Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer Jr., Parley P. Pratt, and Ziba Peterson must have been excited and humbled by the challenge of preaching the gospel among the Native Americans. But the Lord instructed them, as He instructed other missionaries called at this time, to lift up their voices with faith that He would help them know what to say.
We all feel unequal to our callings at times. But we have the same invitation and promise that God gave to the earliest missionaries in the church: “Open your mouths, and they will be filled” (Doctrine and Covenants 33:10).
Here are some other lessons I’ve learned from these revelations:
Outline
- David Whitmer is called to greater diligence (30:1–4)
- Peter Whitmer Jr., Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, and Ziba Peterson are called to preach to the Lamanites (30:5–8; 32)
- John Whitmer is called to serve near Philip Burroughs’ home (30:9–11)
- Thomas B. Marsh is sent wherever the Holy Ghost leads and is called a “physician unto the church” (31)
- Ezra Thayre, Northrup Sweet, Orson Pratt, and Edward Partridge are told to open their mouths and preach (33; 34; 36)
- Sidney Rigdon is called to serve as Joseph Smith’s scribe (35)
Key Themes
- The Holy Ghost will teach us peaceable things of the kingdom.
- God can help us overcome our inhibitions and speak with confidence.
- Good news deserves to be shared loudly and joyfully.
- It’s more important to be prepared than to have a plan. Plans are brittle; preparation is resilient and adaptable.
- Scripture study can be a gateway to personal revelation.
Book of Mormon Connections
- After preaching among the Lamanites for fourteen years, Ammon rejoiced with his brothers in their success. “Ye did thrust in the sickle,” he said, “…and behold the number of your sheaves!” (Alma 26:5). In revelations to Thomas B. Marsh, Ezra Thayer, and Northrup Sweet, the Lord used the same metaphor as He called them to preach. (See Doctrine and Covenants 31:5, Doctrine and Covenants 33:9.)
Applications
- Trim your lamp. Spiritual reserves are only valuable to the degree that you are prepared to use them.
- Look for ways to stretch yourself, to improve upon the good things you’re doing, and to replace some activities with higher value ones.
- Preach the gospel boldly and without hesitation.
- Be a physician to those in need.
- Prepare the way of the Lord by being receptive to His Spirit and acting on the revelation you receive.
Recommended Posts
Blog Posts: April 8-13
By the Hand of My Servant
When someone performs a priesthood responsibility, they act on behalf of the Savior. “I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant,” He said. When we receive such service, we should recognize the true source of the blessing: not the person performing the service, but Jesus Christ Himself.
Fearing Man vs. Relying on God
The Lord corrected David Whitmer for fearing man and prioritizing earthly over heavenly concerns. He offered David a path forward: solitude, simplicity, and service. These principles can guide us in realigning our focus from the world to God, reminding us to trust in divine strength rather than be unduly influenced by others.
“The Laborer Is Worthy of His Hire”
God loves hard work. Jesus taught that the laborer is worthy of his hire. Missionaries like Alma and the sons of Mosiah received eternal rewards for their service. God promised two rewards to Thomas B. Marsh for his service: forgiveness of sins and joy with those whom he served.
“I Myself Will Go With Them”
In the Allegory of the Olive Tree, the Lord of the vineyard labors alongside His servants. In 1830, the Lord promised four missionaries, “I myself will go with them” (D&C 32:3). As we fulfill assignments from God, we can have confidence He labors alongside us.
Trembling Nations and Shaking Heavens
Ancient prophets foretold dramatic upheavals preceding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ—heavens shaking, nations trembling. Those prophecies have been reiterated in modern revelation. Though these events sound daunting, their purpose is redemptive: to awaken, gather, and bless. As Elder Renlund taught, we need not fear. We can prepare to meet the Savior with joy.
The Eleventh Hour: Laboring with Urgency
In the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, laborers are recruited for the final hour of the day. A similar pattern occurs in the Allegory of the Olive Tree. The Savior combined these two parables in an 1830 revelation to emphasize the urgency of preparing for His Second Coming.
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