“Unto the [Extreme Ends] of the Earth”

3 Nephi 23:2-5, Isaiah 49:6 (Spanish)

( This is a special study this morning, in that the Lord directed me to consider these verses out of my chronological order of study. )

Beyond the restoration of the house of Israel, the Lord makes the promise in the above-cited verses that Gospel will be taken to the [extreme ends] of the earth. (That’s me combining the meaning of the terms in both English and Spanish.) For some reason, being less than 100 miles away from the center stake of Zion (where I live presently), feels like at an extreme end of the earth.

The verse in Isaiah 49 reads differently in Spanish than in English:

English: “I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”

Spanish: (literal translation) ” I will also give thee for a light to the nations, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the extreme[s] of the earth.”

“Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear:” Doctrine and Covenants 1:11

Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.

And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth.

Mormon 9:21,25

Therefore, repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and believe in my gospel, and be baptized in my name; for he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned; and signs shall follow them that believe in my name.

Ether 4:18

This phrase “Ends of the Earth” is found abundantly throughout the Old Testament. That’s notable because the Old Testament seems to be primarily concerned with the dealings of the Lord’s covenant people. That the Old Testament paints a different picture about the spread of the Gospel unto the “ends of the earth” suggests that this work has always had a more expansive view of the truth.

It also strikes me that the prophets of antiquity were utterly unable to do anything to realize the things of which they saw in vision. They could not bring the Gospel unto the ends of the earth.

One more thought, and it is this: No matter where I am found in this great world, whether in the valleys of Utah, or the low, dry deserts of Arizona, or the plush, green hills of Missouri, or the fertile mountains of Costa Rica, or anywhere in between, God is here — even to the end of the earth.

Graph Insight: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is universal. Faith in Christ and repentance work for all people regardless location.

31 October 2021, Fifth Sunday Instruction

Brief History on the Origins of Halloween, All Saints Day, and Day of the Dead. Map it out, maybe.

So instead of focusing on the peganistic traditions associated with Halloween, let’s look at some of the more family-centric, Christ-centric traditions from our neighbors to the south.

Brief explanation of Day of the Dead. Call on someone with experience.

Call on 4 or 5 members ahead of time to share a memory of a deceased family member: Bring a photo of the family member.

Outline:
– No more than 10 minutes on Halloween/Day of the Dead history PLUS family memories. Have a table with a cloth and some hymn books set up underneath and some make shift little paper easels to support notecards or small photos. Make 12. Bring notecards and colored markers.

  • Quote on embracing good traditions from General Conference.
  • What do we actually know as latter-day saints about the spirit world?
  • Quote saying not much.
  • Scripture about the work of the dead.
  • Maybe actually know a lot more about what is going on. How or why?
  • “If in this life only we have faith in Christ… “
  • How long does it take to make covenants? Not long. If our only purpose for our existence was to make covenants then life would be short lived. The real work is in the conversion to our covenants.
  • Quote from President Eyering about not many rejecting the promises when the likes of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young are teaching them the gospel.
  • Who planted Gardens this summer? Did the tomatoes appear on the seeds as soon as you planted them? Did the melons ripen up on the first day that you saw them on the vine?
  • Does conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the doctrine of Christ happen instantaneously? No! It does not. And if it doesn’t happen instantaneously here, why would it be any different in the world of the spirits? What is the great work that is happening there? Conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
  • Why should we be more anxiously engaged in Family History work? Find quotes about the blessings of family history work. Recent statements, promises from apostles? (Ask Brother Box for help.)
  • What are your next step or two in doing family history work? Get specific answers. List them on the white board. (This is the invitation at the end.)

The Fulfilling of the Covenant

3 Nephi 20

(More than 1 year ago, I departed from my study of the Book of Mormon to read from the words of Isaiah. Now I am returning to the Book of Mormon.)

This chapters discusses in some detail “the fulfilling of the covenants which the Father hath made unto his people, [the] house of Israel.” (See verse 12)

I find it instructive that the Lord administered to the Nephites the Sacrament (a second time) before teaching them regarding this covenant and its fulfillment. This is a reminder to me of the importance of spiritual preparation before the reception of spiritual blessings, knowledge, and insights.

I am struggling to progress through this chapter, and I have read it now from beginning to end several times. Part of the struggle that I am having is that I’m trying to fit these statements of the Savior into a timeline of events. I feel that this may be hindering my progress through this chapter. What is a different way of looking at these verses?

There is a passage in this chapter that I had always applied to others. Yesterday, in considering it, I realized that this could be talking about me:

Then shall ye, who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, go forth among them; and ye shall be in the midst of them who shall be many; and ye shall be among them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

Thy hand shall be lifted up upon thine adversaries, and all thine enemies shall be cut off.

Verses 16-17

I would hardly consider myself such a destructive force among my fellows, but I think that the operative word here is “if”. “If he goeth through both treadeth down and teareth to pieces.” And this power, perhaps is more symbolic than literally, just as none is actually a lion or a sheep.

Part of the reason why I had never before consider that this could apply to me is because of the references that the context of this verse seemed to suggest in connection with native Americans or indigenous peoples. But am I not of the tribe of Ephraim, also of the house of Jacob? Am I not among the gentiles, who are many?

Here are a few random thoughts that I have clarified in my mind as I try to make sense of this chapter:

  • Jerusalem will be destroyed and then rebuilt for righteous occupation.
  • The redeemed of the house of Israel are those who will have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Christ as their redeemer. They will be made clean through the blood of Christ. God has not decreed any other form of salvation or redemption. Redemption is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ unto repentance.

Ye That Tremble at His Word

Isaiah 66

There is at the start of this chapter a contrasting between the truly righteous and the self-righteous (or those that put on airs of righteousness, but who are not truly righteous). The distinction is laid out as such:

…but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

verse 2

Of the other, the Lord says:

Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations… when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

verses 3 & 4

Verses 5 and 6 read like this:

Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the Lord that rendereth recompence to his enemies.

If I put myself in the shoes of the one who trembles at the word of the Lord, why would there be those of my brethren who would be ashamed when I rejoice in the appearance of my Lord? For it their Lord, too. Could one hope to be saved, and not expect the same or greater blessing for those around them?

“Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11 or Mark 2:16)

This morning at the early hour of 5am, I have read the whole of the chapter. I had been struggling to make sense of it all, but this morning it all sits fairly clear in my mind what Isaiah is talking about. And what is he talking about in this chapter?

  • The Savior’s Second Coming (the whole of the chapter)
  • The restoration of Jerusalem and the house of Israel (vs. 10 -14)
  • The appearance of Zion within a day (vs. 7-9)
  • The humble and the contrite that will be there to meet their Lord (vs. 1-2, 5)
  • The destruction of the wicked (vs. 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 14-18, 24)
  • The new heaven and earth that will remain forever, and the promise that the seed of the righteous shall also remain. (vs. 22)
  • All will come to worship the Lord (vs. 23)

This is where the prophets stop. What actually happens during the Millennium is far less documented than what is happening leading up to the Millennium, culminating in the Messiah’s return in the Second Coming. This is where Isaiah stops.

The Lord God Shall… Call His Servants By Another Name

Isaiah 65

The rejection of Israel and the establishment of a Millennial Zion are juxtaposed in these verses.

In the contemplation of why God rejects Israel, there is the discovery of temptations and tendencies that are common to discipleship, and which may be experience perhaps no other way. A common critique of the Scribes and Pharisees was their ability to remove themselves from the “wicked” in their piousness. Safe in their pretended righteousness, they were not guilty of the more serious, outward transgressions of the law, and so there was plenty of ample room to wallow in the filth of their own self-righteous judgments. This is a cankered condition that can only occur among those that claim to be faithful — a subtle derailment of faith.

Verses 1 – 16 deal with the rejection of Israel and the Lord raising up another people. There is the temptation to read these verses and say “I am glad I am not that people!” However, that is the very thing that they were guilty of: “Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou.” (vs. 5)

I cannot help but feel that I am almost as the house of Israel in most of the Lord’s condemnation towards them. I am no better than were they.

A new day, fresh eyes, and a reminder to be centered on Jesus Christ: this causes me to see where Israel fell. Israel was rejected because they first rejected Christ. Being realigned to focus again on the message of Jesus Christ, this chapter becomes infinitely more comprehensible. Israel would not be subjected to their God, who is Christ. They would rather prepare feasts for idols, gods of some other form, than to worship the true and living God. (see vs. 11 plus footnotes)

Starting in verse 13, the Lord begins to make reference to a people that do believe in Him. He calls them his servants and contrasts their blessed state with the house of Israel’s forsaken state.

  • Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry:
  • behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty:
  • behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:
  • Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.

Why does a knowledge of a Millennium benefit me today?

Things continue to grow in the Millennium. The reality is that Christ, and a knowledge of Christ is what makes the Millennium possible. The fruits of a Millennial lifestyle shall be the same as they can be now if my life is centered on Jesus Christ, right here and now. So what is the difference. Growth goes uninterrupted. It’s expedited.

(To be continued tomorrow. Still looking for the answers as to why this is important in a per-Millennial state.)

At the start of my morning, I have a handful of questions that I am wrestling with this morning as it pertains to agency and the Millennium and opposition:

  • Does opposition go away in the millennium?
  • At what point does true growth start?

We know that when Christ comes again, the knowledge of Him will fill the earth. Satan will be bound however because of the righteousness of the Saints, because a people will be actively choosing to believe in Christ. But in the Millennial Day, there will be those that are growing up without the opposition of the world as we now know it, without the temptations and evil influences of the adversary that surround us on all sides.

The biggest question that is sitting in my mind this morning is this:

  • Is opposition requisite for spiritual growth?

Questions:

  • How does agency work in the Millennium?
  • How do we grow?
  • What does opposition look like when we are all choosing to do right?
  • How does faith in Christ change?

Answers (from prayer):

  • Agency works the same, and is not taken away during the Millennium.
  • Growth may look something like this: knowledge of Christ fills the earth. So our starting point in our growth process is in good soil.
  • There is a new world and a new heaven. Memories of this older world are mostly lost and forgotten. But those that are faithful transition from the old to the new.
  • Just as an apostle is not void from the experiences of mortality because of their faith, there will still be opportunity to grow and learn.
  • Though here is where I get stuck: we will still need to work. Hard work will not be done away with. But pain, sickness, disease, sorrows, suffering: these things are done away with because of Christ.
  • Faith in Christ is still required. Healthy trees grow in fertile ground.

Yet, I feel that I am more questions than answers still even after prayer.

We Are the Clay, and Thou Our Potter

Isaiah 64

There are several verses from this chapter that are already familiar to me:

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

Verse 4

But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Verse 8

Isaiah offers this chapter as a prayer of the Saints, who are anticipating the Second Coming of the Lord. From the perspective of a praying saint, there is humility and contrition in these words; an acknowledgement of man’s absolute dependence upon God.

I have spent another morning reading these verses. I find deeper meaning in these verses this morning, especially understanding the perspective from which Isaiah is taking. We are the clay in the hands of the potter. What a powerful image is this. Hands dirty, interactive, molding, shaping, guiding us into better things than what we would otherwise become.

I am spending another day with this chapter, because there is more here. This is a prayer and at no point in this prayer does Isaiah take license to put a saint in any where on the spectrum of discipleship except at the very beginning of the path. “We all are as the unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses as filthy rags.” Only when talking to God about God does Isaiah acknowledge any goodness at all.

This is a very interesting and compelling position to take; A very uncomfortable position to take; and yet a very right or correct position to look at humanity.

“And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee:”

A Terrible Thing

In verse 3 there is a reference to “terrible things” which the Lord will do before his Second Coming. Moses, in Exodus 34 also makes reference to “a terrible thing”. Though the Spanish translation on Exodus, changes the word “terrible” to “amazing” (cosa asombrosa).

Isaiah goes on to qualify it as something “which we looked not for”. I suspect then that this is something that hasn’t been articulated elsewhere in scripture, nor may not be spelled anywhere, until it happens.

In close association with these “terrible things” is the flowing down of the mountains. It is mentioned in the prayer that is put up in verse 1. It is again mentioned in verse 3.

Thought it is hardly noted in this study, my journal entries and prayers that have happened during this same time period capture more fully the impact of this particular chapter on me. This chapter has been for me one of the most transformative chapters yet experienced in Isaiah. Things are not as they seem.

They Are My People, Children That Will Not Lie

Isaiah 63

Chapter 63 starts with some bold statements about the Lord and his vengeance. The wicked will be destroyed. Just like the destruction of squash bugs in the garden. In one evening, they are gathered together, thrown into the fire.

It is helpful for me to keep perspective in what this day of vengeance is and is not. My first read of these verse brought images to mind of mass destruction, total annihilation, absolute eradication of the wicked. And perhaps it may be such a visual scene. But knowing that death is not the end, and that there is more to our existence than this mortal probation, no one is being absolutely done away with forever. The words that Isaiah uses to describe the Lord’s vengeance have to do with more of a reset, a leveling effect, abasing the proud, and causing the wicked to reconsider the priorities of their approach. Granted, some may have to do that in the next life.

But this is not what we preach from the pulpits, thought there is ample evidence of day of vengeance at the end of times. What do we preach then? Verse 7 gives us the answer: “I will mention the lovingkindness of the Lord.”

In yesterday’s study, verses 1-6 were referenced in connection with the Second Coming.

In verse 8, the Lord states: “Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.”

The remainder of the chapter has reference to a people not the direct lineage of Abraham, but of others that would follow Christ and have the Father to be their God. These stand out from the traditional house of Israel because among them there is no compulsion. This is a people who voluntarily want the Lord to be their God. Verses 15 and 16, and verses 17-19 are both suggesting this same idea to me. For example:

Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not:

Verse 16

We (Saints; outside the House of Israel direct lineage) are thine: thou( God the Father ) never barest rule over them( The blood lineage of the House of Israel ); they(the same blood lineage of the house of Israel) were not called by thy name.

Verse 19