8/31/2018- Section 108:1-8

August 31, 2018

Section 108:1-8

Doubts, Our Standing with the Lord, Promptings, Holy Ghost Following, Obedience, Christ’s Role, Draw Near Unto Me, Companions

I love the history of this section. Lyman Sherman had been one of the members of in Zion’s Camp (1834) as many of the brethren went to give aide to the Missouri saints. In this endeavor, that didn’t evolve as many supposed it would have, there had been many spiritual experiences, as well as many delays and many, many hardships. After Zion’s Camp in Feb 1835, Lyman had been called to be one of the seven presidents of the seventy, and in Nov 1935, he had been released. The day after Christmas, 1935, Lyman came to Joseph asking “to have the word of the Lord through [Joseph Smith] for I have been wrought upon to make known to you my feelings and desires and was promised that I should have a revelation which should make known my duty.” The Smith and Sjodahl commentary speaks about Lyman’s struggle in a way that makes all of us remember times of our struggles in trying to live and to understand the gospel and the church: “From this verse and the two following paragraphs it is evident that Lyman Sherman had passed through one of those mental struggles in which faith is tried to the utmost. It had been a question with him whether to go forward, or to turn back It is evident also, that he had conquered doubt and had determined to continue in the faith. At this stage of the trial it occurred to him that he had sinned by resisting the voice of the Lord, and that perhaps he had lost his standing among the brethren. Tortured by this thought, he heard the voice of the Spirit whispering in his soul and prompting him to visit the prophet and ask for the Word of God through His servant. The very first assurance was, ‘Your sins are forgiven you.’ What comfort! The Prophet knew nothing of the mental struggle through which his visitor had passed, or the condition in which it had left him. And yet he uttered the very word needed to restore peace in the troubled heart. And this word was spoken by one who had the authority in the Priesthood. It was no empty phrase. “ (Smith and Sjodahl, Commentary. P 713.

I read each verse and can so easily apply them to myself. In verse 1, his “sins are forgiven because YOU HAVE OBEYED MY VOICE IN COMING UP HITHER THIS MORNING…” As I seek answers from the Lord, do I assume that my efforts are all that is need, while pushing away those thoughts that will pop into my head thinking that I have already worked on these worries today and it is time to go do other things. How many times does it take me to realize that promptings obeyed promptly bring, not only enlightenment, but more promptings? In v 2, “resist no more my voice.” If I feel that thought comes through, especially at those middle of the night or early morning times when my mind is not occupied with the events of the day, I need to take action immediately. I need to set priorities. I need to jump at the Lord’s bidding. I’ve learned that the Lord helps me when I call, but I’ve also learned that He doesn’t nag me. He communicates with me, and if I respond to that, he will communicate with me on an even deeper level if the problem requires it. V 3 “arise up and be more careful henceforth in observing your vows…and you shall be blessed with exceeding great blessings.” V 4 “Wait patiently…” And then the Lord’s closing words: “Therefore, strengthen, your brethren in all your conversations, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doing. And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you…” This is not one time advice: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; D&C 81:5

9/23/2021 – D&C 108

This is a particularly tender section to me. I did some extra studying about Lyman Sherman’s life, and found a wonderful story of his, and his family’s history—how they found the church and how they lived the gospel. (Who’s Who in the Doctrine & covenants by Susan Easton Black; Family Search.org.) And the things I read about Lyman and his family made his story even more tender to me. 

Lyman’s brother-in-law encouraged Lyman and his family to read the Book of Mormon. He, and his wife Delcena, started reading, which “soon led them to marvel at the simplicity, and purity of what they read, and the spirit which accompanied it, bearing witness to its truth.” (Susan Easton Black)

Lyman was one of the men who joined Zion’s Camp in 1834 to provide relief to the saints who were in the midst of the mob violence in Missouri. A short time later in February 28, 1835, Joseph organized the First Quorum of the Seventy, and Lyman was called to be one of the seven presidents of that quorum. Almost a year later, in December 26, 1835, Lyman came to Joseph. Joseph wrote in his journal that day: “Brother Lyman Sherman came in, and requested to have the word of the Lord through me; ‘for,’ said he, “I have been wrought upon to make known to you my feelings and desires, and was promised that I should have a revelation which should make known my duty.’”

Smith and Sjodahl explained: “From this verse (v 1) and the two following paragraphs it is evident that Lyman Sherman had passed through one of those mental struggles in which faith is tried to the utmost. It had been a question with him whether to go forward, or to turn back. It is evident, also that he had conquered doubt and had determined to continue in the faith…”

The Lord began this revelation with the words: “Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Lyman: Your sins are forgiven you, because you have obeyed my voice in coming up hither this morning to receive counsel of him whom I have appointed.”  The Lord loves us and always stands ready to help us in our spiritual struggles. His first words were spoken to give peace to Lyman and assurance of his Father’s love. For He goes on to say: “…let your soul be at rest concerning your spiritual standing, and resist no more my voice. And arise up and be more careful henceforth in observing your vows, which you have made and do make, and you shall be blessed with exceeding great blessings.” (v 2-3)

The Lord continues by telling Lyman to “wait patiently” (v 4). Our spiritual growth usually does not come the moment we ask for it. But as we work to come closer to the Lord and His expectations, we can gradually begin to feel a warming difference in our hearts and in our minds. Brigham Young taught: “All the sacrifice that the Lord asks of his people is strict obedience to our own covenants that we have made with our God, and that is to serve him with an undivided heart.” 

The Lord then goes on to give Lyman (and us) the directions that will help him the most: “Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversations, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.”  (v 7) He has Lyman focusing on those around him with loving concern. Certainly, Lyman is told to be more careful in obeying the Lord, but he is also told that reaching out and helping others is also the way for us to grow. Christ told the people of his time the very same thing: “love one another as I have loved you”. 

And then His final statement is to assures us: “And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever.” (v 8)