Early morning is sacred time for me. When I first awake the quiet time when the transition begins from sleep to consciousness is the time the voice of the Lord comes with greatest clarity. In those quiet moments I receive instruction and enlightenment. From time to time when I receive guidance I may write about it in this blog if it is relevant to others.
The impressions received this morning have to do with two separate issues but relate to understanding the scriptures. The first part will address the 12th Chapter of Revelation.
As Nephi’s vision of the last days was closing, he was shown John the Beloved and was told it was John’s mission to write the balance of events Nephi was about to see. The Spirit called to my attention what I later found was the 12th Chapter of Revelation and related some of the content to Lehi’s dream of the Tree of Life. (1 Nephi 8)
Joseph Smith’s translation of Revelation 12 adds significant information that expands and enlightens our understanding of John’s vision and further demonstrates how John’s record has been altered.
Revelation 12 begins with a great sign in the heavens in the likeness of things on earth. A woman is introduced that is clothed in the sun, and the moon is under her feet. Upon her head sits a crown with 12 stars. Verse 7 tells us the woman is the Church of God.
A second key character is a great red dragon. The dragon is identified as Satan/the devil in verse 8. Chapter 12 covers the war in heaven and the battle between Satan, Michael and their followers. In the interest of time I will focus on the later verses of the chapter where John describes the woman (the Church) flees into the wilderness to be nourished.
As the woman/Church flees the serpent/dragon casts out water from his mouth described as a “flood.” The water/flood metaphor coming out of the mouth of the serpent was John’s way of describing the “mists of darkness” Nephi saw. The power of the devil is his ability to tempt and deceive mankind. The flood pouring out of his mouth is a flood of lies and deception. Satan is the “father of lies.” (John 8:44) The devil’s hope was to sweep away the Church in a flood of lies. The Church has always been embattled in an effort to defend itself against lies and distortions. Instead of talking about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith we find ourselves explaining polygamy and the Church’s views on gay marriage.
Eventually the earth will swallow the lies perpetuated by Satan when water/revelation/truth floods the world from underneath the Temple stairs. (Ezekiel 47)
The dragon/devil becomes extremely agitated because he knows his time is short. (JST Revelation 12:12) His anger toward the Church causes the devil to declare war on a “remnant” of the Church’s seed. The remnant is described as the portion of her (the Church) seed which “keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus, (which is the spirit of prophecy [Revelation 19:10]). The rest of the seed of the Church the devil has already overcome and the Satan has no need to make war against them.
The point of focus is the lies that “flood” out of the serpent’s mouth. This is John’s way of describing the “mists of darkness” mentioned in the vision seen by Lehi and Nephi. The mists/lies are not only those things said to distract and divert attention from the Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ but they include false traditions that are embraced by the body of the Church.
Second Impression
From time to time events that appear coincidental turn out to be providential. For example, one of my daughter’s was pleased to announce she had completed reading the Doctrine & Covenants for the first time. As she spoke of her experience she expressed reservations about reading the Old Testament because she felt she could not understand its meaning or relevance.
This morning I read a chapter from Hosea and saw great relevance to us. While reading I had the following impression that I should use the chapter to illustrate how to “liken the scriptures unto yourselves.”
Hosea 4 begins with a plea for the children of Israel to hear the Lord’s voice. The Lord is taking issue with Israel because the “Chosen People” have no truth, mercy or knowledge of God. Israel (or if you are likening the scripture unto yourself, the Church) is guilty of numerous offenses including adultery. Israel/the Church is about to suffer the consequences of covenant disobedience.
The Lord warns that His people will be destroyed “for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee…, seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6) “…, the spirit of whoredoms hath caused the to err and they have gone whoring from under their God.” (Hosea 4:12)
The whoring and whoredoms referred to is both literal and symbolic. Verse 13 refers to false worship before fertility Gods underneath the Oaks, Poplar’s and Elms where temple prostitutes slept with Israelite men seeking to have their land blessed by impregnating the prostitute as a sign pointing to the fertility of their land. This was common among Israelite farmers.
The second form of whoredom is the way Israel/the Church whores after the ways of the world. The New Testament refers to the Church as a “bride.” When the Church adopts the ways of the world/Babylon, (the whore of the earth) they are guilty of committing adultery with someone other than their husband, Christ.
All of Israel is backsliding but the Lord singles out Ephraim in particular. Verse 17 singles out Ephraim as being “joined to idols” in the same manner as a man and woman are “joined” in matrimony. (Matthew 19:6) The sacred union is one God takes seriously and for Ephraim specifically mentioned as being “joined to idols” is to make a mockery of the marriage they are supposed to have through covenant with the Lord.
Ephraim drink the “sour” or perhaps “bitter” cup for having “committed whoredom continually.” (Hosea 4:18) Having the wind “bound her up” means Ephraim loses her mobility and will eventually suffer shame for their sacrifices to idol Gods.
If we liken the prophecies of the Old Testament to ourselves we can find many messages of warning and guidance. That Israel is backsliding suggests they are retreating from higher covenants they have enter with the Lord and under the Elias, Elijah, Messiah Template they are regressing, heading for destruction. If the modern Church follows the same path as ancient Israel followed during their covenant opportunity, the modern Church should expect a similar outcome if they don’t repent.
There is much we can learn from the Old Testament Prophets if we have ears to hear and eyes to see.
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