D&C 65

There is a verse I read in section 64 that seems to have a great connection to section 64. The Lord said in section 64 -

"...verily I say that the rebellious are not of the blood of Ephraim, wherefore they shall be plucked out." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:36)

The contrary of this verse would be that the blood of Ephraim then has a great deal to do with the righteous and obedient. We know that Ephraim received the birthright under the hands of Jacob in the 48th chapter of Genesis, and was considered by the Lord to be Joseph’s firstborn. This would lead to the blood of Ephraim was to take the lead. President Joseph Fielding Smith explained -

"It is essential in this dispensation that Ephraim stand in his place at the head, exercising the birthright in Israel which was given to him by direct revelation. Therefore, Ephraim must be gathered first to prepare the way, through the gospel and the priesthood, for the rest of the tribes of Israel when the time comes for them to be gathered to Zion. The great majority of those who have come into the Church are Ephraimites. It is the exception to find one of any other tribe, unless it is of Manasseh.

It is Ephraim, today, who holds the priesthood. It is with Ephraim that the Lord has made covenant and has revealed the fulness of the everlasting gospel. It is Ephraim who is building temples and performing the ordinances in them for both the living and for the dead. When the ‘lost tribes’ come—and it will be a most wonderful sight and a marvelous thing when they do come to Zion—in fulfilment of the promises made through Isaiah and Jeremiah, they will have to receive the crowning blessings from their brother Ephraim, the ‘firstborn’ in Israel." (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:252–53.)

As we turn to the 65th section, we see this work and leadership taking place as the priesthood prepares the world for the second coming of the Savior. The Lord said -

"HEARKEN, and lo, a voice as of one sent down from on high, who is mighty and powerful, whose going forth is unto the ends of the earth, yea, whose voice is unto men—Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 65:1)

"...Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the Bridegroom." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 65:3)

The Lord then references this work with the great revelation given to Daniel -

"The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 65:2)

"Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 65:6)

This is the calling and charge given to them of the blood of Ephraim in the last days.