JST - Matthew 24

As I began to study the Joseph Smith translation of of Matthew 24 this morning and prophesied events after His death and before His second coming, I decided to share a talk I have recently shared this year as I spoke in multiple wards.  I seems to touch on much that is recorded in this chapter:

"...as [the Savior] sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be?  and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"

But before He would tell them any signs of His coming, He first warned them –

"...Take heed that no man deceive you."  (New Testament | Matthew 24:3 - 4)

And so that they might not deceived, the Savior then taught –

"Now learn a parable of the fig-tree—When its branches are yet tender, and it begins to put forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh at hand;

39  So likewise, mine elect, when they shall see all these things, they shall know that he is near, even at the doors..."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:38 - 39)

And in this dispensation, as the early saints also inquired concerning the signs of His coming, the Lord said –

"Wherefore, hearken and I will reason with you, and I will speak unto you and prophesy, as unto men in days of old…as ye have asked of me concerning the signs of my coming..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:15 - 16)

Therefore, just as he had done many years before with His disciples, He again promised –

"...unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the signs of the coming of the Son of Man..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 68:11)

And again, in our day, before He would give the signs of the times, He has warned us also to not be deceived for –

"...the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night—

5  Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 106:4 - 5)

Referring back, “in those days of old”, while on the Mount of Olives with His disciples, as the Savior prophesied concerning many of the events and tribulations that would come in latter days, He made an interesting statement concerning our day, saying –

 "...except those days should be shortened, there should none of their flesh be saved; but for the elect's sake, according to the covenant, those days shall be shortened."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:20)

As I read His words, that the days before His coming would have to be shortened lest that no flesh may be saved, I couldn't help but stop and ponder what He really meant, for the Lord went on to tell His disciples that in the last days –

"...plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work, which shall be cut short in righteousness—"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:97)

As I have pondered the words, “shortened” and “cut short”, I have come to believe that the timing of His coming seems to have, not only a great deal to do with the righteousness of the saints, but even more, how the the work of salvation is progressing.  It seems to me then that without an increase in righteousness of His people and a greater intensity and progress in the work of salvation, the consequence would be that His second coming might be delayed.  And if delayed, the results might be devastating where no flesh could be saved.  This sounds much like the word of warning given by Moroni to the Prophet Joseph Smith –

"If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 2:3)

Thus an essential and significant sign of the times of the coming of the Son of Man, would be the apparent evidence that His work is being shortened or cut short in righteousness.  Another synonym for His work being shortened or cut short would be, as the Lord prophesied to the early saints –

"Behold, I will hasten my work in its time."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:73)

There is great evidence today that His coming must be near, for His work has greatly hastened or in other words, that His work is being cut short in righteousness.

Before I layout a few of these evidences, Again, I refer back to the Savior’s counsel –

"...when ye shall see parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors."  (New Testament | Matthew 24:32 - 33)

A few recent evidences that "summer is nigh" or that His work is being hastened or cut short  in righteousness is the Preach My Gospel manual for missionaries where there are no more formal, memorized missionary discussions as there were in the day that many of us served our missions.   The method of preaching His gospel today is only an outline doctrines and principles that are to be taught, as guided by the Spirit, for as the Lord has specifically instructed His elders –

"...Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 43:15)

For the missionaries today –

"...shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit.

14  And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:13 - 14)

Evidence that His work has been hastened is also that teachers in the Young Women, Young Men, and Sunday school auxiliaries, Seminary, and even parents are being introduced to "Teaching in the Savior's Way" with the "Come Follow Me" – Learning Resources for Youth. 

In the same manner as the teaching methods of "Preach My Gospel" for missionaries, in the "Come Follow Me” program, there are not prepared manuals and lessons as in the past, but outlined doctrine and principles to be taught by quorum and class teachers or better said "facilitators", as directed by the Spirit, where the focus is not only on learning and receiving testimonies, but on true conversion.

Both Preach My Gospel and the Come Follow Me programs raises the bar in teaching the gospel, teaching as the Savior would, being dependent upon and guided by the Holy Ghost.

Another apparent hastening of the work is the recent advent of Family Search/Family Tree.  It is in Family Tree; family research can be easily done online and in your own home and easily shared with family members.   Sources, photos, and stories may now be uploaded to family member records.  Online discussions, wiki's, searches, and other helps are available online.  And probably one of the greatest evidence to the hastening of the work, where our progenitors previously had to physically visit libraries and sites to verify research, now more and more worldwide historical records and images are being digitally indexed and searchable, and again, from right in our own homes and family history centers. 

With an easy click of a button, in many cases, we can find digitized census, migrations, military, draft, and birth & death records, as well as digital gravesites, newspaper articles to name a few, all of which has greatly accelerated the work of salvation related to temple ordinances for the dead.

And with the advent of Family Tree, there is also an emphasis for the youth to be involved with Family History work, online indexing and temple work.  It seems that this younger generation has been much better prepared and qualified to use the modern technology the Lord has prepared for the work of salvation of our day.

We also see this integration of technology in missionary work.  In a recent Seminar for New Mission Presidents, in which members of ward and stake councils, as well as interested members were also invited to attend in a satellite broadcast, Elder L. Tom Perry outlined the adapting of missionary work to the digital age explaining –

“...during less-productive times of the day — chiefly in the mornings — missionaries will use computers in meetinghouses and other church facilities to contact investigators and members, work with local priesthood leaders and missionary leaders, receive and contact referrals, follow up on commitments, confirm appointments and teach principles from (the missionary guide) 'Preach My Gospel' using Mormon.org, Facebook, blogs, email and text messages." (Seminar for New Mission Presidents, June 23, 2013)

Sounds like a far cry from the missionary methods used in my mission days.

In addition in using new technologies, there has now been given the charge to each youth to be worthy to hold a special, annually renewed, youth temple recommends.  The youth are being taught to not only do family history work but to be worthy to perform temple ordinances for their own ancestral dead.  No question there is great evidence that the work of salvation is being hastened with our youth.

And then, most recently, the announcement that worthy and prepared 18- year-old young men that have graduated from high school as well as 19-year-old young woman can now serve missions.  Could there be greater evidence that the work of the righteous is hastening.

I recently read this posting online on the Church's website –

" … some of the 347 existing missions will be divided to form an additional 58 missions...The new missions will function in the same areas covered by existing missions...These creations will bring the total number of Church missions to 405. (News Release —  22 February 2013  Missions to Be Created to accommodate Influx of New Missionaries)

This hastening of the work is not limited to the youth of the Church.  The Lord has stated that all members are –

“…to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.”  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 138:56)

We call this the “Work of Salvation”.  The brethren have stated that –

“This work of salvation includes member missionary work, convert retention, activation of less-active members, temple and family history work, and teaching the gospel.”  (HB2 – 5-The Work of Salvation in the Ward and Stake)

The Lord has said in regards to missionary work and personal sacrifice –

"...I, the Lord, require the hearts of the children of men..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:22)

"Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while it is called today."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:25)

That labor as described in modern revelation includes –

"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)

If our hearts are really turned to the Lord, we will participate in the gospel being rolled forth to the world, much like a –

"... a voice crying—Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the Bridegroom..."

Of which the Lord has specifically instructed each member –

"Pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy name, make known his wonderful works among the people." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 65:3 - 4)

Therefore, in regards to missionary work we are not only to pray for His work to roll forth throughout the world as we hear much in public prayers, but each of us had an obligation to hasten His work by making known His wonderful works to all people...in other words,  we too are to participate in "preaching my gospel".

President Monson said this past recent general conference –

“Some of you here today will yet remember the words of President David O. McKay, who phrased the familiar “Every member a missionary!”

To their words I add my own. Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work.”  (Welcome to Conference - By President Thomas S. Monson, October 2013)

And just very recently, priesthood leadership has received instructions from the Presidency of the Seventies that the purpose of missionary work, including full-time missionaries is being expanded to include teaching those that are inactive or less active in the Church. And with that instruction, all members of ward councils are to participate in missionary work and work of salvation and not just their own auxiliaries and priesthood quorums.

In this work of salvation, we may be fearful or apprehensive, and may feel greatly unqualified to participate in the work of salvation.  I add the words of Elder M. Russell Ballard spoken in this past general conference –

“Brothers and sisters, fear will be replaced with faith and confidence when members and the full-time missionaries kneel in prayer and ask the Lord to bless them with missionary opportunities. Then, we must demonstrate our faith and watch for opportunities to introduce the gospel of Jesus Christ to our Heavenly Father’s children, and surely those opportunities will come. These opportunities will never require a forced or a contrived response. They will flow as a natural result of our love for our brothers and sisters. Just be positive, and those whom you speak with will feel your love. They will never forget that feeling, though the timing may not be right for them to embrace the gospel. That too may change in the future when their circumstances change.”  (Put Your Trust in the Lord by Elder M. Russell Ballard Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2013)

As we continue to contemplate a few of the other signs of the times given by the Savior, He revealed in this dispensation –

"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men's hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth.

27  And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:26 - 27)

"And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword, one against another, and they will kill one another."   (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:33)

Where Enoch –

“…saw great tribulations among the wicked; and he also saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men's hearts failing them…”  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:66)

Even such that –

"...there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:31)

No wonder we want these terrible events to be cut short or shortened!

Such forewarnings and signs of the times may cause worry and discouragement for many of the saints.  But His disciples and especially the youth are being taught how we may be protected and remain safe from these signs and prophesied events, in that the Lord instructed –

"...my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:32)

This is the theme this year for our youth...that is we are to stand in holy places and be not moved.  If we are to stand in Holy Places, we have to ask ourselves, "What then are holy places?"  Obviously, holy places are plural and suggest that there is more than one place that may be considered a holy place.  No question the temple is a holy place. 

The bible dictionary teaches of the temple –

"A temple is literally a house of the Lord, a holy sanctuary in which sacred ceremonies and ordinances of the gospel are performed by and for the living and also in behalf of the dead.  A place where the Lord may come, it is the most holy of any place of worship on the earth.  Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness."  (Bible Dictionary | T Temple:Entry)

The home then may also qualify as a Holy Place.  As we are to stand in Holy Places, many might ask, "what determines whether a place is holy or not?"  I believe I found the answer to that question.  After the Kirtland temple was dedicated, the Savior visited that temple and said –

"...behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.

8  Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 110:7 - 8)

His words would then suggest to me that a holy place would be a place where those that enter therein "keep His commandments" and " do not pollute the place or location".   To pollute would mean to make impure or to defile it.  The Lord Himself defined pollution as –

"...jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires…”  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:6)

Pollution would not only suggest personal unworthiness, but would also refer to allowing physical and temporal items and those things that would defile the sacredness of a place such as inappropriate or unworthy posters, pictures, music, entertainment, and worldly things that may defile or make impure a potential holy place.  In my mind, this would suggest that almost any place may qualify as being a holy place dependent upon 1) if those present keep His commandments and 2) and the surrounding environment is not spiritually or temporally polluted or defiled.

The promises are great if we choose to stand in Holy places and are not moved for –

“…great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve…”  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:61)

Such scriptural promises include that the –

"...gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 115:6)

That is, actively attending ward and stake meetings and events, where –

"...all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

14  In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 22:13 - 14)

And –

"That no weapon formed against them shall prosper...

26  That no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house [or I would argue, a holy place]..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 109:25 - 26)

For we are promised that if we are standing in Holy Places, we –

"...shall not be burned at his coming."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:23)

Of all these great promised blessings given to those that stand in Holy Places, it would be a little bit misleading if I did not add a word of caution by the Savior, where He said –

"I have sworn in my wrath, and decreed wars upon the face of the earth, and the wicked shall slay the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man;
34 And the saints also shall hardly escape..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:33 - 34)

Of the words “hardly escape”, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught –

“It is a false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments, whilst the wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and ‘the righteous shall hardly escape;’ still many of the Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith; yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease, to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God. [He even adds] so that it is an unhallowed principle to say that such and such [or so and so] have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death...’” (History of the Church, Vol. 4, page 11.)

But even with this explanation by the Prophet, the Lord declared –

"He that is faithful and endureth shall overcome the world.
...and his works shall follow him, and also a reward in the world to come.
49  Yea, and blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth, when the Lord shall come, and…they shall rise from the dead and shall not die after, and shall receive an inheritance before the Lord, in the holy city."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:47 - 49)

 But no matter what happens, the Savior reminds us (and I would suggest, He also commands us), therefore –

 "Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:35)

 Therefore, of the signs of the times -

 "These things are the things that ye must look for...they are now nigh at hand, and in a time to come, even in the day of the coming of the Son of Man."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:53)

"Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom—

18  For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 33:17 - 18)

I testify that the prophecies and signs of His coming are true and coming to fruition. I know His work is being hastened…being cut short in righteousness.  Therefore, may we be an active participant in the hastening the work of salvation as well as, May we Stand in Holy Places and be not moved.