| Section 100 |
- The Lord takes care of the full-time missionaries' families (1)
- Insights on the spirit of revelation and on the content and form of our preaching: (5)
Consider these words about how to prepare for and respond to the spirit of revelation:President Dallin H. Oaks
"[We] should recognize that the Lord will speak to us through the Spirit in his own time and in his own way. Many people do not understand this principle. They believe that when they are ready and when it suits their convenience, they can call upon the Lord and he will immediately respond, even in the precise way they have prescribed. Revelation does not come that way. ...
"In most cases, 'his own way' is not the thunderous interruption or the blinding light, but what the scriptures call 'the still small voice' (1 Kings 19:12; 1 Nephi 17:45; D&C 85:6). Some have misunderstood this principle. As a result, some have looked exclusively for the great manifestations that are recorded in the scriptures and have failed to recognize the still, small voice that is given to them. This is like making up our minds that we will learn only from a teacher who shouts and that we will refuse to listen to even the wisest teaching when it comes in a whisper. ...
"What does a 'burning in the bosom' mean? Does it need to be a feeling of caloric heat, like the burning produced by combustion? If that is the meaning, I have never had a burning in the bosom. Surely, the word 'burning' in this scripture signifies a feeling of comfort and serenity. That is the witness many receive. That is the way revelation works. Truly, the still, small voice is just that, 'still' and 'small.' 'The language of peace, as spoken by the Lord, embraces a sense of quiet confidence, comfort, and warmth. It is gentle and calm, amiable and sweet; it is temperate and kind; it is orderly and identified by happiness, joy, and feelings of love.'" (in Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet, The Holy Ghost [1989], 14) (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Teaching and Learning by the Spirit,” Ensign, Mar. 1997, 7)Justice Dallin H. Oaks - Revelation (1981 - prior to his call as Apostle in 1984) - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/dallin-h-oaks/revelation/
Elder Richard G. Scott
"What do you do when you have prepared carefully, have prayed fervently, waited a reasonable time for a response, and still do not feel an answer? You may want to express thanks when that occurs, for it is an evidence of His trust.
"When you are living worthily and your choice is consistent with the Savior’s teachings and you need to act, proceed with trust. ... When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision." (Conference Report, April 2007, Ensign May 2007 pp.8-11)Elder David A. Bednar
"Some people also may imagine that Church leaders obtain revelation in ways that are fundamentally different from others--receiving direct, immediate, and specific answers, and then going forward easily to lead and do what is required. The true pattern for leaders and for members basically is the same--pressing steadfastly forward with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ--and as one does so, guidance and answers typically come 'line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little' (2 Nephi 28:30).
"Remember, Nephi went to Jerusalem to obtain the plates of brass not knowing beforehand the things that he should do (see 1 Nephi 4:6). Following the example of Nephi and the leaders of the Church, it is requisite that members face the complex, demanding challenges in the world today, always striving to do their very best. President Hinckley counseled, 'If you do your best, it will all work out' (Ensign, October 2000, p.73). That is the pattern. Summarized in my own words: 'Be good, honor your covenants, keep the commandments, and your steps will be guided, your utterances will be inspired, yet the majority of the time you will not necessarily know in the moment that you are being guided and inspired.'" (Religious Educator - vol. 12 no. 2 - 2011)
- All things work together for the good of those who walk uprightly (15)
| Section 101 |
- If some people are slow to hearken the voice of the Lord, the Lord will be slow to hearken to their prayers (7)
This suggests that God will take care of us with the same degree (or magnitude) of the attention we give to him and his work. Take another look at D&C 88:40,63; notice the notion of "magnetism" being played out. What thoughts or feelings do you get from these words? But notice also that the first step is taken by the Lord himself at our birth; the second and third steps--or the closer approach--are ours (D&C 84:46-47)
- "... Of necessity they feel after me." (8-9)
At first, it seems that the Lord is going to deny any help, and this verse has been used by some individuals in that context. However, the content of verse 9 shows that help is available, even though on a slower pace. Still, the sentence "... Not utterly cast them off ..." suggests that they would be cast off to a certain degree.
- Conditions during the Millennium: (24-34)
- One must endure in faith when amid persecution in order to partake of future glory (35)
- In this world our joy is not full (36-38; read also 93:33-34)
- Insights on being the salt of the earth (39-42)
- A parable concerning the redemption of Zion (43-62)
Where do we fit in this parable? Or at what point of the narrative of the parable do you think we are at this point in time?
- Another reference to the parable of wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30; D&C 86)
- Slavery or bondage is wrong (79)
- Instructions on seeking reparation for wrongs (81-92)
Questions for Review
1. How does the Lord treat those who are slow to hearken to his voice? (101:7)
2. Until what age are children going to live in the Millennium? (101:30)
3. How are the people who live in the Millennium going to die? (101:31)