Historical Background
On the 5th of April, 1828, Oliver Cowdery came to the home of Joseph and Emma Smith in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Brother Cowdery was a school teacher. He had been hired by the community of Palmyra to teach. As was the custom of the day, the teacher boarded with a family in town, usually one of the families whose children were being taught. Oliver boarded with the Joseph Smith, Sr., family. As the family sat around the dinner table the talk would inevitably lead to the visions of Joseph Smith and the work of the restoration of the church of Christ to the earth. After school finished, Oliver determined that he would learn for himself if the claims of the Smith family were true. Two days after his arrival, on the 7th of April, he began his labors as a scribe for Joseph Smith. Joseph spoke the words of the translation and Oliver wrote.
D&C 6:1-5 The Field is White
Help students define the following words: two-edged sword, field, harvest, reap, sickle. What do the sword and the sickle have to do with the harvest?
D&C 6:6-7 What a Believer Should Do
What questions are being answered by these verses? How would the world be blessed if people followed this counsel?
D&C 6:8-13 The Gift of Salvation
What do these verses say about Oliver Cowdery’s gift? How do these words apply to the gifts you have?
D&C 6:14-20 The Knowledge of God
Oliver Cowdery was called by the Lord to help Joseph Smith in his divine mission to translate the gold plates. How do the words in these verses apply to all members as they strive to fulfill their callings in the Church?
D&C 6:21-28 The Gift to Translate
Oliver Cowdery is told by the Lord that he will be able to translate. What are the conditions that he has to meet in order to exercise this gift?
D&C 6:29-32 Rejecting the Lord’s Words
Describe the consequences that will fall upon Joseph and Oliver if people reject their words. Describe the consequences that will fall upon the people if they reject the words of Joseph Smith.
D&C 6:33-37 The Little Flock
Ask students how large the Church was when this revelation was received. Explain that there was no Church at this time. The Church was not organized officially until April 6, 1830. Who is the “little flock” the Lord is speaking to in this revelation? How do these words apply to the little flocks of members all over the world?
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Section 5
Historical Background
The catastrophe of losing the 116 manuscript pages of the translation of the Book of Mormon had occurred in July of 1828. Section 5 was received in March of 1829. During the intervening months, Martin Harris had humbled himself to the point that he felt he could approach Joseph Smith again. His questions were, “Do you still have the plates? Is the work of translation ready to begin again? What will be my role in the restoration?”
Section 5 constitutes the Lord’s answers to these and other questions.
D&C 5:1-9 The Immediate Mission of Joseph Smith
In these verses, the word “I” stands for the Lord. “You” stands for Joseph Smith. Have students read verses 1-5 and list the things the Lord has done to prepare Joseph for the work of translating the Nephite record. Verse 6 addresses things that will happen “hereafter”. How will Joseph’s mission change after the work of translation is completed?
D&C 5:10 This Generation Shall Have My Words through You
Who does the word “my” stand for in this verse? Ask students in what way the Lord has his word to his kingdom through Joseph Smith. (For example: The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price, and the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible.)
D&C 5:11-15 Three Witnesses
Invite students to list all the things that would be expected of the three witnesses. Cross-reference: 2 Nephi 27:12-13; Ether 5:2-4.
D&C 5:16-22 Promises to the World and to Joseph
What did the Lord promise would happen to the world if they do not repent? What did he promise to Joseph if he would remain faithful?
D&C 5:23-35 Keeping Covenants with the Lord
Have students read through these verses looking for the promises the Lord made to Martin Harris and those made to Joseph Smith. What were the conditions of the covenants? What are the conditions of the covenants all members of the church have made with the Lord? What do we learn in this revelation concerning the Lord’s feelings about making and keeping covenants?
The catastrophe of losing the 116 manuscript pages of the translation of the Book of Mormon had occurred in July of 1828. Section 5 was received in March of 1829. During the intervening months, Martin Harris had humbled himself to the point that he felt he could approach Joseph Smith again. His questions were, “Do you still have the plates? Is the work of translation ready to begin again? What will be my role in the restoration?”
Section 5 constitutes the Lord’s answers to these and other questions.
D&C 5:1-9 The Immediate Mission of Joseph Smith
In these verses, the word “I” stands for the Lord. “You” stands for Joseph Smith. Have students read verses 1-5 and list the things the Lord has done to prepare Joseph for the work of translating the Nephite record. Verse 6 addresses things that will happen “hereafter”. How will Joseph’s mission change after the work of translation is completed?
D&C 5:10 This Generation Shall Have My Words through You
Who does the word “my” stand for in this verse? Ask students in what way the Lord has his word to his kingdom through Joseph Smith. (For example: The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price, and the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible.)
D&C 5:11-15 Three Witnesses
Invite students to list all the things that would be expected of the three witnesses. Cross-reference: 2 Nephi 27:12-13; Ether 5:2-4.
D&C 5:16-22 Promises to the World and to Joseph
What did the Lord promise would happen to the world if they do not repent? What did he promise to Joseph if he would remain faithful?
D&C 5:23-35 Keeping Covenants with the Lord
Have students read through these verses looking for the promises the Lord made to Martin Harris and those made to Joseph Smith. What were the conditions of the covenants? What are the conditions of the covenants all members of the church have made with the Lord? What do we learn in this revelation concerning the Lord’s feelings about making and keeping covenants?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Doctrine & Covenants Section 4
Historical Background
Joseph lost possession of the 116 pages of translation he and Martin Harris had worked on in July of 1828. After spending a few days with his family in New York State, he returned to his home in Harmony, Pennsylvania. There he began to work on the small farm he had purchased from his father-in-law, Isaac Hale. His parents, Joseph Smith, Sr., and Lucy Mack Smith, had not heard from Joseph for many months. In February of 1829 they decided to take a trip to Harmony, a trip of about 150 miles overland. Upon their arrival they found that Joseph had received the plates and the Urim and Thummim again. When Joseph and his father were alone, the older man asked his son what the Lord had in store for Joseph, Sr., in the work of the restoration. Section 4 is the Lord’s answer to all people who have a desire to assist in the building up of the kingdom of God in the last days.
D&C 4:1 About
Ask students what they think the most important word in this verse might be. They will have a variety of answers which are equally valid. One word to consider as very important is “about”. In February of 1829, what had been restored to the earth? Priesthood? Ordinances? The Book of Mormon? Temples? At this point there was nothing. Why would the Lord call whatever it was that was coming “a marvelous work”? Cross-reference: Isaiah 29:14.
D&C 4:2 How we should serve
Ask students what it means to serve with “all your heart”? with “all your might”? with “all your mind”? with “all your strength”? What does the word “blameless” mean? Why would serving the way this verse directs help us stand “blameless before God” when we are judged?
D&C 4:3 Ye are called
Help students see that it is not enough to desire to serve. They must have a desire, but before they can serve with the Lord’s authority they must be called. Cross-reference: D&C 42:11. Ask students why they think the Lord would want people called to serve, rather than having people decide it was alright to serve the Lord without being called by someone in authority.
D&C 4:4 Salvation
Have students read this verse and answer this question: What can you do to bring salvation to your soul? Cross-reference: D&C 18:15-16.
D&C 4:5 The Qualifications to Serve
This is a list of qualifications. The list starts with the most basic qualification and progresses through to the ultimate qualification. Ask students why someone would have to have faith before he could have hope? Why hope before charity and love? Why charity and love before an eye single to the glory of God? What does it mean to have an eye single to the glory of God?
D&C 4:6 Ten things to Remember
Have students define the ten things the Lord asks those who serve Him to remember. Why must those who serve always remember all ten qualities?
D&C 4:7 Ask and knock
Ask students what the word “it” stands for in this verse. What is it that we can ask for and receive from the Lord? What door must we knock upon to get the Lord to respond? Cross-reference: Matthew 7:7-12.
Invite students to talk about those things that they already possess that qualify them to serve the Lord in this marvelous work. What things do they need to work on? What can they do to get help as they work on those things they may lack? Notice that the Lord does not list graduate degrees and financial wealth or popularity or fame as the qualities He is seeking in his servants.
Joseph lost possession of the 116 pages of translation he and Martin Harris had worked on in July of 1828. After spending a few days with his family in New York State, he returned to his home in Harmony, Pennsylvania. There he began to work on the small farm he had purchased from his father-in-law, Isaac Hale. His parents, Joseph Smith, Sr., and Lucy Mack Smith, had not heard from Joseph for many months. In February of 1829 they decided to take a trip to Harmony, a trip of about 150 miles overland. Upon their arrival they found that Joseph had received the plates and the Urim and Thummim again. When Joseph and his father were alone, the older man asked his son what the Lord had in store for Joseph, Sr., in the work of the restoration. Section 4 is the Lord’s answer to all people who have a desire to assist in the building up of the kingdom of God in the last days.
D&C 4:1 About
Ask students what they think the most important word in this verse might be. They will have a variety of answers which are equally valid. One word to consider as very important is “about”. In February of 1829, what had been restored to the earth? Priesthood? Ordinances? The Book of Mormon? Temples? At this point there was nothing. Why would the Lord call whatever it was that was coming “a marvelous work”? Cross-reference: Isaiah 29:14.
D&C 4:2 How we should serve
Ask students what it means to serve with “all your heart”? with “all your might”? with “all your mind”? with “all your strength”? What does the word “blameless” mean? Why would serving the way this verse directs help us stand “blameless before God” when we are judged?
D&C 4:3 Ye are called
Help students see that it is not enough to desire to serve. They must have a desire, but before they can serve with the Lord’s authority they must be called. Cross-reference: D&C 42:11. Ask students why they think the Lord would want people called to serve, rather than having people decide it was alright to serve the Lord without being called by someone in authority.
D&C 4:4 Salvation
Have students read this verse and answer this question: What can you do to bring salvation to your soul? Cross-reference: D&C 18:15-16.
D&C 4:5 The Qualifications to Serve
This is a list of qualifications. The list starts with the most basic qualification and progresses through to the ultimate qualification. Ask students why someone would have to have faith before he could have hope? Why hope before charity and love? Why charity and love before an eye single to the glory of God? What does it mean to have an eye single to the glory of God?
D&C 4:6 Ten things to Remember
Have students define the ten things the Lord asks those who serve Him to remember. Why must those who serve always remember all ten qualities?
D&C 4:7 Ask and knock
Ask students what the word “it” stands for in this verse. What is it that we can ask for and receive from the Lord? What door must we knock upon to get the Lord to respond? Cross-reference: Matthew 7:7-12.
Invite students to talk about those things that they already possess that qualify them to serve the Lord in this marvelous work. What things do they need to work on? What can they do to get help as they work on those things they may lack? Notice that the Lord does not list graduate degrees and financial wealth or popularity or fame as the qualities He is seeking in his servants.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Sections 3 & 10
Historical Context:
Martin Harris, a friend of the family of Joseph Smith, Sr., had assisted the Prophet Joseph as a scribe while Joseph translated the plates given to him by Moroni. The Harris family mocked Martin for his involvement in this project. Martin looked for some way to save face with his family and asked if Joseph would let him take the manuscript Martin had created as Joseph dictated the translation and show it to his family. Joseph made the request of the Lord three times. Finally, on the third try, the Lord granted Joseph’s request and Martin took the manuscript from Harmony, Pennsylvania, to Palmyra, New York. Martin lost the manuscript. The result was that Moroni took the plates from Joseph and, by means of the Urim and Thummim, the Lord communicated His feelings on the matter.
D&C 3:1-4 The Nature of God
The Lord communicates many things concerning Himself and how he is different from mankind. Invite students to read these verses and list the things the Lord reveals about Himself. When is it alright for us to follow our own desires rather than do the will of God? What reward awaits those, even those who have received great revelations, if they ignore the counsel of God?
D&C 3:5-15 Joseph Learns a Lesson
Joseph Smith was 22 years old when these events took place. In verses 5-7 the Lord lists those mistakes that Joseph made because of his lack of experience. Why, according to verse 8, should Joseph have remained faithful? What does this verse teach us about our own relationship with our Heavenly Father? In verses 9-15, the Lord continues to help Joseph understand the mistakes he made. What were those mistakes? Ask students how they feel when they are given correction. What do we learn about Joseph Smith when we see that he was willing to have this chastisement from the Lord to him included in the revelations that govern the Church?
D&C 3:16-20 The Preservation of the Book of Mormon
In these verses, the word “testimony” has reference to scripture, most often the Book of Mormon. As students read these verses, have them list the things the Lord desired to happen by the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. How has Lord’s desire been granted in your own life and the life of your family?
D&C 10:4-5 Do Your Best
In these verses the Lord gives counsel that all members of the Church ought to apply to their own lives. Have students explain how following this counsel would bless their own lives.
D&C 10:20-29 The Plan of Satan
Satan desired to destroy the work that God was restoring to the earth. The Lord explained that the thieves who stole the manuscript from Martni Harris were going to change the words to carry out a plan to make Joseph Smith look like a liar. In verses 20-29, the Lord explains how Satan carries out his plans. What important principles do we learn about Satan and his ways of destroying people? What key words describe the emotions that Satan plays upon to persuade us to do evil?
D&C 10:37 Revealing the Wicked
Scripture Analysis
37 But as you [Joseph Smith] cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked [evil people] from the righteous [good people], therefore [because you cannot always tell the difference between good and evil people] I [the Lord] say unto you [Joseph Smith], hold your peace [do not make judgments about people] until I shall see fit [decide the time is right] to make all things known unto the world [everyone] concerning the matter [the matter of whether a person is good or evil].
Most of us have difficulty making judgments about the goodness or wickedness of people. What comfort do these words give us?
D&C 10:40-46 The Plates of Nephi
In these verses, the expression “plates of Nephi” refers to the small plates of Nephi that Joseph Smith translated. These words eventually became that part of the Book of Mormon that begins in 1 Nephi and ends at Omni 1:30. Remember the things that Nephi said about this record. See 1 Nephi 9:5; 19:1-5. How are we blessed today because Nephi followed the commandment of the Lord to make an additional set of plates? Nephi wrote his record 2400 years before Joseph Smith translated the record. How will future generations be blessed because of the way you follow the Lord’s promptings today?
D&C 10:47-52 Faith and Prayers
Have students read these verses to explore the relationship between faith and prayer. What blessings came to us because of the faith that the Nephites had in their prayers? What prayers do we offer to the Lord that will bless future generations?
D&C 10:57-62 Jesus is the Light
Ask students to mark the word light in these verses. Explain that it is used in a little different way than we often use the word. What does it mean to bring something to light? What things did the Lord say he would bring to light? How are those things blessing our lives today?
D&C 10:67 The Doctrine of Christ
What is the doctrine of Christ? What does it mean to repent and come to Christ. In Preach My Gospel, the purpose of missionary work is defined as follows: Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end (page 1). How do faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end help us come to Christ? How are repentance and coming to Christ synonymous? Have students read verses 68-69 and explain how the Lord defines His Church. How can we know by this that we are a part of the Lord’s true Church?
Martin Harris, a friend of the family of Joseph Smith, Sr., had assisted the Prophet Joseph as a scribe while Joseph translated the plates given to him by Moroni. The Harris family mocked Martin for his involvement in this project. Martin looked for some way to save face with his family and asked if Joseph would let him take the manuscript Martin had created as Joseph dictated the translation and show it to his family. Joseph made the request of the Lord three times. Finally, on the third try, the Lord granted Joseph’s request and Martin took the manuscript from Harmony, Pennsylvania, to Palmyra, New York. Martin lost the manuscript. The result was that Moroni took the plates from Joseph and, by means of the Urim and Thummim, the Lord communicated His feelings on the matter.
D&C 3:1-4 The Nature of God
The Lord communicates many things concerning Himself and how he is different from mankind. Invite students to read these verses and list the things the Lord reveals about Himself. When is it alright for us to follow our own desires rather than do the will of God? What reward awaits those, even those who have received great revelations, if they ignore the counsel of God?
D&C 3:5-15 Joseph Learns a Lesson
Joseph Smith was 22 years old when these events took place. In verses 5-7 the Lord lists those mistakes that Joseph made because of his lack of experience. Why, according to verse 8, should Joseph have remained faithful? What does this verse teach us about our own relationship with our Heavenly Father? In verses 9-15, the Lord continues to help Joseph understand the mistakes he made. What were those mistakes? Ask students how they feel when they are given correction. What do we learn about Joseph Smith when we see that he was willing to have this chastisement from the Lord to him included in the revelations that govern the Church?
D&C 3:16-20 The Preservation of the Book of Mormon
In these verses, the word “testimony” has reference to scripture, most often the Book of Mormon. As students read these verses, have them list the things the Lord desired to happen by the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. How has Lord’s desire been granted in your own life and the life of your family?
D&C 10:4-5 Do Your Best
In these verses the Lord gives counsel that all members of the Church ought to apply to their own lives. Have students explain how following this counsel would bless their own lives.
D&C 10:20-29 The Plan of Satan
Satan desired to destroy the work that God was restoring to the earth. The Lord explained that the thieves who stole the manuscript from Martni Harris were going to change the words to carry out a plan to make Joseph Smith look like a liar. In verses 20-29, the Lord explains how Satan carries out his plans. What important principles do we learn about Satan and his ways of destroying people? What key words describe the emotions that Satan plays upon to persuade us to do evil?
D&C 10:37 Revealing the Wicked
Scripture Analysis
37 But as you [Joseph Smith] cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked [evil people] from the righteous [good people], therefore [because you cannot always tell the difference between good and evil people] I [the Lord] say unto you [Joseph Smith], hold your peace [do not make judgments about people] until I shall see fit [decide the time is right] to make all things known unto the world [everyone] concerning the matter [the matter of whether a person is good or evil].
Most of us have difficulty making judgments about the goodness or wickedness of people. What comfort do these words give us?
D&C 10:40-46 The Plates of Nephi
In these verses, the expression “plates of Nephi” refers to the small plates of Nephi that Joseph Smith translated. These words eventually became that part of the Book of Mormon that begins in 1 Nephi and ends at Omni 1:30. Remember the things that Nephi said about this record. See 1 Nephi 9:5; 19:1-5. How are we blessed today because Nephi followed the commandment of the Lord to make an additional set of plates? Nephi wrote his record 2400 years before Joseph Smith translated the record. How will future generations be blessed because of the way you follow the Lord’s promptings today?
D&C 10:47-52 Faith and Prayers
Have students read these verses to explore the relationship between faith and prayer. What blessings came to us because of the faith that the Nephites had in their prayers? What prayers do we offer to the Lord that will bless future generations?
D&C 10:57-62 Jesus is the Light
Ask students to mark the word light in these verses. Explain that it is used in a little different way than we often use the word. What does it mean to bring something to light? What things did the Lord say he would bring to light? How are those things blessing our lives today?
D&C 10:67 The Doctrine of Christ
What is the doctrine of Christ? What does it mean to repent and come to Christ. In Preach My Gospel, the purpose of missionary work is defined as follows: Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end (page 1). How do faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end help us come to Christ? How are repentance and coming to Christ synonymous? Have students read verses 68-69 and explain how the Lord defines His Church. How can we know by this that we are a part of the Lord’s true Church?
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Section 2: Revelations Begin
Joseph Smith-History 1:16-17 The Long Night of Apostasy Ends
To appreciate the significance of D&C 2, there must be a doctrinal foundation laid. Have students read JS-H 1:16-17 and ask them why the Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith. Help them understand that there was no true church of Jesus Christ upon the earth when the Father and the Son appeared.
Joseph Smith-History 1:29-33 Moroni Appears to Joseph Smith
Review these verses with the students. Invite them to list the details Joseph Smith gave concerning the appearance of Moroni. What did he look like? What did he wear? What did he say about Joseph Smith? How has that prophecy come to pass?
Joseph Smith-History 1:34-39 Moroni Quotes the Old Testament
After Moroni told Joseph Smith concerning the record that was buried in a nearby location, he went on to quote passages of scripture from the Old Testament, “though with a little variation from the way it reads in our Bibles” (JS-H 1:36). One of the passages quoted by Moroni was from Malachi 4:5-6. This quotation was of such significance that it was included in the Doctrine and Covenants as the first revelation in that collection. Remember, D&C 1 is the Preface to the Doctrine and Covenants. D&C 2 is therefore the first revelation after the Preface.
D&C 2:1-3 The First Revelation Given to Establish the Kingdom of God upon the Earth.
Scripture Study
Have students read D&C 2 and encourage them to substitute nouns for pronouns and notice other subtleties that will be addressed in the exercise below.
1 BEHOLD, [This word, Behold, means essentially “pay attention”.] I [Who is speaking? Is it Moroni? He is quoting Malachi. Is it Malachi? A careful examination of Malachi 4 reveals that the words written by Malachi are attributed to “the LORD of hosts” (see Malachi 4:1). Remind students that when the word LORD is written in all capital letters it is a signal that the Hebrew word being translated was Jehovah. Cross-reference: JST Exodus 6:3; D&C 110:1-4.] will reveal unto you [In the context of Malachi 4, the word “you” represents “the sons of Jacob” (see Malachi 3:6) or “all Israel” (see Malachi 4:4).] the Priesthood [The authority given by God to act in his name. This authority was first given to Adam (see D&C 84:5-17).], by the hand of [through the ministry of] Elijah the prophet, [Elijah the prophet was taken into heaven without tasting death. See 2 Kings 2:9-11.] before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord [the Second Coming of the Lord in glory].
2 And he [Elijah the prophet] shall plant in the hearts of the children [the children of Israel] the promises [covenants] made to the fathers [the ancient patriarchs who held the priesthood], and the hearts of the children [the children of Israel] shall turn to their fathers [their ancestors who have not received the promises made to the ancient patriarchs].
3 If it were not so [If the hearts of the children of Israel are not turned to their ancestors and their ancestors do not receive the covenants made to the ancients], the whole earth would be utterly wasted [the purpose of the creation of the earth will fail] at his [the Lord’s] coming.
Summary
After reviewing D&C 2 in detail, ask students why they think this would be among the first revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Explain to them that the prophet Elijah did return to the earth. Have them read D&C 110:13-16. Remember, Joseph Smith had nothing when this revelation was received. He had no priesthood, no priesthood keys, no ordinances, no temples, nothing. He could not have understood the deep significance of this revelation when he was 17 years old. Ask students how certain verses of scripture have added in their significance as they have matured in their understanding of the gospel. How has the kingdom of God been blessed because of the increased understanding given to Joseph Smith concerning this first revelation he received from Moroni?
To appreciate the significance of D&C 2, there must be a doctrinal foundation laid. Have students read JS-H 1:16-17 and ask them why the Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith. Help them understand that there was no true church of Jesus Christ upon the earth when the Father and the Son appeared.
Joseph Smith-History 1:29-33 Moroni Appears to Joseph Smith
Review these verses with the students. Invite them to list the details Joseph Smith gave concerning the appearance of Moroni. What did he look like? What did he wear? What did he say about Joseph Smith? How has that prophecy come to pass?
Joseph Smith-History 1:34-39 Moroni Quotes the Old Testament
After Moroni told Joseph Smith concerning the record that was buried in a nearby location, he went on to quote passages of scripture from the Old Testament, “though with a little variation from the way it reads in our Bibles” (JS-H 1:36). One of the passages quoted by Moroni was from Malachi 4:5-6. This quotation was of such significance that it was included in the Doctrine and Covenants as the first revelation in that collection. Remember, D&C 1 is the Preface to the Doctrine and Covenants. D&C 2 is therefore the first revelation after the Preface.
D&C 2:1-3 The First Revelation Given to Establish the Kingdom of God upon the Earth.
Scripture Study
Have students read D&C 2 and encourage them to substitute nouns for pronouns and notice other subtleties that will be addressed in the exercise below.
1 BEHOLD, [This word, Behold, means essentially “pay attention”.] I [Who is speaking? Is it Moroni? He is quoting Malachi. Is it Malachi? A careful examination of Malachi 4 reveals that the words written by Malachi are attributed to “the LORD of hosts” (see Malachi 4:1). Remind students that when the word LORD is written in all capital letters it is a signal that the Hebrew word being translated was Jehovah. Cross-reference: JST Exodus 6:3; D&C 110:1-4.] will reveal unto you [In the context of Malachi 4, the word “you” represents “the sons of Jacob” (see Malachi 3:6) or “all Israel” (see Malachi 4:4).] the Priesthood [The authority given by God to act in his name. This authority was first given to Adam (see D&C 84:5-17).], by the hand of [through the ministry of] Elijah the prophet, [Elijah the prophet was taken into heaven without tasting death. See 2 Kings 2:9-11.] before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord [the Second Coming of the Lord in glory].
2 And he [Elijah the prophet] shall plant in the hearts of the children [the children of Israel] the promises [covenants] made to the fathers [the ancient patriarchs who held the priesthood], and the hearts of the children [the children of Israel] shall turn to their fathers [their ancestors who have not received the promises made to the ancient patriarchs].
3 If it were not so [If the hearts of the children of Israel are not turned to their ancestors and their ancestors do not receive the covenants made to the ancients], the whole earth would be utterly wasted [the purpose of the creation of the earth will fail] at his [the Lord’s] coming.
Summary
After reviewing D&C 2 in detail, ask students why they think this would be among the first revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Explain to them that the prophet Elijah did return to the earth. Have them read D&C 110:13-16. Remember, Joseph Smith had nothing when this revelation was received. He had no priesthood, no priesthood keys, no ordinances, no temples, nothing. He could not have understood the deep significance of this revelation when he was 17 years old. Ask students how certain verses of scripture have added in their significance as they have matured in their understanding of the gospel. How has the kingdom of God been blessed because of the increased understanding given to Joseph Smith concerning this first revelation he received from Moroni?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
