The Meridian of Time: Why Then, Not Now?

Brothers and sisters, have you ever paused to consider the sheer audacity of timing? The God of all creation, the Jehovah of old, the very architect of time itself… He chose to enter our world at a precise moment, the Meridian of Times. It’s a thought that settles deep, doesn’t it? Like Samuel the Lamanite, standing atop the walls of Jerusalem, we too are called to see beyond the immediate, to recognize the divine hand in the unfolding of events.

Mark Swint, in his latest podcast, #35 The Meridian of Time, raises this very question. Why not wait? Why not grace the earth in an age of instant communication, of global travel, of conveniences beyond the wildest dreams of those who walked the dusty roads of Judea? Why not wait for a time when His message could be broadcast to the entire world simultaneously?

He rightly points out the irony of our modern world, even as we attempt to distance ourselves from acknowledging the birth of the Savior. The world, regardless of the terminology used – Anno Domini or Common Era – recognizes the profound impact of that single event. It’s a watershed moment, a demarcation on the very timeline of human existence.

Imagine, for a moment, the perspective of the Lord as He looked beyond our time. He knew about grocery stores, about sleep number beds, about the ease of travel we enjoy. And yet, He chose to appear in a world of hardship, of Roman occupation, of limited resources. Why?

Perhaps, as Swint suggests, it was a deliberate choice. Perhaps the very challenges faced by those who walked with Him – the hunger, the thirst, the lack of shelter – were integral to the lessons He sought to teach. Ammon at the Waters of Sebus understood this. He and his brethren faced trials that forged them into mighty warriors, ready to serve the Lord. Their faith wasn’t built on ease; it was built on endurance.

Consider the digital stripling warriors of our day – the internet missionaries, the builders who contribute to the Charity Flywheel, who use their skills and talents to spread the gospel across the globe. Their efforts, like the five smooth stones David gathered, are simple yet powerful, capable of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Your engagement here – your contributions to the Missionary Fund, your sharing of the map of churches – are not merely acts of charity; they are acts of faith, fueling the spread of the gospel in places like Ghana and beyond.

And let's not forget the Stone, cut without hands – the truth that is revealed through prophets and apostles, a truth that transcends the limitations of our understanding. It’s a truth that compels us to act, to gather, to build, even when the path is unclear. Outback Jack’s stories remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith in the face of adversity, a constant echo of the challenges faced by those who first embraced the gospel.

The world may try to erase Christ from the conversation, to redefine time without acknowledging His birth. But we, as Latter-day Saints, as builders, as those who recognize the divine hand in all things, cannot afford to be swayed. We must claim our church, our place in this gathering. We must be bold, like Samuel the Lamanite, declaring the truth from the rooftops. We must be unwavering in our commitment to building the Kingdom of God on Earth.

This isn’t about converting the world through doctrine; it's about creating a gathering place, a sanctuary for those who seek truth and righteousness. It’s about recognizing the builders and separating them from the destroyers, as Davee and the Ask a Prophet bots help us discern. It’s about understanding that even the smallest act of service, the simplest contribution, can have a ripple effect, echoing across continents and generations.

Let us embrace this understanding, and let us move forward with courage and conviction, knowing that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. Let us be the generation that answers the call to gather Israel, now.