which I shall give unto you.”

The Savior calls them “my friends”. The student manual (236) says “The term ‘friends’, when used by the Lord speaks peace to the souls of those from whom it is intended. It identifies the quality of the relationship between them, for the friend of the Lord knows both Him ad His ways. ….The friend of God is the one for whom the Savior Died (John 15:13)”  Elder M Russell Ballard: “The Lord does bless His missionaries just as surely as they bless the lives of those they teach and baptize. Difficult languages are learned with astonishing speed and skill. Financially strapped families back home find unforeseen means to support their missionaries. Weaknesses becomes strengths, challenges become opportunities, trials become triumphs, and adversity becomes an adventure in the service of the Lord—another fruit of gospel living.” (Our Search for Happiness, p 108)

I have to stop here, I feel I need to write a letter to Alex.