Seeing the Pattern: Covenants, Rainbows, and the Everlasting Promise

Sometimes, when we're studying the scriptures, it feels like we're just looking at isolated stories—a flood here, a promise there. But as returned missionaries, as disciples who have seen the pattern unfold in the field, we learn to see the threads connecting the seemingly disparate moments. The gospel isn't a collection of facts; it's a magnificent, unfolding narrative of covenant keeping.

The recent discussion on Genesis, covering Noah and Abraham, was a powerful reminder of this principle. We talked about how covenants aren't just spoken once; they are established, they are reaffirmed, and they are continually pointed toward the Savior. It’s a pattern that should give us immense comfort as we serve.

The Power of Reconfirmation

When the professors discussed Noah, it wasn't just about the floodwaters receding. It was about the covenant being *reaffirmed*. Joseph Smith taught that the covenant signs—like the rainbow—are echoes. They point forward. The initial promise to Enoch, the covenant reaffirmed to Noah, and the covenant we now hold through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s a divine pattern of remembrance.

This concept—that God works in patterns of confirmation—is vital for every disciple, whether you're in the MTC, leading a missionary discussion, or simply studying at home. It teaches us that the Lord never forgets His promises, and He uses His prophets and patriarchs to keep those promises visible to us.

Abraham: The Center Point

And then, of course, we move to Abraham. If Noah shows us the pattern of preservation, Abraham shows us the pattern of promise—the promise that leads directly to the gathering of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. He sets the stage for the lineage that ultimately culminates in us, Latter-day Saints.

“The Lord really does work in patterns he confirms and reconfirms and reestablishes and reminds us through his different prophets and Patriarchs of his Covenant.”

Think about that for a moment. Every great pillar of our faith—from Adam to Noah to Abraham—is pointing to one central figure: Jesus Christ. When we study the scriptures, let’s not just memorize the details; let’s trace the *line* of covenant fulfillment.

Being a Disciple in the Pattern

How does this apply to us today, as Internet missionaries? We are all called to be pattern-recognizers. When an investigator asks a tough question—the kind that makes you pause and think, "Wait, what does that *really* mean?"—that’s your chance to point them to the pattern. That’s where the Spirit guides you to the right scripture, the right parallel story, or the right concept to illuminate the covenant path.

It’s about being prepared to teach not just *what* the scriptures say, but *what they mean* in the grand sweep of divine history. It’s about understanding that our lives, our service, and our study are all part of that ongoing, glorious pattern.

If you want to sharpen your ability to see these deeper patterns, I highly recommend diving into the social scripture study layer within LivingBook. Highlighting verses and seeing the related insights from other disciples can really help cement these connections. It’s like having a whole community of returning missionaries studying with you!

For those who are feeling the call to deepen their study of these covenants, I invite you to join one of our upcoming Book Clubs in HolyPlaces. We'll be digging into covenant theology next week. It’s a wonderful place to ask the tough questions and let the Spirit guide the discussion. If you’re feeling the pull to get more hands-on practice with those hard questions, don't forget to check out Davee—he’s always ready to role-play an investigator discussion with you!