Seeing the Pattern: Where Are We in the Prophetic Hour?

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to serve in the field—whether we’re in the MTC, out on a mission, or right here in our own homes as internet missionaries—it’s easy to feel like the current cultural currents are pulling us in a thousand different directions. Sometimes, the weight of the world’s trajectory can feel heavy, like trying to keep all the plates spinning.

Recently, I was pondering a talk by Jonathan Cahn that really struck a chord, one that forces us to look beyond the immediate headlines and see the deep, underlying patterns at work. It spoke of an ancient mystery, a prophetic template, and how it relates to where we stand right now.

It’s a powerful reminder that the Lord has given us vision, and He has given us a calling for this very hour. When we study these deep scriptures, we aren't just learning history; we are learning how to see the Spirit's hand guiding us through the current narrative.

The Pattern of Apostasy: A Cautionary Tale

The speaker walked us through the story of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. It’s a story of wanting something—a vineyard, in that case—but reaching for it through means that violate divine law and moral decency. The plot against Naboth, the man who was god-fearing, shows a descent into manipulation, accusation, and ultimately, murder.

What resonated with me, and what I think we need to keep at the forefront of our hearts as Latter-day Saints, is how Ahab and Jezebel led Israel away from the covenant blessings of God into apostasy—into the worship of foreign gods, linked to carnal desires.

Our Calling in This Template

The talk pivots from the ancient narrative to *us*. It asks: What does this have to do with America, and what does it mean for us, the disciples of Christ?

It’s a profound call to vigilance. It’s a call to remember that the Spirit is our compass. When the culture seems to be leading us toward the idols of convenience, materialism, or self-sufficiency, we must remember the sacred covenant we have made.

This isn't meant to scare us into paralysis; rather, it’s meant to galvanize us into action. It’s a call to be like the Prophet Elijah—the one who, when the altar was desecrated, knew exactly what needed to be done to restore the sacred connection.

"We must not let the culture lead us. We must anchor ourselves in the truths taught by the restored gospel."

This is the essence of being a disciple anywhere, all the time. Whether you are studying scriptures in a Book Club in HolyPlaces, preparing for your mission discussions, or simply having a quiet moment of prayer before bed, you are participating in the work. You are being an internet missionary.

A Little Mission Prep Thought

If this makes you feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the times, remember this: The Lord doesn't ask us to solve every mystery; He just asks us to keep the commandments and bear testimony. A simple, powerful skill we can practice this week is pausing before reacting to challenging news or conversations. Instead of reacting emotionally, pause, and ask: "Does this align with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ?" That pause is where the Spirit speaks loudest.

I encourage you to take this inspiration and channel it into your personal study. If you're looking to dig deeper into prophetic patterns, I highly recommend revisiting the foundational teachings on the Book of Revelation or the Book of Acts. You can find excellent study guides and discussions in the HolyPlaces community.

If you want to talk through these deeper questions—the "what ifs" of the world—I invite you to use Davee. He's ready to walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask, helping you craft answers rooted in scripture and testimony.

For those who enjoy deep dives into prophecy, check out some of the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. Keep studying, keep gathering, and keep bearing testimony!

What are your thoughts on prophetic patterns? Share them below, or join us for our next virtual gathering!