© David Edwards, 2008
We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing
In the last days, although tribulations will come, latter-day saints will gather together in places of safety and will ask for and receive the blessings of the Lord. One of the First Presidency, Elder Henry B. Eyring, gave a talk at BYU Idaho called "Raise the Bar", on this subject on January 25, 2005. He reminded us that the Lord has said that, in the last days, everyone will be afraid. But, he added, the Lord is very willing to lead us to places of safety that he has prepared. Elder Harold B. Lee, in General Conference in April 1948, said that before frightening tribulations come, Latter-day Saints would do well to prepare and receive their guidance from the First Presidency as to where they should gather.
He chastens, and hastens his will to make known
We do not want chastening but sometimes need it. “Thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with by death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him.” – Helaman 12:3
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing
This will not take place until the Millennium. Until then, persecutions of the faithful are a prelude to glory. “And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake, yet shall they partake of all this glory.” – D&C 101:35
We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant, and pray that thou still our defender wilt be
In an article called “Safety in Counsel" in the Ensign, Jun 2008, p. 4-9, Elder Henry B. Eyring affirmed that the Savior will defend us if we seek for and receive His protection. The Savior wants to guide us along the path of safety. He will guide us to safety through the Prophet, the Quorum of the Twelve and other appointed Church leaders. These men, who are His servants, the Lord always tasks with warning us, letting us know the way to safety.
Let thy congregation escape tribulation
“They shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked.” – D&C 29:8
O Lord, make us free!
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” – 2 Cor 3:17 “I seek not for power, but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country.” – Alma 60:36 “That law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind. . . .” – D&C 98:5
PRACTICES: Gather as families, ask the Lord’s blessings, endure chastening, learn His will, accept the Lord as your defender, escape tribulation by being prepared in all things, and pray for freedom.
See Raise the Bar by President Eyring: www.byui.edu/speeches/eyring_jan2005.htm
Photo Credits:
Serene Location: http://home.nps.gov/applications/nature/photos/ACF21F1.jpg
Earthquake Damage: http://ed.fnal.gov/lincon/w01/projects/earthquakes/earthquake%20photo4.jpg
House of Glory: Photo shot by D. or S. Edwards
Christus Statue at SLC Visitor's Center: Photo shot by D. Edwards
Burning Heat: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lch/prep/heat.jpg
Liberty Bell: http://photos.state.gov/galleries/guadalajara/38021/hawkesa/LibertyBellStamp%20v3.jpg (with crossed out words removed)
