Section 45

Some sections just need to be read twice in a row to fully get what I should out of them because this second time reading this long section was worth it! There are always going to be rumors and foolish stories told against the church by followers if satan to discourage people from finding the truth, but we have the truths in this section to strengthen us. I'm gonna save the best for last on this one and talk about the light of Christ that has come forth in this day to show the house of Israel where to gather (v9). 

The analogy of setting a standard for the nation was lost in me for a long time in my youth, but I like the word standard being used when talking about gathering Israel now. I think it fits because we are not physical gathering to a location, but gathering in spirit in the gospel that is a global organization. Anyone can be gathered and come to Christ and not have to travel too far anymore because the church has been brought to them. I just love that!

The next cool thing I found in this section was concerning the words which The Lord spoke to his disciples about the signs of His coming and how they are compared to a fig tree. Some of the signs of His coming aren't very pleasant and can get me feeling pretty down, but The Lord says, "Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled" (v35). Just as when fig trees begin to blossom, the people knew summer was here, we know that the signs will bring The Lord's second coming, which is cool to read about and will be even cooler to experience!

I plan to go learn more by reading Jospeh Smith translations in the Bible when I come to that because apparently great things await me (v60-62). Now I don't know about you, but I want to live in Zion just from reading v69-71! There will be no wars within it, no one will want to attack, and there will be a lot of joy. This brings me to my favorite part of the chapter, the beginning. I want to be worthy to live in Zion and have Christ be my advocate with the Father (v3). His way of speaking the the Father for our sakes warms my heart and comforts my soul tremendously. I will forever believe in Christ, put my faith in His name, and do His work in whatever calling I am given.