King Zedekiah and his people rejected prophets, including Jeremiah and Lehi. Why did God send these messengers, when the kingdom of Judah had all but crumbled already? Out of compassion. Why did they reject the message? Out of resentment and out of habit. But Nephi testified that God will always bless those who exercise faith.
The Compassionate Vulnerability of Prophets
In a rare editorial note, 2 Kings emphasizes that before Israel was conquered, God sent prophets to warn them. Prophets have no way to enforce their words, nor do they try. They can feel lonely, persecuted, and ineffective, but God continues to send them because He loves His children.
Elijah’s Mantle and Prophetic Succession
When Elijah ascended into heaven, he left behind his mantle (cloak). Elisha used it to perform a miracle, and his fellow believers recognized that Elijah's authority now rested on Elisha's shoulders. As Alma later taught his people, we should exercise our agency to learn for ourselves whom God has called to teach and lead us.
“I Hate Him, for He Doth Not Prophesy Good”
Samuel the Lamanite observed that we prefer prophets who appeal to our pride over prophets who challenge us. King Ahab hated Micaiah because his prophecies were not flattering. He rejected Micaiah's warnings and died in battle. There is safety in hearing prophetic guidance that challenges us.
Prophets and Seers
Ammon taught King Limhi that a seer is also a prophet and a revelator. In other words, they don't just learn things for their own benefit; they communicate those truths to others. Samuel was a seer and also a prophet. He shared difficult messages from God with Eli, Saul, and others.
If There Be a Prophet
Ammon explained to Limhi that prophetic gifts come from God. Numbers illustrates that fact. We see Moses leading, revealing divine truths, and praying for his people. He makes mistakes, but he represents God, and the people's response to him indicates their orientation toward God.
Merciful Messengers
Noah, Lehi, and the Jaredite prophets all delivered messages which their people rejected. We sometimes say, "Don't shoot the messenger." We should probably add, "Don't ignore the messenger." Human nature leads us to resist change, but God mercifully sends prophets to prompt action that invites His saving power into our lives.
Biblical Allusions in Doctrine and Covenants 133
The apostle Paul foresaw a time when God would "gather together in one all things in Christ." The Savior illustrated how this is done in His words to Lehi's descendants (3 Nephi 16, 20-22) and again in Doctrine and Covenants 133. He quotes numerous biblical passages, demonstrating that prophets speak with a unified voice.
A Proclamation
Anyone can declare something, but only a person with authority can proclaim it. Ancient prophets proclaimed truths to kings by divine authority. Modern prophets have also issued six declarations with specific messages and warnings for church members, world leaders, and all people.
“Prepare Your Hearts”
Our success in facing challenges depends on our emotional and spiritual readiness. The words of prophets can help our hearts be more settled, courageous, connected, and committed. General conference this weekend provides a powerful opportunity to prepare our hearts for the challenges we will face in the future.