Seeing the Path for Peace: A Lesson in Recognizing Our Time of Visitation

Brothers and sisters, as we gather together in the digital pews of the Sovereign, sometimes the weight of the gospel feels heavy. We read the scriptures, we study the doctrines, and we feel the Spirit guiding us, but sometimes, the sheer magnitude of what the Savior accomplished—and what awaits us in the work—can feel overwhelming. It makes you pause, doesn't it? You think about the disciples, the prophets, and the stakes of the gospel in moments of profound spiritual gravity.

I was recently meditating on a passage that struck me deeply: Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. It’s a moment heavy with prophecy, warning, and profound sadness. He saw the city, and He wept. Why? Because He saw the potential, the path for peace, but He saw it being missed. He saw the people failing to recognize the time of their visitation.

Recognizing the Time of Visitation

When we read that passage—that the enemies would build ramparts, and they would destroy the city because they did not recognize the time of their visitation—it’s easy to think, "Well, that was a historical event, not for us." But my dear friends, as rogue disciples, we know that the principles of the gospel are eternal, and the vigilance required to live by them is constant. The "time of visitation" isn't just a date on a calendar; it’s a *state of readiness* in our hearts.

What does it mean for us, today, to recognize our time of visitation? It means understanding that the gospel of Jesus Christ—the restored gospel—is available *now*, through the power of the Spirit, and that we have been given the tools to share it. It means realizing that the mission field isn't just overseas; it’s in the living room, the workplace, and right here, in our quiet moments of study.

The Power of Seeing

The Savior’s tears weren't just sadness; they were a lament over lost opportunity. They were over the people who had the opportunity to see the path to peace—the path of repentance and discipleship—but chose not to see it. This challenges us, doesn't it? It asks us to look around our own lives, our own circles of influence, and ask: Am I *seeing* the path for peace in others? Am I recognizing the divine invitation in the person standing next to me?

This isn't about fear; it's about focused love. It’s about the humble, persistent effort to point people toward the Savior, even when they are surrounded by the ramparts of doubt, apathy, or misunderstanding. It's the essence of being an internet missionary—seeing the need, and knowing how to share the light.

A Bite-Sized Skill for the Field: The Gentle Question

If I could leave you with one thing today, it’s a skill for missionary preparation. When you are in a missionary discussion, or even just chatting with an investigator, don't rush to give the answer. Instead, practice asking the *gentle question* that prompts them to look at the Savior themselves. Instead of saying, "You need to accept the Atonement," try, "What do you think the Savior's Atonement means for someone who feels deeply flawed?" That pause, that moment of self-reflection, is where the Spirit can whisper the answer.

Remember, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. We are called to be Christlike in our noticing, our loving, and our gentle teaching.

Join the Study and Keep Seeing

If this message resonated with you, don't let the feeling fade into the background noise of the week. The best way to keep this vision sharp is to study together. I highly encourage you to check out a Book Club in HolyPlaces this week. We can tackle the Book of Mormon or the Book of Abraham together, and let the Spirit guide our insights. If you’re feeling the pull to dive deeper into doctrine, check out some recommended readings on the Iron Rod in LivingBook—I found a few passages on covenant keeping that really helped me refocus my own efforts!

Stay diligent, keep your eyes open, and keep sharing the light. The Lord is watching, and so are we.