Learning By Sad Experience - The Return of the Pendulum Metaphor
- scottrode
- 15 hours ago
- 38 min read
The Lord offered an answer to the question of “What ought we to have learned?” The answer is concise and to the point.
“ . . . You have not obtained the fullness of my salvation because you do not draw near to me?”[1]
What remains is our ability to learn and do what the Lord requires of us to draw near to Him. That is the reason for the title of this paper. We have learned much in the past 12 to 15 years. We know a lot. However our knowledge has not been transformative for most of us. Drawing nearer to the Savior is how we receive the fullness of His salvation. In effect, the fullness of His salvation is contingent upon our ability to use His direction in transforming us more to His attributes. The process by which we address the issues He commands us to complete are intended to facilitate that objective. Thus far, it has not. Having fallen short of a fullness of His salvation, the Lord assumed ownership of our efforts by giving us a name. The name is the assumption of His ownership of our efforts. It comes with the assumption of our accountability, responsibility, and consequences for our performance.
“We are obligated to heed the Lord. We only have two choices: either to learn by precept or through sad experience. If we learn by precept, then we listen and follow the Lord. But, when we reject the Lord’s counsel and ignore His warning, then we learn through sad experiences. Based on the recent communication with the Lord, it appears we will need, and are going to learn, from sad experiences” (God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.14, emphasis added).
When the Lord calls servants to speak on His behalf, their language takes on the Lord’s language and mannerisms. It is apparent in the writings and discourses of Joseph Smith[2] and now the language of Denver Snuffer.[3] The examples given in prior footnotes exemplify the use of the Savior’s words in Joseph Smith and Denver Snuffer’s teachings. In addition to these teachings, there are many other examples in the full text of both talks. The footnotes only substantiate both men follow a similar pattern as God’s servants.
The pattern is an illustration of how the Lord is fulfilling a latter-day prophecy given by Him to Joseph of Egypt
.
“Therefore your offspring will write, and Judah’s offspring will write. The Lord says: The things your offspring write, and the things Judah’s offspring write, will grow together in order to expose false doctrines, settle disputes, and establish peace among your offspring and bring them, in the last days, to understanding their ancestors and comprehending My covenants. The Lord said: His [Joseph Smith’s] weakness will be made strong. My work will then begin among all My people. I’ll restore you, O house of Israel” (CofC 2 Nephi 2:4, emphasis added).
When men called of God speak on His behalf, they speak the words of Christ. That is true of angels and men acting in the capacity of angels.[4]
“Now, my dear people, I believe you’re wondering a little in your hearts about what you should do after you’ve entered through the way. But why do you wonder over these things in your hearts? Don’t you remember I told you that after you had received the Holy Ghost, you could speak the words of angels? Now, how could you speak the message of the angels unless you did it by the Holy Ghost? Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; as a result, they speak Christ’s words. Therefore I told you: Feast on Christ’s words — because the words of Christ will tell you everything that you should do. After I’ve said these words, if you can’t understand them, it will be because you don’t ask or knock. Consequently, you aren’t brought into the light but are certain to perish in the dark. I tell you again, if you will enter through the way and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show you everything you should do. This is Christ’s doctrine. No more doctrine will be given until after He visits you here on earth. Once He shows Himself to you here on earth, you must obey what He tells you” (CofC 2 Nephi 14:1, emphasis added).
The Holy Ghost enables us to speak the language of angels, who speak the words of Christ. Angels from beyond the veil speak to those who are “heirs of salvation”[5] and “strong faith and firm mind in every form of godliness.”[6]
We are obligated to heed the words of the Lord from post-mortal ministrants or a mortal.[7] What matters is we exercise faith in Christ, repent, be baptized and find harmony with one another as God’s servants teach us by precept and chasten us when we learn by sad experience.
“A loving parent cannot abandon or ignore their duty to correct and discipline their child. As stated in Proverbs 1:10: “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of his correction; for whom the Lord loves, he corrects, even as a father the son in whom he delights.” And in Hebrews 1:52, it is explained: “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of him, for whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? But if you are without chastisement whereof all are partakers, then are you bastards and not sons. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us and we gave them reverence. Shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits and live? For they truly for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure, but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.” God’s care and concern for us are shown by His correcting and chastening of us as it is needed. This is how we experience God’s charity toward us. As the Lord promised Enos: Enos 1:2: “[T]he Lord’s voice came into my mind again, saying: I’ll bless or punish them according to their diligence in keeping My commandments. I’ve given them this land, and it’s a holy land; and I’ll only curse it because of iniquity. Therefore I’ll bless or punish your people just as I’ve said, and bring their transgressions down with sorrow on their own heads” (God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp.26-27, emphasis added).
The Lord has given us a name and covenant. The increased status before God doesn’t make us better than others. It carries with it greater responsibility and accountability. As the Lord’s covenant people our actions reflect upon Him.[8] The Lord’s ability to draw more of His children to His covenant and the accompanying promises will be influenced by how other’s perceive our conduct. How we treat one another is a witness of who our true father is. We don’t want our conversations with Him to mirror Alma’s words to his son, Corianton.
“Now, my son, I wish you hadn’t been guilty of such a great sin. I wouldn’t dwell on your sins to distress your soul if it weren’t for your good. But you can’t hide your sins from God. And unless you repent, they’ll stand as a testimony against you at the day of judgment. Now, my son, I want you to repent and abandon your sins and not follow the desires of your eyes, but control yourself. Because unless you do this, there isn’t any way for you to inherit God’s kingdom. Indeed, remember and take responsibility to control these things within yourself. And I command you to take the initiative to consult your older brothers about your challenges in life, and to pay careful attention to their counsel, because you are young and need advice from your brothers. Don’t let yourself be led away into doing worthless or foolish things. Don’t let the accuser lead you to ever chase after wicked harlots again. Look at how much wickedness your example caused among the Zoramites, my son! Because when they saw your conduct, they wouldn’t believe anything I said. Now the Spirit of the Lord tells me: Command your children to do good, so they don’t lead away the hearts of many people to destruction. So I command you, my son, to respect and obey God, and stop your iniquities, to turn to the Lord with all your mind, power, and strength, so you don’t lead away the hearts of anyone else to do wickedly. Instead, go back to them and admit your mistakes and repair the wrong that you’ve done. Don’t try to acquire wealth or the worthless things of this world; because you can’t take them with you” (CofC Alma 19:2, emphasis added).
For everyone directly or indirectly involved in councils there is a wealth of information and counsel in Alma’s words. Those guilty of serious transgressions should “take the initiative” to seek the counsel of their brethren. A lack of initiative suggests the absence of contrition or acceptance of responsibility for sin. If we show love and charity toward the transgressor he will know our faithfulness and devotion to him is “stronger than the cords of death.”[9] However remember, devotion and faithfulness follow reproof and repentance. As covenant people we cannot be absolved of our responsibility for watching over the Savior’s flock. Predators among us must be dealt with and not allowed to victimize the Lord’s people.
“Sometimes, because there are wolves who will destroy the work of God, He chooses to end the lives of His opponents. Alma wrote this: Alma 3:11: Now all of you that wish to follow the voice of the Good Shepherd: Come and separate yourselves from the wicked and don’t touch their unclean things. Their names will be erased, dividing the names of the wicked from the names of the righteous, so that God’s word will be fulfilled, which says: The names of the wicked won’t be mixed in with the names of My people; because the names of the righteous will be included in the Book of Life, and I’ll bestow upon them an inheritance at My right hand. Now, my people, how can you criticize this? I tell you: If you speak opposing it, it doesn’t matter, because God’s word will certainly be fulfilled. Indeed, does any shepherd with a flock fail to watch over them to prevent wolves from attacking and eating his flock? If a wolf enters his flock, doesn’t he drive it out? And ultimately, if he can, he’ll kill it. Now I tell you the Good Shepherd is calling out to you. And if you’re willing to respond to His voice, He’ll bring you into His fold and you’ll be His sheep. He commands you not to let any ravenous wolf enter among you, to prevent you from being destroyed” (God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp.27-28, emphasis added).
There is always concern regarding misconduct in our fellowship’s. The Lord has shown His great concern with how we deal with one another. The Lord through Denver has said: God cares about how we work on our relationships as much or more than He cares about our outcomes.[10] It is a testament to the Savior and exposes who our Father really is.
The Significance of Our New Name
Denver revealed the Lord has given us a new name and covenant. The news was met with enthusiasm and excitement, and rightfully so. However, the context should not be lost in the excitement of the announcement.
“To us the Lord has explained:
The Lord explained to me that “some people are taken and not healed because, in the Wisdom of God that person is ready and if left will recede rather than advance, and some are taken because, if left, would interfere with and delay or hinder God’s purposes for others, and some are given to suffer because it gives them the opportunity to develop in Godly attributes they would not otherwise attain. God’s Wisdom is greater than man’s and sees more than can man. But in all matters there is reason and wisdom in how matters of health, life, and death unfold.” (Website post January 29, 2023, God’s Wisdom.) (God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.28, emphasis added).
Denver proposed this passage be canonized in the next edition of the scriptures. The significance of the canonization of this revelation dovetails with paragraphs that follow.
“After learning that the Lord intends to accomplish His work through our group, or at least a remnant that includes some from our group,[11] I was then told that the Lord has given us a name. When the Lord names His people He then commits to work with them, for there is no reason for Him to name what He intends to abandon. Even if the people reject Him, for at least three and four generations the Lord will reach out to recover them. Only when they have altogether gone too far astray will He then end His work with the people He has named, to choose and work with another people. Therefore, the fact He has now named us holds great significance. This is what the Lord has declared:
This is what you shall say to the people: “I give to you a name to distinguish you from others, and you shall call one another by this name: ‘Covenant Christians’ because you have and hold a covenant with me that make you my followers deserving of my protection. But my protection does not only defend, but also corrects, reproves, disciplines and guides you along that you may be mine indeed” (God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.28, emphasis added).
With the Lord’s name assignment and covenant are express terms. The protection we sought since 2017[12] is being granted under explicit terms. The Lord’s protective hand will not solely be defensive in nature. The defense of His people includes His being proactive in correcting, reproving, disciplining and guiding us so our conduct may be a true reflection of His name and deeds. Name alone is insufficient.
For over a decade the Lord has taught us through precepts. The fading contrast of the original Restoration has become glaring for those who witness the resumption of the Gentile Restoration.
The continuation of the Restoration concludes the fullness of the Gentiles,[13] and introduces Israel’s gathering in a continuing burst of light and knowledge. Light coming forth like leaving a desert into an oasis. We are basking in the breaking light after living in the dim shadows of the remnant of Joseph Smith’s Restoration. The contrast between these periods leaves us reveling in what we’ve thus far found in relation to our past spiritual famine. Truthfully, we’ve probably been overcome with pride as we unwittingly look down on those who have yet to share what we’ve been given. We are so consumed with what we’ve been given recently, we lack appreciation for challenges lying ahead and obstacles remaining before us.
The time has come when our pride needs to be replaced with profound humility. In relation to the light and knowledge we’ve received, we are far short of where the earlier faithful have risen. The time for teaching precepts never passes, but the time for application of precepts is upon us. The Lord is claiming us as His children in a preparatory state in varying degrees. We are individually in different places spiritually and temporally. Like a loving Father and Mother, God is going to sort through us according to the wisdom of our Heavenly Parents.
Following the pattern explained in the recently canonized revelation, some will be taken because they reach their divinely appointed objective. Some will be removed because they become an obstacle to accomplishing the Lord’s objectives. Others suffer afflictions for their own benefit and advancement. It will be unwise and unjust for us to engage in judging the faithfulness of others by projecting God’s purposes on them according to our standards.
The lot for many of the Lord’s people will be that of suffering and adversity of different types. No matter what we may face, the last sentence of the new revelation should be riveted in our minds and always remembered.
“ . . . But in all matters there is reason and wisdom in how matters of health, life, and death unfold.”
Following the Examples of Nephi and Jacob
In Denver’s teachings regarding these righteous brothers, the point was made that both used the prophecies of prior prophets to explain and address their own prophecies. This is more than a point of interest. It is a prophetic pattern drawing past prophecies into our future by the contemporary servant of the Lord. With this point in mind, it is useful to pay close attention to the scriptures brought to the forefront of Denver’s mind by the Lord. One in particular illustrates what happens when the Lord’s prophet is persecuted, rejected and killed.
“ . . . From this, we know the Lord did not abandon the early saints of this latest dispensation. He instructed and warned them. He let them decide how they would react. When they failed to repent, the natural consequences of misconduct were tragic. This was intended to reclaim them by humbling them.
Next, this scripture came to mind: Abinadi in Mosiah 7:8: 8
Go and tell this people, this is what the Lord says: Woe to this people. I’ve seen their abominations, wickedness, and whoredoms! Unless they repent, I’ll punish them in My anger. Unless they repent and turn to the Lord who is God, I’ll let their enemies overpower them; indeed, they’ll be brought into slavery, and be punished by their enemies. They will know that I Am the Lord their God — a God who requires faithfulness, punishing My people for their iniquities. Unless these people repent and turn to the Lord who is God, they’ll be brought into slavery; no one will set them free except for the Lord the Almighty God. When they cry to Me, I’ll be slow to hear their cries. I’ll let them be killed by their enemies. Unless they repent in sincere humility and regret, and honestly ask the Lord their God in faith to forgive, I won’t hear their prayers or save them from their punishment. This is what the Lord says and this is what He’s commanded me to say.
Later, we learn that Abinadi’s warning was not heeded. Then the Lord disciplined the people with the terrible consequences just as He had Abinadi prophesy: Alma 14:14 Clearly Abinadi’s prophecy regarding the priests’ descendants was fulfilled, words he said before he suffered death by fire. Because he said to them: What you do with me after this will be the same fate you will suffer. Now Abinadi was the first executed by fire because of his belief in God. And this is what he meant, that many would suffer death by fire just like him. He told Noah’s priests that their descendants would cause many to be put to death in the same way he was, and they would be scattered widely and killed, as a sheep without a shepherd that’s driven and killed by wild animals. Now these words were confirmed, since they were driven, hunted, and struck down by the Lamanites. There was a cause and effect. The Lord’s foresight was vindicated, and the suffering could have been avoided had the people repented” (God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp.7-8, emphasis added).
There are profoundly serious reasons to take the example of Abinadi seriously. His prophecies were generational. The wicked acts of their forefathers would be returned upon the heads of their descendants for several generations. We feel unthreatened by this example because our collective memories are short and lack a broad enough context.
When God’s judgments are poured out upon those who refuse to repent, it takes the same form as their forefathers used to afflict their contemporary generations. When the Gentiles first came to the America’s, they abused, enslaved, and robbed the natives of this land. However, the greatest malaise to come upon the native American’s was the absence of immunity to the illnesses the Gentiles unwittingly introduced in this country. Illness became a “desolating scourge” to the indigenous people of this land.
When the “fullness of the Gentiles” concludes, is it coincidental that it concludes with a desolating sickness throughout this land. A similar fate to the descendants of Lehi who occupied this land for hundreds of years. Is it possible we are being warned of a similar fate for those who reject the Lord’s cries of repentance and His servant sent to bring forth His words in our day?[14]
Two Contrasting Examples of Learning by Sad Experience
There are multiple examples serving as case studies for learning by sad experience. Two are addressed here.
Limhi and His People
The death of King Noah led to a need to replace him with one of his surviving sons. Among the Lamanite captives was Noah’s son Limhi. He was not like his wicked father.
“ . . . Although Limhi didn’t want his father to be killed, he was aware of his father’s iniquities. Limhi was a righteous man” (CofC Mosiah 9:16, emphasis added).
Limhi and his people were forced to surrender half of all their possessions to the Lamanites and pay an annual tribute. In effect, Limhi and his people were in bondage to the Lamanites and appealed to their mercy to survive. These conditions continued for a time and the people of Limhi grew tired of their captivity.
“Then Limhi and his people returned to the city of Nephi, living again in peace. As time passed, however, the Lamanites once more became angry with the Nephites, and they began to cross the borders of the surrounding land. Now they didn’t dare kill them because of their king’s commitment to Limhi, but they would hit them in the face, exercise authority over them, lay heavy loads on their backs, and drive them like pack mules. This was all done to fulfill the Lord’s word. The Nephites were tormented. But there was no way for them to free themselves, since the Lamanites surrounded them on all sides.
The people began to complain to the king because of their afflictions, wishing to retaliate. They greatly troubled the king with their complaints, so that he let them do as they wanted. They gathered again, put on their armor, and went out against the Lamanites to push them off their land. But the Lamanites beat them, drove them back, and killed many of them. That resulted in great mourning and lamentation among Limhi’s people, the widow mourning her husband, the son and daughter mourning their father, and brothers mourning brothers” (CofC Mosiah 9:27-28, emphasis added).
Three times the people of Limhi sought to drive the Lamanites from their land and each time they were driven back and lost the lives of many of their men. Following the third attempt Limhi and his people became resigned to their helplessness and humbled themselves.
“ . . . But they tried again a third time and suffered similarly, and those who survived returned to the city of Nephi. Then they humbled themselves to the dust, submitting themselves to the burdens of slavery, letting themselves be beaten, herded here and there, and treated like pack mules, according to their enemies’ whims. They humbled themselves in the depths of humility, praying humbly to God — indeed, they prayed to God all day long, asking Him to end their suffering.
Now the Lord was slow to answer their prayers because of their iniquities. Nevertheless, the Lord answered their prayers and began to soften the Lamanites’ hearts, and they began to ease their burdens. But the Lord didn’t see fit to free them from slavery.
Gradually they began to make progress in the land raising grain, flocks, and herds more successfully, so they didn’t suffer hunger. Now there were many more women than men. Therefore king Limhi ordered the men to help support the widows and their children, to prevent starvation. This was because so many had been killed. Now Limhi’s people stayed close together when possible to protect their grain and flocks . . .” (CofC Mosiah 9:29-31, emphasis added).
After a period of humble and patient perseverance the Lord sent Ammon and his brethren to deliver Limhi and his people. Gideon, the kings captain over his soldiers proposed a plan to liberate the people and Ammon and his brethren led them back to Zarahemla.
After becoming convinced of their hopeless condition and inability to deliver themselves, Limhi and his people humbled themselves before the Lamanites and turned to God through prayer and supplication. In time the Lord softened the hearts of the Lamanites, prospered the people of Limhi and eventually marshalled a plan and resources to deliver their people.
Alma the Elder and his people
Alma the elder was a priest of Noah who was converted by the preaching of Abinadi. He fled the city and began preaching to people in the surrounding wilderness. He gained many faithful converts. The fact they fled Noah and his priests and their wickedness did not make them immune from suffering the consequences Abinadi warned of.
“Now Alma, their congregation’s founder, was their high priest. And no one received authority to preach or teach unless it was from God and through Alma. He alone ordained all their priests and teachers, and no one was ordained unless they were ethical men. So they cared for their people and taught them things required for righteousness. And they began to thrive in the land, which they called Helam. They increased in numbers and produced more than they needed in the land of Helam. They built a city that they called the city of Helam. However, the Lord disciplines His people; He requires them to be patient and faithful. Nevertheless, whoever trusts Him will be rewarded on the last day; and this is how it was with Alma’s people. I’ll show you that they were subjected to slavery, and no one could have freed them other than the Lord who is God: the God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob. He freed them and demonstrated His mighty power to them, making them rejoice.
What happened was that while they were in the land of Helam, in the city of Helam, while farming the surrounding land, a Lamanite army came into the outskirts of the land. And Alma’s people ran from their fields and gathered in the city of Helam, being very frightened at the Lamanites’ arrival. But Alma went out and joined with them and urged them to not be frightened, but to remember the Lord their God, that He would protect them. So they subdued their fears and began to pray to the Lord to soften the Lamanites’ hearts so they would spare them and their wives and children. And the Lord softened the Lamanites’ hearts. Alma and his people went out and surrendered to them, and the Lamanites took control of Helam” (CofC Mosiah 11:3-4, emphasis added).
Alma and his people subjected themselves to the Lord and trusted He would deliver them. Amulon, one of Noah’s wicked priests who kidnapped one of the daughters of the Lamanites for a wife was appointed over Alma and his people. He persecuted Alma and the believers in Christ and made it illegal to openly pray to God. Alma and his people complied but continued calling upon God silently in their hearts. In response the Lord said the following to Alma and his people:
“And the people wanted Alma to be their king, since they loved and trusted him. 7But he told them: It isn’t advisable for us to have a king. This is what the Lord has said: You must not value one person over another, and no one should consider themselves better than another. Therefore I advise you against having a king. However, if it were possible to always have ethical men as your kings, it would be worthwhile to have a king — but remember the iniquity of king Noah and his priests. I was trapped in it and did many wicked things offensive to the Lord, that I now bitterly regret. But after a lot of suffering, the Lord heard and answered my prayers and has turned me into an instrument in His hands to teach many of you knowledge about His truth. Nevertheless, I don’t expect praise for this, since I’m unworthy of taking any pride in myself. Now I tell you: King Noah oppressed you, and he and his priests enslaved you and led you into iniquity, so you were captured with the chains of sin. Now as God’s power has freed you from these chains, from the control of king Noah and his people, and from the chains of sin, I want you to maintain your liberty, and never trust any man to be a king ruling you. Don’t trust anyone to be your teacher or minister unless he’s called by God, walking in His ways, and following His commandments. This is what Alma taught his people, that everyone should love their neighbor as themselves, and they shouldn’t have any serious conflicts.
Now Alma, their congregation’s founder, was their high priest. And no one received authority to preach or teach unless it was from God and through Alma. He alone ordained all their priests and teachers, and no one was ordained unless they were ethical men. So they cared for their people and taught them things required for righteousness. And they began to thrive in the land, which they called Helam. They increased in numbers and produced more than they needed in the land of Helam. They built a city that they called the city of Helam. However, the Lord disciplines His people; He requires them to be patient and faithful. Nevertheless, whoever trusts Him will be rewarded on the last day; and this is how it was with Alma’s people. I’ll show you that they were subjected to slavery, and no one could have freed them other than the Lord who is God: the God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob. He freed them and demonstrated His mighty power to them, making them rejoice” (CofC Mosiah 11:2-3, emphasis added).
The parallels between Alma’s condition and our current conditions should not be dismissed. We have fled from a wicked priesthood with substantial wealth and power. If conditions were to erode as they did in the days of Noah it is not unreasonable to think they could be placed in a position of imposing their will on us. We should always seek to identify similarities between these accounts and our day. Nephi said they likened these writings to themselves. However, that strays from the point.
In my paper on “Opposition in All Things,” I introduced the metaphor of a swinging pendulum. Using the same metaphor, imagine the left of the pendulum representing God’s blessings upon us. To the right, imagine God’s cursing’s, punishment, or wrath.
Limhi and his people were brought to God like Melchizedek, through the things which they suffered. They attempted multiple times to deliver themselves by force at a cost of many lives and much suffering. In contrast, Alma and his people were submissive, meek and humble. The Lord was slow to hearken to the prayers and suffering of Limhi. On the other hand, He responded to the prayers of Alma and his people swiftly. Limhi required the Lord to send people to deliver them. Alma’s people were delivered directly by the Lord without need of a deliverer.
The pendulum moved significantly higher to the right when Limhi and his people suffered. What determined the height of the pendulum’s extension was how quickly they found humility and submission to the Lord. This is the central theme of Denver’s last talk and something we should contemplate seriously.
There is a passage in the Doctrine and Covenants regretfully did not make it into the Teaching and Commandments. It is relevant to this discussion. Though I am loathe to quote anything attributed to Brigham Young, I believe this is a blind squirrel finding a nut situation.
“My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.
Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;
For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and [its withdrawal] to the condemnation of the ungodly” (LDS D&C 136:31-33, emphasis added).
Zions legacy is for the Lord to prepare His people through chastening and receiving “glory” through the things which they suffer.
By way of personal anecdote, I suggest we consider a lesson I learned by sad experience as a young boy. One Christmas my parents purchased three ten speed bikes for my brothers and I. The bike was appropriate for my elder brother’s but too large and state of the art for a boy my age. Still, I was afraid I would be disappointed in anything else so my parents purchased similar bikes in different colors.
I didn’t anticipate the animosity kids my brother’s age would have toward me for having a nice bike at such a young age. One day two boys my eldest brother’s age knocked me off the bike. One proceeded to ride my bike while the other one chased me up the road. I ran as fast as I could looking over my left shoulder to measure the distance between me and the boy in pursuit. While my attention was focused on the young man chasing me I neglected to look forward to a parked car in front of me. My knee hit the bumper and my head flew forward crushing my front tooth on the hood of the car.
I suppose the moral of the story is we shouldn’t be so focused on our past that we fail to anticipate and adjust for perils that lie ahead.
[1] RE T&C 157:20, emphasis added.
[2] Under the heading of “Zion and Jerusalem” we read an exemplary paragraph of Joseph Smith incorporating scripture seamlessly into his comments. “The Book of Mormon is a record of the forefathers of our western tribes of Indians; having been found through the ministration of an holy angel, and translated into our own language by the gift and power of God, after having been hid up in the earth for the last fourteen hundred years, containing the word of God which was delivered unto them. By it we learn that our western tribes of Indians are descendants from that Joseph who was sold into Egypt, and that the land of America is a promised land unto them, and unto it all the tribes of Israel will come, with as many of the Gentiles as shall comply with the requisitions of the new covenant. But the tribe of Judah will return to old Jerusalem. The city of Zion spoken of by David, in the one hundred and second Psalm, will be built upon the land of America, "And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads." (Isaiah 35:10); and then they will be delivered from the overflowing scourge that shall pass through the land. But Judah shall obtain deliverance at Jerusalem. See Joel 2:32; Isaiah 26:20 and 21; Jeremiah 31:12; Psalms 1:5; 10. These are testimonies that the Good Shepherd will put forth His own sheep, and lead them out from all nations where they have been scattered in a cloudy and dark day, to Zion, and to Jerusalem; besides many more testimonies which might be brought” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (pp. 15-16, emphasis added). Deseret Book Company. Kindle Edition). In addition to the references noted by Joseph Fielding Smith who compiled “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith” I identified the following additional references in this paragraph: RE Isaiah 8:4-5, CofC 2 Nephi 9:18-19, RE Joel 1:6-7, RE Ezekiel 9:1-11, RE T&C 123:18.
[3] In the previous quotation from Denver Snuffer there are two examples where Denver’s language interweave key scriptural words into his comments. “Precept,” RE Isaiah 8:3, “Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Those who are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts, for precept must be upon precept — precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, and there a little. For with stammering lips and another tongue [foreign speaker] will he speak to this people, to whom he said, This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest, and this is the refreshing — yet they [Ephraim, Gentiles] would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little and there a little, that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken”. The second example is “sad experience.” “ . . . We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen” (RE T&C 139:5, emphasis added).
[4] “For he that receives my servants receives me (T&C 82:17). The word “servants” in this context means “angels.” Angel is derived from the Greek word ággelos [ἄγγελος] which means “messenger.” The messenger must bring a message from the Lord. It does not matter if the messenger is mortal. The word describes a category of messenger that includes not only pre-mortal and post-mortal spirits, but also living men. When anyone, man or angel, is entrusted with a message from God, the message is God’s. God makes no distinction between the messenger and Himself. And now I have spoken the words which the Lord God hath commanded me (Mosiah 1:18). The angel added nothing. He hid nothing. He delivered what the Lord told him to deliver. These are not merely the words of an angel. Because the angel certifies they originated from God, they are the words of God (see T&C 54:7).3 Joseph explained that all angels either have or do belong to this earth: But there are no angels who minister to this earth but those who do belong or have belonged to it. Their status as angel comes from the fact they have met with God, received their assignment and authority from Him, and deliver only the message He instructs should be delivered. [“That concludes the talk I was required to present.” Denver Snuffer Jr., God’s Covenant People, p.32 ] They are in His service, and the message is confined to what He has told them to do. Angels minister to mankind and confer power, light, and truth. They prepare one to receive the Lord. “Neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, shewing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness. And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfill and to do the work of the covenants of the Father which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him; and by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the holy ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.” (Moroni 7:6; emphasis added) Angels minister to “chosen vessels” or mortal messengers, as the Three Nephites did with Mormon and Moroni (see Mormon 4:2). Then these vessels testify and bear testimony so that the way is prepared that the residue of men may have faith in Christ. These three visited with Mormon, but the people to whom Mormon ministered didn’t see them. They ministered to Moroni, and those to whom Moroni ministered didn’t see them. The chosen vessels also become as ministering angels. Many people have received ministering angels. Men, women, and children have, can, and do receive angelic ministers. Angels minister to those with faith, then they are supposed to preach salvation to others. Appearances of angels, like the post-resurrection ministry of Christ, happen with the faithful. Christ appeared as a resurrected minister only to the faithful in Jerusalem. Likewise, He showed Himself to “the more righteous” who had been spared among the Nephites” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Angel, second edition, pp.9-10, emphasis added).
[5] “And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to you? For he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but you desired that you might speedily come unto me in my kingdom. I say unto you, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men, than what he has before done; yea, he has undertaken a greater work. Therefore, I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel. He shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth, and I will make you to minister for him and for your brother James [Jacob]. And unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come. Verily I say unto you, you shall both have according to your desires, for you both joy in that which you have desired” (RE Joseph Smith History, section 1, part 13 (April 1829): 18-19).
[6] “And because He’s done this, my dear people, have miracles stopped? I tell you: No. And neither have angels stopped ministering to mankind. They are obedient to Him, to minister according to His commands, revealing themselves to those of strong faith and of a firm mind in every form of godliness. The responsibility of their ministry is to call people to repentance, and to fulfill and do the work of the Father’s covenants that He’s made to mankind, to prepare the way among people by declaring Christ’s word to the Lord’s chosen vessels, so they can bear testimony of Him. And by doing this, the Lord God prepares the way for the remainder of mankind to have faith in Christ, so the Holy Ghost can have a place in their hearts according to the power of the Holy Ghost. This is how the Father vindicates the covenants He’s made to mankind. Christ has said: If you have faith in Me, you’ll have power to do whatever I consider needed and proper. And He’s said to everyone on earth: Repent and come to Me and be baptized in My name and have faith in Me, so you can be saved” (CofC Moroni 7:6, emphasis added).
[7] “Search these commandments for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What I, the Lord, have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself. And though the heaven and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by my own voice or by the voice of my servants it is the same. For behold and lo, the Lord is God and the spirit bears record, and the record is true, and the truth abides for ever and ever. Amen.
[8] “ . . . I teach you what the Father has shown to me while I was in his presence, and you follow the teaching of your father. They answered and said to him, Abraham is our father. Jesus replied to them, If you were really Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham [our works determine who our father is]. Jesus said to them . . . If God were your Father, you would love me, for I am sent by and represent God. I am not speaking my own words or pursuing my own agenda, but the Father’s words and agenda. Why do you fail to comprehend my words? Your refusal to hearken and submit to my teachings makes you deaf indeed. Your father is the accuser, and you share the envy and rebellion of your father. He was a rebellious destroyer from the beginning, and fought against the truth, because he prefers lies. When he spreads a lie, he advances his agenda. He is the source of deceit in this fallen world. ” (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 6:19, emphasis added).
[9] “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood; only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned, by kindness and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul; without hypocrisy and without guile; reproving betimes with sharpness when moved upon by the holy ghost, and then showing forth afterward an increase of love toward him whom you have reproved (lest he esteem you to be his enemy), that he may know that your faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death; your bowels also being full of charity toward all men, and to the household of faith; and virtue garnish your thoughts unceasingly. Then shall your confidence wax strong in the presence of God, and the doctrines of the Priesthood shall distill upon your soul as the dews from heaven. The holy ghost shall be your constant companion, and your scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth, and your dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto you for ever and ever” (RE T&C 139:6, emphasis added).
[10] “However, these accomplishments do not hide what we lack. Clearly, there remain obstacles for us to overcome to be gathered into a community and live in peace with one another” (God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.2, emphasis added).
“As I have considered our few successes and many failures, I have been despairing and quite pessimistic. We still have far too many shortcomings despite all the guidance the Lord has provided. When I learned that rancor and hard feelings still linger over the Guide and Standard, it surprised me. When I saw that women are no more wise, fair, or just than men have been—and saw the rancor they showed one another —I was discouraged and doubted that we could ever gather together and live in peace with one another. We have the same social upheavals in our group as modern Babylon has. A lot of our disputes resemble the political campaigns of modern Babylon, and it suggests that we are far more influenced by the social winds of a larger corrupt society than by the Lord’s instructions. I have felt responsible for our widespread quarreling, frequent backbiting, grudges, gossip, petty jealousies, inability to support one another, selfishness, reactivity, unwillingness to sacrifice for the sake of building a community, and general unfitness to gather into a cohesive body. I have been dismayed by our inability to remain silent when we should not speak, our failure to speak when we should, and our inability to recognize the care and respect that must be taken with each other and with God. I have taken into account the earlier failures in Kirtland, Missouri, Illinois, and Salt Lake, and concluded that we share the same weaknesses and faults among us, as history records about them. This has left me with little hope for our chances of success.” ( God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp.2-3, emphasis added).
“From these words, we know there are other works He will require of us, and He has warned us that we will be “unable to accomplish other works [He] will require at [our] hands,” so we know greater demands are going to be imposed. Will our continuing disputes and arguments require the Lord’s disciplining hand to be imposed on us as has been previously needed for His people in times past? What should we be doing to prepare for the other works, the greater demands? What physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental skills will be needed to accomplish what God will require of us? How are we preparing ourselves in these ways for the coming difficulties? We know we have been told to “reason together” but we do not have that skill. Reasoning requires give-and-take, respect and trying to understand another point of view. It requires patience and development of skills, critical reasoning, and thoughtfulness. Most of all it requires attentive listening that lets us understand one another” (God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp.9-10, emphasis added).
“This is what you [Denver] shall say to the people: “I give to you a name to distinguish you from others, and you shall call one another by this name: ‘Covenant Christians’ because you have and hold a covenant with me that make you my followers deserving of my protection. But my protection does not only defend, but also corrects, reproves, disciplines and guides you along that you may be mine indeed” (God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.28, emphasis added).
“ . . . That suggests to my mind that the people who will ultimately be “gathered unto [Zion] out of every nation under heaven, and … shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another” will include other faithful people recognized by the Lord. People who can live in peace with one another, without rancor or jealousy, fear and defensiveness will undoubtedly exclude some of us and include some outside this present body of believers. Currently, we are plagued by fear, anxiety, defensiveness, judgment, discord, anger, intolerance, a lack of desire, and capacity for doing the work God has asked us to do. (See T&C 157:3, 5, 10, 16-20, 49, 53-54, and 58; T&C 158: 4-5.) Many have openly stated their unwillingness to engage in the work and lack the desire to understand one another. There is little to commend us as a people of Zion. We can learn by precept. That requires us to not only listen to but also to heed the things the Lord says to us. Giving heed does not mean we argue with one another about some particular statement, phrase, or verse, using a teaching to justify our opinions, perceptions, or errors. Giving heed requires us to submit, obey, and respect the Lord’s words as if they are meant to condemn and correct us personally. They are not intended to equip us to criticize our neighbor or justify our ignorant opinion. Seeing the flaws in others is easy. It requires nothing of us. Seeing our own flaws seems to be impossible. The words of the Lord are precepts or teachings intended to bring you down in humility so you can meekly submit to His guidance in all things, not just the things you care about. Alternatively, we can choose to fail by not heeding the Lord’s precepts, instead enduring sad experiences that remind us of our own lowliness. None of us should be proud, thinking ourselves better than our fellow man. We aren’t. We are not even as much as the dust of the earth because the dust we occupy belongs to God. Therefore, we should be grateful for every sad experience and recognize that it is for our good. It is necessary because, for whatever reason, we did not learn by precept. God’s plan expects we will learn from both. Learning by precept is not better than learning by sad experience. They are both essential teachers. The important part is how we learn by sad experience: Do we blame, judge, avoid, react, offend, ignore, resist, refuse? Or do we take accountability, reason, observe, engage, submit, ask, share, listen, pray, fast? After being corrected by the Lord, my pessimism about our condition has been replaced. The Lord does intend to make use of some of us to fulfill His will. However, that will not only include blessing and encouraging us but also disciplining and correcting us. I have no idea how joyful or painful the coming journey will be for any of us. I also do not know how many (or how few) will be there when the journey is completed and the promises are fulfilled. I do have an idea that there has been and will continue to be watchful care taken by the Lord to help a few of us along the remaining journey. In the months and weeks before this conference, there were jarrings, contentions, envyings, strifes, lustful and covetous desires among us. Are we polluting our inheritance? Women have demonstrated that they “lack the ability to respectfully disagree among one another” (T&C 157:3). Ability refers to the quality of being able to do something, specifically the physical, mental, financial, or legal power to accomplish it, as well as a skill, talent, or capacity. That inability in us was identified in the Answer to the Prayer for Covenant, given eight years ago. At that same time, we were told, “there have been sharp disputes between you that should have been avoided. I speak these words to reprove you that you may learn, not to upbraid you so that you mourn.” (Id. ¶5.) We have been given the precepts to guide us and are now witnessing and experiencing the natural consequences that follow from our rejection of Divine guidance. We MUST, but have not, learned to disagree respectfully. We take sides, prejudge, run away from conflict, and prefer being right with man over being right with God. We need to counsel with one another patiently and listen attentively. Some disagreements and differences may take years to work out. We have an “us vs. them” mentality that permeates this movement. It has been on display for years, and is particularly obvious in the weeks leading up to this conference and the women’s conference held yesterday. This is the work, and many of you can’t tolerate or won’t even entertain the idea that God cares about how we work on our relationships as much or more than He cares about our projects” (God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.29-30, emphasis added).
[11] “But if the Gentiles repent and hearken to My words and don’t harden their hearts, I’ll establish My congregation among them. And they will enter the covenant and be included with the remnant of Jacob, to whom I’ve given this land as their inheritance. They [Gentiles] will join with My people, the remnant of Jacob, and all those of the house of Israel who come, so they can build a city that will be called the New Jerusalem. Then they [Gentiles] will join with My people who are scattered throughout the land so they can be brought in together to the New Jerusalem. Then the Powers of heaven [Patriarchal Father’s] will come down among them, and I will be with them as well. Then the Father’s work will be underway, when this gospel is preached among the remnant of this people [descendants of Lehi]. Truly I say to you: At that time, the Father’s work will be taught among the scattered portion of My people [Israel], even the tribes that have been lost, whom the Father led away out of Jerusalem. The Father will work with My scattered people, to enable them to come to Me, so they can call on the Father in My name. Truly the work of the Father will be underway in all nations, clearing the way to let His people be gathered home to the land of their inheritance. They will go out from all nations. And they won’t go hastily or at a run, because I will go in front of them, says the Father, and I will guard them from behind.
[12] “You have sought to recover the scriptures because you hope to obtain the covenant for my protective hand to be over you, but you [Gentiles, Lehi’s seed, and Israel] cannot be Satan and be mine. If you take upon you my covenant, you must abide it as a people to gain what I promise . . .” (RE T&C 157:10, emphasis added). This provides a detailed explanation of where we currently are and how the Lord and Father intend to accomplish this work going forward. It will be a collaborative effort, God directing this “awe-inspiring work” among those who hear Their call to repentance and give heed.
[13] “And when that day shall come shall a remnant be scattered among all nations; but they shall be gathered again, but they shall remain until the times of the gentiles be fulfilled. And in that day [fullness of the Gentiles] shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion. And men’s hearts shall fail them and shall say that Christ delays his coming until the end of the world, and the love of men shall wax cold and iniquity shall abound. And when the times of the gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fullness of my gospel, but they receive it not, for they perceive not the light and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men.
And in that generation shall the times of the gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be men standing in that generation that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge, for a desolating sickness shall cover the land. But my disciples shall stand in holy places and shall not be moved; [this is a reason for canonizing Denver’s revelation] but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices, and curse God, and die. And there shall be earthquakes also in diverse places and many desolations. Yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword one against another and they will kill one another” (RE T&C 31:6-7, emphasis added).
[14] “At that time, to advance My cause, the Father will begin a work, which will be a great and awe-inspiring work among them. There will be many who won’t believe it, although a man will tell it to them. But the ministry of My servant will be led by My hand; therefore they won’t be able to harm his work, although he’ll be opposed and discredited by them. Yet I’ll support him; I’ll show them My wisdom is greater than the accuser’s deceitful scheming. Therefore those who won’t believe in My words, and I Am Jesus Christ, which the Father will give and empower that servant to set before the Gentiles, it will result exactly as Moses said: They [the Gentiles] will be cut off from My people who are part of the covenant. And then you, a remnant of the house of Jacob, will rise up from them. And you’ll be mixed in with them who will outnumber you. You’ll be among them like a lion among his prey in the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who moves unopposed to take down and tear to pieces. Your hand [remnant of Jacob] will be against your opponents and all your enemies will be cut down. Yes, woe to the Gentiles unless they repent: For when that day comes, says the Father, I’ll take away your strength from you, and I’ll destroy your security. Your cities will fall and I’ll break open your guarded borders. Your sciences and learning will turn into foolishness, and your false beliefs will cause your failure. I’ll expose the fraud of those in authority, and your trusted institutions will lose everyone’s loyalty. False prophets and false ministers will be brought to shame and humiliation. All lying, deceiving, envying, strife, priestcraft, and whoredoms will come to an end. At that time, says the Father, I’ll cut down anyone who won’t repent and draw near to My Beloved Son to preserve My people, the house of Israel. I’ll take vengeance and unleash My fierce anger on all the unbelieving, beyond anything they expect.
Scott Roderick
4/18/25