Isaiah 54 carries a message of reassurance and joy, delivered to people who have endured trauma. When Jesus quoted this chapter, it must have resonated with his audience, who had just survived terrible tempests and floods. But He indicated to them that its complete fulfillment would come in the last days.
Hearing the Words of the Book
God warned Isaiah that the people wouldn't understand him because their ears would be heavy and their eyes shut. But Isaiah later prophesied that a book, which Nephi identified as the Book of Mormon, would overcome this spiritual blindness and deafness. Personal scripture study can help us to perceive and understand more accurately.
Resurrections, Temporary and Permanent
Elijah, Elisha, Jesus, and Nephi all raised people from the dead by the power of God. Temporary resurrections help us understand that death is not final and that God has power over it. They also help us understand the Savior's permanent resurrection.
Will God Indeed Dwell on the Earth?
Solomon asked the searching question at the dedication of the temple, "Will God indeed dwell on earth?" The Book of Mormon provides a definitive answer when the resurrected Savior Jesus Christ visits a group of believers gathered at the temple in the land of Bountiful.
As for Me and My House…
When the Young Women theme was revised in 2019, strengthening home and family was rephrased as something to do now instead of something to prepare to do. A footnote referenced Joshua's pledge, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Regardless of our role in our family, we can strengthen one another.
The Trial of Your Faith
Why did Abraham have to wait so long to receive promised blessings? Because the space between promise and fulfillment is where faith lives. During that period of uncertainty, Abraham had the opportunity not only to demonstrate his faith but also to refine it.
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.
Bringing Up Our Children in Light and Truth
God commanded us to bring up our children in light and truth. Children have a natural ability to receive light. We can help them continue to receive it by encouraging them to live with integrity, simplify their lives, and participate in activities which bring them closer to God.
Old Testament Prophecies of the Second Coming
Four Old Testament prophecies quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith teach us how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ: 1. Strengthen families with priesthood power 2. Gather Israel and preach the gospel 3. Hear Him 4. Receive personal revelation
Laying On of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Jesus gave His disciples power to give the Holy Ghost. Moroni clarifies that this was to be done by the laying on of hands, which was also the practice inJerusalem. How amazing that God trusts His children with power to give this divine gift to others!