Historical Background
In December of 1831, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon received a revelation instructing that they and other brethren were to preach the gospel in the communities in and around Kirtland, Ohio (see D&C 71). As they returned from that mission, they received this revelation. Remember that they had moved to Hiram, Ohio, to work on the inspired revision of the King James Bible. This revelation gives them further instruction on that project.
D&C 73:1-2 Direction to Missionaries Who Were Sent forth to Preach
What are the missionaries to do and how long are they to do it? When the time comes that their missions are to be completed, what should they do next?
D&C 73:3-4 Direction to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon
What are Joseph and Sidney to do and how long are they to do it?
D&C 73:5 A Pattern unto the Elders
The Lord directs the missionaries together with Joseph and Sidney to follow the pattern that has been established in verses 1-4. What is that pattern? Notice that he instructs each group to do what they are called to do “until conference.” Then they will receive more instruction. Missionaries have mission conferences in which they are trained and given new instructions. What kinds of conferences do members have, where they can receive new instruction?
D&C 73:6 Gird up Your Loins and Be Sober
This verse has simple instruction but it is given in archaic language. What does it mean to “gird up your loins?” Anciently, when people wore long robes, if they wanted to move faster, they would fix their robes so that they fastened above their knees, allowing them to run. Thus, the expression “gird up your loins” means to prepare to move faster. What about the expression “be sober?” What does that mean? How can members of the Church move faster and be more serious about what they are doing?
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