THE PROMISE OF ZION

 

When the early saints were driven from their homes in Jackson Country, Missouri, in November 1833, they were reduced to the lowest poverty and they were grief stricken because they had lost their homes in Zion.

The failed protection by the Lord against the mobs was the result of one reason: they did not ‘hearken altogether unto the precepts and commandments’ which He had given them (D&C 103:4).

Even though the establishment of Zion failed in the early Church history, the promise of its inheritance stands and Zion’s restoration is still to come.  The Lord has promised this will happen ‘in time’ (v 20) and it will happen under one condition:

“….that day will not come until the members of the Church are willing to keep their covenants and walk unitedly, for until the members of the Church learn to walk in full accord and in obedience with all of the commandments, this day cannot come.

“It may be necessary in order to bring this to pass for the Lord to use drastic measures and cleanse the Church from everything that offends. This he has promised to do when He is ready to redeem Zion (See Matt 13:41).” (President Joseph Fielding Smith, “Church History and Modern Revelation”, 1:484; Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual p 251)

This I believe, is the crowning glory of Zion’s redemption:

“….when we go back there will be a very large organization consisting of thousands, and tens of thousands, that will march forward and the glory of God overshadowing their camp by day in the form of a cloud, and a pillar of flaming fire by night, the Lord’s voice being uttered forth before His army…..and His people will go forth and build up Zion according to celestial law.

“The Lord says the banners of Zion shall be terrible….When the Lord’s presence is there…and the Lord’s angels go before the camp, it will be telegraphed to the uttermost parts of the earth and the fear will seize all people…..” (Elder Orson Pratt, “Journal of Discourses, 15:364)…..but the armies of heaven will be protecting the Saints in their return to Zion.”  (“History of the Church”, 2:381; Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual P 250). Can you imagine it?

This return to Missouri to build Zion will be akin to Moses leading the children of Israel to their promised land (v 16). This will be an amazing sight to see but unlike Moses’ expedition which was not selective, the group returning to Missouri will be only those who live the law of the celestial kingdom because only they will be prepared to be led by the presence of the Lord (D&C 105:5)…..because how can you abide the presence of a celestial being if you are not one yourself?

He is our Shepherd of Israel

Who would not see us lost,

Who rescued our souls

Never counting the cost.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: In His Keeping by Yongsung Kim)