Jesus Christ Will Gather His People (Doctrine and Covenants 29)

This week's Come Follow Me Study of the Doctrine and Covenants covers Section 29. This was revelation given through Joseph Smith to the early leaders of the church on September 26, 1830. I think it's important to note this because it was new information for them. I think about how in the Old Testament, followers of God were given the Law of Moses. Then when the Savior came to earth, he gave them a new, and better law. It was hard for many people to make the switch, that there could be a "better" law when the first one was given divinely, too.

This is why it is important to listen closely to the words of our prophets and understand that modern revelation can change something that was right at the time, but there is something better, now.

In Doctrine and Covenants 29:1-8, the Lord reveals:

1 Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins;

2 Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer.

3 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive these things; but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you.

4 Verily, I say unto you that ye are chosen out of the world to declare my gospel with the sound of rejoicing, as with the voice of a trump.

5 Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom.

6 And, as it is written—Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive.

7 And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;

8 Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked.

I love this imagery of a hen gathering her chickens, or a shepherd gathering his sheep, two analogies that have been used to describe the Savior. 

The Come Follow Me for Sunday School manual asks:

1. How have we experienced Christ gathering and protecting us, like a hen gathers and protects her chickens?

2. How do we gather to the Savior?

As I read those questions, I could help but reflect on the tumultuous year of 2020 and into 2021. During a year where the turmoil and despair around us was heard around the world, I also saw the Lord gathering us. How did he gather us?

1. Through the voice of the prophet
President Russell M. Nelson was awakened one night and prompted to gather the world and share a message, a "simple remedy to help us find joy in hard times - gratitude." President Nelson said, 

"As the inspiration came, specific details, including when and how I should share this message, came to my mind and heart. The video message shared today was not one that came by chance; it is one that came from heaven." ("The Story behind my Global Prayer of Gratitude," Russell M. Nelson)

His Give Thanks message, on the power of gratitude, is one that many prophets and leaders of the church have shared before him. But the the Lord gathered us together, like a hen gathering her chicks, to hear this message at this time when so many of us were weighed down by doubt and despair. I think it's important to see this message in its entirety so rather than quoting from it, the previous link goes to his live message, or you can read the full transcript here.

2. Through the leadership of our General Conference 
I look forward to General Conference next week, as it is an incredible blessing to have the Lord inspire so many people and for us to hear those messages. We have also been encouraged to prepare for conference by thinking in advance what our questions are, so we can hear answer to prayer and receive our own personal revelation as we listen to conference. What an incredible thing!   

One of the messages I want to share, that the scripture about a hen gathering her chickens, was from M. Russell Ballard's talk "Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always." Elder Ballard said, 

"During the past few months I have had the impression come to me that the best way to help the current world situation is for all people to rely more fully upon God and to turn their hearts to Him through sincere prayer. Humbling ourselves and seeking heaven's inspiration to endure or conquer what is before us will be our safest and surest way to move confidently forward through these troubling times."

3. Through service to each other
So many wonderful things have been shared about our ability to minister to each other.  I had three stories from recent General Conference talks pop into my mind, as well as a fourth, personal one:

• Elder Gary E. Stevenson shared the story of a newly baptized member of the Church who suddenly felt like he no longer fit into his ward. His attendance began to decline, and he began to stray from the flock - or the hen, so to speak. A fellow ward member extended a ministering hand to him, and he returned. That man is Elder Carlos A. Godoy, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy. ("Shepherding Souls," Gary E. Stevenson).
  
  
• Elder Carlos A. Godoy shared his story of people that reached out to him and made him feel part of the group. He said, "Brothers and sisters, I believe in angels! We are all here today, a giant army of angels set apart for these latter days, to minister to others as extensions of the hands of a loving Creator." ("I Believe in Angels," Carlos A. Godoy)
  
  
• A woman devastated by divorce was reluctant to attend church alone, where she would be surrounded by whole families. She prayed nobody would speak to her. A young woman looked at her during the meeting, in concern. Still, this woman hoped the young woman would leave her alone. Sister Michelle D. Craig quotes the woman in this story, "During the next hour, I noticed her looking back at me occasionally. As soon as the meeting ended, she made a beeline for me. 'Hi Rozlyn,' I whispered. She wrapped me in her arms and said, 'Sister Smith, I can tell today is a bad day for you. I'm so sorry. I love you.' As predicted, the tears came as she hugged me again. But as I walked away, I thought to myself, 'Maybe I can do this after all.' That sweet 16-year-old young woman ... found me every Sunday for the rest of that year to give me a hug and ask, 'How are you?' ... Someone cared." ("Eyes to See," Michelle D. Craig)
  
  
• When I was a young woman and stopped attending the weekday young women's activity, the young women's leader, Sue, made a special trip to my house, gave me a "return with honor" ring, and told me that she missed seeing me at the activities. Her special trip meant a lot to me (I lived in California, which, unlike Utah, meant that you had to drive to get from one member's house to another.)

How do we gather in unity? 
In General Conference April 2018, Reyna I. Aburto spoke about how we are in a journey together. She quoted Doctrine and Covenants 38:27, "Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine." 

She said,

"Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of unity with His Father. They are one in purpose, in love, and in works, with "the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father." ("With One Accord," Reyna I. Aburto)

She talked about how 

"Miracles happen when the children of God work together guided by the Spirit to reach out to others in need."

I have seen this happen in many places this year, as individuals reach out to help and serve each other. When President Russell M. Nelson was able to get the vaccine for Covid-19 on January 19, he stated on his Instagram account @russellmnelson, 

"We are thankful for the countless doctors, scientists, researchers, manufacturers, government leaders, and others who have performed the grueling work required to make this vaccine available. We have prayed often for this literal godsend. As a former surgeon and medical researcher, I know something of the effort needed to accomplish such a remarkable feat. Producing a safe, effective vaccine in less than a year is nothing short of miraculous."

This is not his full message but he concluded, 

"Receiving the vaccine today was part of our personal efforts to be good global citizens in helping to eliminate Covid-19 from the world."

Wow, what a message! In sharing this message, he came back around to his earlier November message about how gratitude can help with many trials. Look at all the people he recognized and thanked. Then, look at the miracle he recognized, how amazing and incredible it is to have a vaccine available less than a year after the pandemic began to spread. Look at the unity it took among groups for that to happen.

I'm grateful to know that we, as chicks stumbling along the way, doubting when we should have faith, have the Savior that is always willing and wanting to gather us in his arms. He reminds us, in Doctrine and Covenants 29:1-2, "Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins; Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer."

This Palm Sunday, as we head into Easter week, may we remember the message of hope that has been given to us through the Savior Jesus Christ. 

Doctrine and Covenants 27-28: "All Things Must be Done in Order"

 This week's Come Follow Me Study covers Doctrine and Covenants 27-28.

As a recap:

• Doctrine and Covenants 27 - Revelation given in August 1830 - The sacrament, the Armor of God
• Doctrine and Covenants 28 - Revelation given September 1830 - The living prophet is God's mouthpiece for the Church

Doctrine and Covenants 27:15-18 covers the "Armor of God."

15 Wherefore, ^alift up your hearts and ^brejoice, and ^cgird up your loins, and take upon you my whole ^darmor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to ^estand.

16 Stand, therefore, having your loins ^agirt about with ^btruth, having on the ^cbreastplate of ^drighteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the ^egospel of ^fpeace, which I have sent mine ^gangels to commit unto you;

17 Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the ^afiery darts of the wicked;

18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my ^aSpirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be ^bcaught up, that where I am ye shall be ^calso. Amen.

It was reinforced to me as I read this how frequently the Lord reminds us to turn to Him and not take our eyes off the path of righteousness. If we can do this, everything else will work itself out, we can "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." The Lord also reminds us in Doctrine and Covenants 28 that Joseph Smith, as the prophet of the church, is the mouthpiece of the church.

It says in Doctrine and Covenants 28:2, 

"... on one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receveith them even as Moses." 

It says in Doctrine and Covenants 28:4-5, 

"And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it. But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom." 

In General Conference in October 2020, our prophet President Russell M. Nelson reminded us, 

"Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is willing to let God prevail in his or her life. That concept stirs my soul! The wording willing is crucial to this interpretation of Israel. We all have our agency. We can choose to be of Israel or not. We can choose to let God prevail in our lives, or not. We can choose to let God be the most powerful influence in our lives, or not." ("Let God Prevail," Russell M. Nelson)

We are asked to listen to the prophet, and guess what the prophet reminds us to do? Turn the Savior, always, and let God prevail in our lives. 

Today, in answer to prayer, I read these reassuring words from Jeffrey R. Holland,

"... faith means trusting God in good times and bad, even if that includes some suffering until we see His arm revealed in our behalf. That can be difficult in our modern world when many have come to believe that the highest good in life is to avoid all suffering, that no one should ever anguish over anything. But that belief will never us to "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."

Later he adds, 

"And whether that be a short period or a long one is not always ours to say, but by the grace of God, the blessings will come to those who hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ." 

Today's message is short but I hope, reminds you that at the end of it all, we can always look toward Christ, and we can put on the Armor of God to make that path a little easier as those arrows bounce off our armor.

Doctrine and Covenants 23-26 "Strengthen the Church"

 This week's "Come Follow Me" study covered Doctrine and Covenants 23-26, with the theme "Strengthen the Church."

Recap of Scriptures Covered

• Doctrine and Covenants 23 - (April 1830) - Revelation for Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith, Sen., and Joseph Knight, Sen. around specific duties for each of them
• Doctrine and Covenants 24 - (April 1830) - Revelation for Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery "to strengthen, encourage, and instruct" them during a time of intense persecution. (Four months after the church had been organized.)
• Doctrine and Covenants 25 - (April 1830) - Revelation given for Emma Smith, "an elect lady."
• Doctrine and Covenants 26 - (July 1830) - Revelation given for Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer that all things are done by commandment.

Exhort the Church
One of themes in this set of scriptures is that the Lord teaches to exhort.

In Doctrine and Covenants 23, the Lord shares specific duties for some of his faithful followers.

• In 23:4 he says to Samuel H. Smith, "thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church." 
• He then repeats the same words to Joseph in 23:5, "thy calling also is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church."
• Finally, the Lord repeats this in 23:7 to Joseph Knight, "and give your language to exhortation continually." 

Three months later, in July 1830, the Lord gives revelation to Joseph Smith for Emma Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 25:7, where he says:

• "And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit."

What does it mean to exhort? The Google dictionary, which gets its definitions for Oxford Languages, states that to exhort is to "strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something."

When Samuel, Joseph, Joseph Knight, Sen, and Emma were told to exhort the church, did they struggle to grasp how they could do it, or what that meant? Remember, the first copies of the Book of Mormon were not made available to the public until March 1830.  The church was not organized until the same month that many of them were instructed to exhort, in April (with Emma in July).  I would imagine that they had faith but that this was a very new and intimidating thing for them. We have the advantage today of more resources at our fingertips as we study out what it means to exhort. 

For instance, look at the topical guide for "exhort." The references are incredible and eye opening:

Exhort

• See also Exhortation; Warn

• exhorting them to continue in the faith, Acts 14:22.

• he that exhorteth, on exhortation, Rom. 12:8.

• thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, 2 Cor. 9:5.

• we command and exhort by our Lord, 2 Thes. 3:12.

• These things teach and exhort, 1 Tim. 6:2.

• exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine, 2 Tim. 4:2.

• sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince, Titus 1:9.

• exhort, and rebuke with all authority, Titus 2:15.

• exhort one another daily, Heb. 3:13.

• exhorting one another, Heb. 10:25.

• I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying, 1 Pet. 5:12.

• exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, 1 Ne. 8:37.

• exhorting them to all diligence, 1 Ne. 10:2.

• exhort my brethren to faithfulness, 1 Ne. 17:15.

• exhorting all men to come unto God, Omni 1:25.

• exhort you to have patience, Alma 34:40.

• preach, exhort, declare, D&C 19:37.

• to teach, expound, exhort, D&C 20:42 (20:46–47, 50, 59).

• visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray, D&C 20:51.

• ordained … to exhort the church, D&C 25:7.

• scattered remnants are exhorted to return to the Lord, D&C 113:10.

We learn here some of the ways that we can exhort, about long-suffering, diligence, faithfulness, patience, praying, and teaching.

In August 19, 2014, Elder Bednar, speaking at Campus Education Week at Brigham Young University, said, 

"Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth - messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy - and literally to sweep the earth as with a flood." ("To Sweep the Earth as With a Flood," David A. Bednar, Campus Education Week, BYU)

Elder Bednar gives the example of using social media to incrementally "press forward using the Lord's pattern of 'line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little' (2 Nephi 28:30)."

Can we use the ways we connect with people to share things that are lovely and praiseworthy? Can we as members individually add a drop of water to that ocean of good, and help to flood the earth with things that edify and talk of Christ? Absolutely. 

The strength of meekness

One other scripture I want to emphasize, as I think about the power of exhorting with the spirit of meekness, is Doctrine and Covenants 25:5, where the Lord tells Emma, "And the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness." Later, in 25:14, He says, "Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride."

As I studied the word "meekness," it became clear how often today meekness is incorrectly associated with weakness, and wouldn't that be a great plan of wickedness, to try to corrupt something that is good so that it seems shameful, somehow?

Elder David A. Bednar explained:

“The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others” (“Meek and Lowly of Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 32).

Joseph Smith never had an easy life. He came from a poor family and worked hard on the farm. At age 14, when he prayed to know which church was true, he was met with condemnation from "leaders" of churches that somehow, while claiming to be followers of God, thought it was appropriate to persecute a teenager. When they tried to have their first baptisms in the newly organized church, mobs destroyed their baptismal font that they had prepared. The Lord prepared a way but he did not hand it to him on a silver platter, by any stretch of the imagination.

Emma, choosing to marry him, was pulled into a difficult life with a lot of adversity as well. The constant strain of worrying about the safety of her family and especially Joseph Smith, would have been difficult enough. In fact, her mother-in-law, Lucy Mack Smith, said of her, "I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal and patience, which she has always done." (Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual). 

As I read Lucy Mack Smith's description of Emma, Elder Bednar's words came to mind "Meekness is ... strong ... courageous ... restrained ... not easily provoked." 

In March 1983, Neal A. Maxwell explained, 

"Actually, meekness is not an attribute which is essential only in itself, said Moroni. It is also vital because one cannot develop those crucial virtues - faith, hope, and charity - without meekness. In the ecology of the eternal attributes, these cardinal characteristics are inextricably bound up together. Among them, meekness is often the initiator, facilitator, and consolidator." ("Meekness - A Dimension of True Discipleship," Neal A. Maxwell)

In October 2013, Ulisses Soares said of meekness:

"Meekness is vital for us to become more Christlike. Without it we won't be able to develop other important virtues. Being meek does not mean weakness, but it does mean behaving with goodness and kindness, showing strength, serenity, healthy self-worth, and self-control. Meekness was one of the most abundant attributes in the Savior's life. He Himself taught His disciples, 'Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.'" ("Be Meek and Lowly in Heart," Ulisses Soares)

I want to end with one last thought about the beauty of meekness, from Henry B. Eyring:

"Brothers and sisters, the Lord has opportunities near you to feel and to share His love. You can pray with confidence for the Lord to lead you to love someone for Him. He answers the prayers of meek volunteers like you." ("Try, try, Try," Henry B Eyring, October 2018)

As we seek to follow the Lord, exhort as he asks us to do, and follow other commandments that are given to us to guide and protect us, that the Lord will answer "the prayers of meek volunteers."

The Restoration of the Church on Earth

This week's Come Follow Me study covered Doctrine and Covenants 20-22, in April 1830 when the Church of Christ was restored on earth once again. 

A brief reminder of the timing:

• 1820 - At age 14, Joseph Smith went into the woods to pray (Joseph Smith History 1:14-20)
• 1829 - At age 23, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Aaronic Priesthood (Section 13)
• 1830 - At age 24, Joseph Smith gathered with 40-ish believers in the home of Peter Whitmer and organized the church (Section 21)

The Come Follow Me manual references a history of the church called "Build Up My Church" by Jeffrey G. Cannon. It helps bring the experience and story to life, of what was happening in the restoration of the gospel on the earth at that time. It strengthens my testimony and understanding of the gospel as I read this account and picture 40-ish faithful followers of God squeezing into the home of Peter Whitmer, as they partook of the first sacrament of the restored church on earth and experienced something that, I, as someone who grew up learning about the gospel, and grew up attending church regularly, have always known as a part of my life.

Click to enlarge:

I taught Sunday School today, and we talked about the comparison of the full gospel of Christ on earth at this time (above). I want to highlight a couple of points discussed during class today:

• How true it was that the gospel was once again restored on the earth because you can see that having the doctrine, ordinances, priesthood authority, and prophets are the same.
• How slowly the gospel of Christ unfurled in ancient times (as they moved away from the law of Moses) and how relatively quickly the principles of the gospel came forth on the earth today.

In April 2020, President Russell M. Nelson, our prophet of God on the earth today, shared a proclamation, "The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." It's a great time to study this proclamation as we study the restoration of the church on the earth, and what that meant for those who were willing to listen and learn. I love how this proclamation starts with, 

"We solemnly proclaim that God loves his children in every nation of the world." 

In October 2020, President Russell M. Nelson reiterated the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior for us. 

"God does not love one race more than another. His doctrine on this matter is clear. He invites all to come unto Him, 'black and white, bond and free, male and female.'" ("Let God Prevail," Russell M. Nelson, October 2020 General Conference).

The Lord Speaks through Prophets
In Doctrine and Covenants 21:5-6, the Lord says, "For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you ..."

What a blessing it is to have prophets on the earth today, that we can receive the Lord's word "as if from mine own mouth."

President Nelson has given us plenty of advice and encouragement over the last few years. For instance, he told us to in April 2018 that we should be taking more efforts to receive personal revelation. He encouraged us that as we pray and study, that we should write down the feelings and follow through on the promptings that come to our mind. As a result of his guidance, I have a notebook that I keep next to my bed stand and take with me to other parts of the house when I study scriptures. As I read, if something comes into my mind, I write it down. If I am a praying, and have a thought about something, I write it down. I'm not always great or consistent about this, but I am improving. President Nelson has counseloed us that "As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will "grow into the principle of revelation." ("Revelation for the Church, Revelation of Our Lives," Russell M. Nelson, April 2018 General Conference)

Also powerful in the above scripture is that, by following direction from the prophet, "the gates of hell shall not prevail against you."

The theme of "prevailing" has been particularly poignant in a year where the turmoils of individuals around the world are perhaps more shared evident, but where trials and tribulation in one's life are certainly nothing new.

President Nelson said, 

"The Lord is gathering those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives. The Lord is gathering those who will choose to let God be the most important influence in their lives. For centuries, prophets have foretold this gathering, and it is happening right now! As an essential prelude to the Second Coming of the Lord, it is the most important work in the world." ("Let God Prevail," Russell M. Nelson, October 2020 General Conference)

Doctrine and Covenants 20 talks about the organization of the different duties of elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members. 

One thing that I want to emphasize here is that in our all responsibilities, President Uchtdorf said, 

"From the newest ordained deacon to the most senior high priest, we all have lists of what we could and should do in our priesthood responsibilities. That what is important in our work, and we need to attend to it. But it is in the why of priesthood service that we need to discover the fire, passion, and power of the priesthood. The what of priesthood service teaches us what to do. They why inspires our souls. The what informs, but the why transforms." ("The Why of Priesthood Service," Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2012)

While Doctrine and Covenants 20 focuses on the duties of different priesthood callings, its focus, as it says in Doctrine and Covenants 20:38, is also "and members of the church of Christ," including ensuring they are baptized when ready and that they partake of the sacrament. 

The topic guide about priesthood power on www.churchofjesuschrist.org addresses this, quoting from Joseph Smith's teachings about Priesthood, Temple, and Women.

Click to enlarge.

I hope today's thoughts are one that fill you with a sense of purpose in how and WHY to overcome, and a feeling of hope that we CAN overcome. I love the reminder that the Lord loves all of us, no matter what kind of person that we are, where we were born, where we live now. What he cares about is that we know that he loves us and that because he does, he wants us to prevail. And, as we do, it will open the doors to let him help to carry us: 

"Now how does the Lord feel about people who will let God prevail? Nephi summed it up well, "[The Lord] loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our fathers, and he covenanted with them, yea even Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and he remember[s] the covenants which he [has] made. And what is the Lord willing to do for Israel? The Lord has pledged that He will "fight [our] battles, and [our] children's battles, and our children's children's [battles] ... to the third and fourth generation."  ("Let God Prevail," Russell M. Nelson, October 2020 General Conference)