By Frank M. Keele

President Nelson’s Sunday morning talk was one of the most powerful, profound and far reaching talks given in this dispensation in my view and the following was especially revealing, said he:

“In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,” He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful.”

When we look closely there’s really quite a bit to unpack here but it is also nicely condensed in two sentences or two thoughts and fortunately, in the second sentence he quotes a bit of scripture…

Please note the opening paragraph where President Nelson says, “You are constantly on my mind” and then goes on to elaborate about his concerns for us and this is the context in which we need to view his comments about “the faithful”. He knows that we are going through and that we will continue to go through some very difficult transitional times.

Now, let us take a moment to investigate a specific part of the Lord’s return “with power and great glory” that will particularly impact “the faithful”… we go to Matthew 24 and read:

29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days (abomination of desolation on the gentiles) shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

It’s pretty easy to see from the above text that when the Lord first comes “with power and great glory” and gathers his saints via “his angles” we will be in pretty good shape and because the Lord brings the heavenly New Jerusalem with him, we will be protected and provided for. But I don’t think this is the part that concerns President Nelson so much for us, rather, it’s the time “Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory” and so he assures us that the Lord, “will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful” during that time. And he goes on to say:

“Nonetheless, we are presently living in what surely is a most complicated time in the history of the world. The complexities and challenges leave many people feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. However, consider a recent experience that might shed light on how you and I can find rest.”

At this point in his talk he give us a masterful discourse on how we can “find rest” and prepare ourselves or become the people we need to be so as to be ready to meet the Lord when he comes… and near the close of his address he says:

“As I have stated before, the gathering of Israel is the most important work taking place on earth today. One crucial element of this gathering is preparing a people who are able, ready, and worthy to receive the Lord when He comes again, a people who have already chosen Jesus Christ over this fallen world, a people who rejoice in their agency to live the higher, holier laws of Jesus Christ.”

As faithful Latter-Day Saints we need to dig deep into the substance and meat of the prophets words that we might prepare our hearts and minds and be among those whom the angels, “shall gather together… from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

If you have not yet read Millennial Dawn, you will find a link on the “Book” page… thanks for reading and my God bless!

You are invited to leave a comment or ask a question…