The first revelation we’ll study this week, Doctrine and Covenants 77, continues last week’s exploration of cosmic realities. Through a simple Q&A on the book of Revelation, the Lord explains events in the future or in the heavens.
All such teachings help us understand God’s plan and provide perspective for our daily discipleship, but there is still the imperative to organize ourselves to meet our immediate challenges. Doctrine and Covenants 78 takes many of the concepts from the heavenly vision recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 76 and applies them to temporal things. For example, God revealed that heirs of celestial glory will be “equal in power, and in might, and in dominion” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:95). But now, He says, “If ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things” (Doctrine and Covenants 78:6).
These truths were meant to be shared, and the following two revelations contain calls for specific people to serve as missionaries. Jared Carter is called to serve in “the eastern countries” (New England and nearby states) (Doctrine and Covenants 79). Stephen Burnett and Eden Smith receive the unusual call to serve wherever they choose: “It mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss” (Doctrine and Covenants 80:3).
We can learn much from these early church members and missionaries. We have so much to learn and so much to do. It can be intimidating and overwhelming at times. But it also creates extraordinary opportunities. The key is to do something with faith that God will lead us, step by step, where we need to be.
Here are some of my favorite passages from these revelations with relevant blog posts and Book of Mormon connections.
Scripture Highlights and Related Blog Posts
Those who worship God are blessed with knowledge and power.
Doctrine and Covenants 77:4
Q. What are we to understand by the eyes and wings, which the beasts had?
A. Their eyes are a representation of light and knowledge, that is, they are full of knowledge; and their wings are a representation of power, to move, to act, etc.
Blog Posts
📄 Knowledge and Power
Because God knows all things and has all power, He can enlighten and empower us.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 18:35
📄 The Throne of God
We can emulate both the humility and the enthusiasm of heavenly beings as we worship God.
Book of Mormon connection: 1 Nephi 1:8-11, 2 Nephi 16:1-4
Only Jesus could fulfill God’s plan for His children.
Doctrine and Covenants 77:6
Q. What are we to understand by the book which John saw, which was sealed on the back with seven seals?
A. We are to understand that it contains the revealed will, mysteries, and the works of God; the hidden things of his economy concerning this earth during the seven thousand years of its continuance, or its temporal existence.
Blog Posts
📄 “Worthy Is the Lamb”
In John’s vision, only Jesus was worthy to open the sealed book containing God’s plan for His children.
Book of Mormon connection: Mosiah 4:6-7
Strive to see everyone as your equal and to act accordingly.
Doctrine and Covenants 78:6
For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things;
Blog Posts
📄 Equal
Equality is an essential characteristic of heaven, and we prepare ourselves to enjoy heavenly equality by striving for earthly equality.
Book of Mormon connection: Jacob 2:17
We can trust God to lead us to heavenly treasures.
Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-18
Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
Blog Posts
📄 Choosing to Be of Good Cheer
With faith in the Savior, we can hush our fears, take courage, and replace fearfulness with cheerfulness!
Book of Mormon connection: 3 Nephi 1:13
📄 “How Great Blessings”
God has great things in store for us, blessings which we aren’t yet able to understand let alone receive. But He is willing to “lead us along” to help us receive them.
Book of Mormon connection: Ether 4:13-14
📄 The Riches of Eternity
Seek for heavenly blessings, and keep earthly accumulations in perspective.
Book of Mormon connection: Jacob 2:18; 3 Nephi 13:19-20
We should be grateful at all times and in all things.
Doctrine and Covenants 78:19
And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
Blog Posts
📄 Thanksgiving
Gratitude helps us see more clearly and find more joy in the blessings we have already received.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 34:38
The Holy Ghost can show us where we should go.
Doctrine and Covenants 79:2
And I will send upon him the Comforter, which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go;
Blog Posts
📄 “The Way Whither We Should Go” – 1 Nephi 16:10
God will lead us if we will listen to Him and strive to live in harmony with others.
Book of Mormon connection: 1 Nephi 16:10
Don’t let low-priority details distract you from accomplishing important goals.
Doctrine and Covenants 80:3
Wherefore, go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss.
Blog Posts
📄 “It Mattereth Not”
Focus on the most important aspects of your activities and let go of the aspects that are less important.
Book of Mormon connection: 1 Nephi 6:3; Alma 40:5; Ether 15:34
📄 “Ye Cannot Go Amiss”
Some tasks don’t require a lot of planning. In those situations, the best advice is: Do something. Anything. You can’t go wrong. Just get started.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 17:13
Questions to Ponder
Here are some questions and topics I intend to work on this week:
- How can Joseph Smith’s questions in Doctrine and Covenants 77 teach me about asking questions of God in prayer?
- How can I expand my appreciation for all of God’s creations? (Doctrine and Covenants 77:3)
- What is “the cause” of the Savior’s church, and how can I help advance it? (Doctrine and Covenants 78:4)
- What is the relationship between being like a little child and being led by God? (Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-18)
- How can I receive “all things” with thankfulness? (Doctrine and Covenants 78:19)
- What can I learn from Doctrine and Covenants 79 and 80 to help me better fulfill my callings?
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