Moses 7: “The Lord Called His People Zion” (January 24-30)

Enoch saw the God of heaven weeping and wondered how it was possible. Could the Creator of the Universe feel so much pain for His children on earth?

But God testified that it was so:

Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency;

…but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood;

…wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?

Moses 7:32-33, 37

With this awareness of God’s empathy and compassion, Enoch’s own “heart swelled wide as eternity; and his bowels yearned; and all eternity shook” (Moses 7:41).

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “That single, riveting scene does more to teach the true nature of God than any theological treatise could ever convey” (“The Grandeur of God,” General Conference, October 2003). The essence of the gospel is contained in that story: God loves us, and when we feel His love, we are motivated to love one another.

Enoch established a whole city—Zion—filled with people who loved and took care of one another. Our challenge is to build a similar society in the world today.

Here are some lessons I’ve learned from these events in Enoch’s life:

• We need to promote unity, purity, and kindness (Moses 7:18, 62, 69): What Is Zion?
• We can work to build the ideal of Jerusalem or Zion anywhere we live (Moses 7:18. 62): What Is the New Jerusalem?
• Unlike the ancient city of Zion, which was “taken up into heaven,” the Zion we build today must be prepared to receive the Savior Jesus Christ when He returns to the earth (Moses 7:21, 23, 31): “Bring Forth My Zion” – 1 Nephi 13:37.
• We can be confident that God is helping us accomplish His work (Moses 7:21): “Armed with Righteousness” – 1 Nephi 14:14.
• Feelings of sorrow on behalf of other people can bring us closer to God (Moses 7:28-41): Weighed Down with Sorrow – Alma 8:14-16.
• Sorrow for the sins of the world is an essential part of a Christlike life (Moses 7:32, 36-37, 41): “Save It Be for the Sins of the World” – 3 Nephi 28:9.
• In spite of the challenges we face, we can experience joy every day as we live the gospel (Moses 7:53): Songs of Everlasting Joy.