The Cloud by Day, the Fire by Night: Preparing to See His Face

The promise in D&C 93:1 resonates with a profound clarity: “Verily, thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins, and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face, and know that I am.” It's a conditional invitation, a doorway opened only through deliberate obedience and a relentless pursuit of righteousness. We’ve often discussed this ‘seeing His face’ not merely as a future event, but as the reception of the Second Comforter—a personal visitation from our Savior. But what does this preparation truly entail?

The path isn’t paved with complex rituals or esoteric knowledge. The Lord, in His grace, has distilled it to its essentials: forsaking sin, coming unto Christ, calling upon His name, obeying His voice, and keeping His commandments. Simple words, yet demanding in their application.

Consider Elder Orson Pratt’s 1873 discourse, “Consecration,” recorded in the Journal of Discourses, Volume 15. He speaks of a future time when the Lord leads forth His people to build Zion, a time when His presence will be visibly manifested. He foretold, “I expect that when the Lord leads forth his people to build up the city of Zion, his presence will be visible… His presence was with the children of Israel as a cloud by day and a pillar of flaming fire by night.” This isn't mere nostalgia; it's a prophetic promise, a glimpse into a future where the Lord's power is tangibly revealed.

This gathering to Jackson County, this building of the New Jerusalem, demands more than mere attendance. It requires a radical shift in perspective, a commitment to consecration. Pratt underscores that this consecration isn't merely a financial matter; it’s a yielding of our individualism, our pride, and our self-determination to the Lord's will. It’s recognizing that everything we possess – our time, talents, and resources – ultimately belongs to Him. It’s a humbling realization that our dependence upon God is absolute.

The difficulty, as Pratt observes, lies in the immense faith required. Faith not only in the existence of Christ but also in the truth of His Church and the divine authority of those who administer it. To consecrate, to willingly relinquish control, demands a profound trust in the prophetic voice guiding us through the Brethren.

This journey towards seeing the face of Christ isn’t a sprint; it’s a lifelong marathon. It begins with the foundational principles outlined in D&C 93:1 and progresses through diligent study, unwavering obedience, and a continual refining through trial. The sanctification necessary for participation in the building of Zion requires humility, recognizing our imperfections and our reliance on divine grace.

Consider the words of President Howard W. Hunter: “Faith is not just something we feel, but something we do.” Let us examine our lives, our priorities, and our actions. Are we truly forsaking sin? Are we diligently seeking to obey the Lord's commandments? Are we willing to consecrate all that we have to His service?

The Lord's promise is clear. The path is laid out. The time for preparation is now. Are we ready to see His face?