Ezekiel 1–3 - Watchman for the Lord

Ezekiel saw in a vision from the Lord four living creatures, four wheels, and the glory of God on His throne.

Ezekiel was called to take the word of the Lord to the children of Israel and to remind them who they are and of their covenants with the Lord. 

The previous and current condition of the children of Israel would best be described as a stiff hearted and rebellious nation that had chosen to rebel against the Lord for many generations. What was once a dedicated and obedient group had become dark and sinful to the point that they had lost sight of all truth. 

The responsibilities of a watchman as called by the Lord include being prepared and willing to hear the words of the Lord and then warning others. They are to warn the wicked in order to save their lives. In fact, those that are called to warn others are also called with responsibility for the lives of those that they teach. If they chose not to warn man, they will be held accountable. 

The prophets and apostles are most recognized as being called to serve as watchman over the children of God. However, we must also remember our responsibility to share the gospel and stand as watchman. The Lord has called all those that have a testimony to stand as witnesses. The Lord has promised that all men and women will have a chance to accept or reject the gospel and we can chose to be a part of this or not. The Lord’s work will not be hindered in any way despite our imperfections.

President Ezra Taft Benson reminds us, 

“In the crisis through which we are now passing, we have been fully warned. This has brought forth some criticism. There are some of us who do not want to hear the message. It embarrasses us. The things which are threatening our lives, our welfare, our freedoms are the very things some of us have been condoning. Many do not want to be disturbed as they continue to enjoy their comfortable complacency.

The Church is founded on eternal truth. We do not compromise principle. We do not surrender our standards regardless of current trends or pressures. Our allegiance to truth as a church is unwavering. Speaking out against immoral or unjust actions has been the burden of prophets and disciples of God from time immemorial. It was for this very reason that many of them were persecuted. Nevertheless, it was their God-given task, as watchmen on the tower, to warn the people.”

Jeremiah 46, 50 - A Future Promise to Scattered Israel

Jeremiah 46:27–28; 50:17–20, 33–34, 41 

The promises that were given to scattered Israel begin with the promise that they will be saved from captivity. They will be gathered from all the corners of the earth and restored to their lands from those who took them captive. God will fulfill his promise to punish them for their sins but also all those who have fought against and sought to destroy them. The Lord will also please fro the children of Judah before God so that their sins may be forgiven. 

Doctrine and Covenants 110:11

In this verse we begin to see this prophesy coming to pass as several past prophets, including the Savior, appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to restore the keys necessary to begin the gathering and restore more parts of the gospel to the earth. Keys were restored to bring us the sealing powers of heaven as part of the gathering of Israel.

Since 1836, we have seen the missionary force strengthen and be sent to the corners of the earth. We have seen over time that more and more countries are opening their doors. Temples are being built across the world to administer and share the ordinances necessary for eternal salvation. Furthermore, the Church is building relationships with other faiths and sharing our values and coming together to fight for the safety and protection of all mankind.

Isaiah 55:8–11 - The Lord’s Thoughts and Ways

How is the message of these verses one of comfort? I find these messages to be comforting because it reminds me that the Lord is aware of me individually and that He has a plan for me. It reminds me that having “blind faith” is not actually “blind” it is having enough faith the I trust the Lord will always guide and direct me. It also teaches us that the Lord has a plan for all of His children and things will come to pass as needed in order to accomplish that which the Father sent Him to do. It allows us to come to Him in times of need and to seek out our own understanding.

How can we come to better understand God’s thoughts and ways? These scriptures teach us the importance of obedience and remembering that our ways are not the Lord’s ways. In order for us to better understand His thoughts and ways we must have a humble heart and true desire to learn. If we are caught up in our own thoughts and feelings we may block the Spirit and refuse the teachings of the Lord. We must also be willing to accept that which we don’t understand, knowing that one day we will. Sometimes we think that we deserve an answer or explanation before we are truly meant to receive that information. I think this is a trial of our faith and an opportunity to accept the joy that we can feel through obedience in those moments when we are waiting for the answers. 

Give an example of when you have observed a clear example of God’s ways being higher than man’s ways. This week has been a trying time for many of God’s children. However, it has been a true example of a time to trust in the Lord and accept that His ways are higher. The Lord inspired the policy changes that have been implemented by the Church. I personally felt that it was an action taken to help preserve the family that the Lord cherishes and fights for in all capacities. However, I know that this is a message that is hard for others to understand. It is easy to get caught up in the worldly idea of what is fair and just rather than what the Lord teaches us is fair and just. It is a trying time for many to have to decide whether to trust completely in the Lord and accept that there is a higher power in charge of this new policy and it is not the action of man.