David was young when he was anointed king. Numerous years of hardship intervened before he actually became king. Those years allowed him to grow and to prove himself. Trials and temptations can prepare us to fill roles that God has already chosen for us.
“They Shall Be Upon Aaron’s Heart”
Priests in ancient Israel were teachers with accountability for the spiritual welfare of their people. Their vestments and ordinances were intended to help the people become holy. As Jacob and Alma explained in the Book of Mormon, priesthood is ultimately a call to purity through Christ.
“I Have a Work for Thee”
We all want to be valued, not in the abstract, but for the genuine contributions we can make. God therefore increases our sense of self-worth by giving us assignments to help Him with His work.
Why Does Tithing Promote Unity?
In ancient Israel and in modern times, tithing is both an act of devotion to God and an expression of belonging to His church. The blessings of tithing promised by Malachi are collective blessings, and as we all donate, we build a united covenant community.
Principles of Priesthood Power from Doctrine and Covenants 107
Four principles for receiving and exercising priesthood power. 1. The priesthood is the Order of Christ. 2. The priesthood helps us have stronger relationships. 3. The priesthood is exercised by united groups. 4. Priesthood holders are accountable to learn and fulfill their responsibilities.
King of Righteousness, King of Peace
The first priest mentioned in the Bible is Melchizedek, whose name means "King of righteousness." He led the city of Salem, which means "peace." According to Alma, he served as a type of Christ by serving "under his father," working hard to persuade the people to repent, and consequently helping them find peace.
“My Strange Act”
Isaiah prophesied that God would perform a "strange act." The Lord reiterated this prophecy in modern revelation. Scriptures teach that being in unfamiliar places and working with people from different backgrounds can unlock God's blessings. The Savior invites us all into one covenant family and urges church members to welcome new converts with open hearts.
Without Beginning of Days or End of Years
Abraham's priesthood authority connected him to righteous ancestors, all the way back to Adam. Modern priesthood holders trace their authority back to Joseph Smith, who received the priesthood from Peter, James, and John under the direction of Jesus Christ. Our callings connect us with those who have gone before and with those who will follow.
Our Emerging Redemption
The Atonement of Jesus Christ can uplift and purify us today, as Alma and King Benjamin's people can testify. This "preparatory redemption" foreshadows the perfected redemption promised in Doctrine and Covenants 45, when every wound is healed and every obstacle to our eternal joy has been removed.
“The Harvest Is Past”
Dwelling excessively on missed opportunities can be unproductive, but a sense of regret can spur a sense of urgency. There is a time to harvest crops, and there is a time to hear and repent. You can't delay indefinitely. The window of opportunity is finite.