Keeping the Light On: Understanding Judgment and Divine Timing

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to learn and study the restored gospel, we are sometimes confronted with weighty topics—the deep mysteries of history, the patterns of sin, and the coming times. Sometimes, the prophetic voice calls us to look at things that feel far removed from our daily lives, things that speak of plagues, national judgment, and the turning away from the covenants. It can feel heavy, can’t it? Like trying to hold up a massive, ancient tapestry while standing on shifting ground.

I was recently reviewing some teachings from Jonathan Cahn, and the discussion around the Jubilee, the Valley of Hinnom, and the concept of national judgment really made me pause. It’s the kind of teaching that makes you feel the weight of history, and frankly, it can make you feel small. But what I realized, after letting the Spirit settle those weighty thoughts, is that no matter how dark the world seems, our focus—our *field*—must remain fixed on the Savior.

The speaker touched on how turning away from the light—from the covenant path—has devastating consequences, citing examples from scripture and modern history. It’s a sobering reminder that sin has consequences, and that the power of Jesus Christ, the word of God, is what has consistently held the line. It’s a powerful message about the sanctity of life, about the covenants we keep, and the eternal law of sowing and reaping.

Finding Our Anchor in the Gospel

When we hear talk of judgment, it’s easy to get caught up in the *what* and the *when*. But as returned missionaries, and as disciples in our daily lives, we need to anchor ourselves in the *Who*. The judgment, the plagues, the historical reckoning—these are all pointed toward the need for the Atonement. They point us back to the core message: the power of Jesus Christ.

This is where I feel the Spirit nudge me to remember the simple, yet profound, work of discipleship. We don't need to be experts in ancient prophecy to be effective missionaries or disciples. We just need to be *Christlike*. We need to remember that every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Our mission isn't to predict the next great historical calamity; it's to invite our neighbors to the light we have found.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the world's headlines, I invite you to shift your focus to the Book of Mormon. Sometimes, the simplest, most direct testimony found within the sacred records is the most powerful shield against the rising tide of doubt. I highly recommend revisiting the Book of Mormon through the lens of the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook this week. Seeing how the scriptures connect us to the covenants of our fathers can be incredibly grounding.

For those of us preparing to go, or those who have recently returned, remember that the training doesn't stop at the MTC or when you get your first transfer. It’s a lifelong process of refinement. If you want to walk through some of the difficult questions that might come up during missionary discussions—the hard 'why's'—I’d love for you to join me and Davee for our next AI Investigator session. We can role-play some challenging scenarios together.

If you're looking for more deep dives into scripture and covenant keeping, keep an eye out for our next Book Club meeting in HolyPlaces. Let's keep building up the kingdom, one inspired discussion at a time.

Remember, the covenant path is always illuminated by the Savior. Let’s keep our hearts fixed on Him!