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Lets let truth be our guide…Do we rely on the hand of men to deliver a message from God?

“But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall
speak: for it shall be given you in that some hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” (Matt. 10:19-20)

“But notwithstanding those things which are written, it always has been given to the elders of my church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit.” (D.& C. 46:2)

“Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this
people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men; For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea,in the very moment, what ye shall say.” (D. & C. 100:5-6)

“With the Latter-day Saints, the idea of writing sermons or preparing
addresses beforehand is entirely discarded; it never was practiced amongst them.” (George A. Smith, J.D. 13:292)

“Hence the folly of sermons written beforehand; and unless the written
beforehand sermons are by revelation, or prophecy, all men the world over, may know when they hear a sermon read from the pulpit, that God has no hand in that matter; and the preacher is not sent of God; and is not God’s servant.” (editorial, Des. News, Sept. 4, 1852)

“It is well known to the Latter-day Saints–though perhaps not to
strangers–that no Elder or member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who enters into this Tabernacle knows who is going to be called upon to speak to the people. Hence no man spends a week, a day, an hour, or a moment to prepare a discourse to deliver unto the people.” (Wilford Woodruff, J.D. 24:236)

“So… for those of you who would be interested, in uniting in prayer with others, Mrs Watcher and myself and Mr. and Mrs Malachi, and Tom and others are inviting all those who would like to unite with us in prayer, to do so. It doesn’t matter where you live, we can all still be united in prayer in our hearts and minds.

The purpose of the prayer is to obey the command given in the Lords prayer which is to pray for the kingdom to come.

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matt 6:10
We will be doing this tomorrow night. Sunday evening April 5th (The real Christmas Eve) during the 2nd Watch (between 9 and 12 PM). Although we will probably be praying multiple times during those hours, there will be a designated time of 9 PM for those who can focus your energies at that time.

Those who are “night owls” may want to pray again at midnight like the Whitneys did. We are in MST for that feel the need to synchronize in the time zone you are in.”

thanks, may we all be united in bringing forth the kingdom.  with  love,  Dan and Erin mead

PS, pass it on to all those you feel to

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. And, again, beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing; but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits; for do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Verily I say unto you, it is not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, that shall enter unto the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. For the day soon cometh, that men shall come before me to judgment, to be judged according to their works. And many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name; and in thy name cast out devils; and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I say, Ye never knew me; depart from me ye that work iniquity. Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock, and the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand; and the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass when Jesus had ended these sayings with his disciples, the people were astonished at his doctrine; For he taught them as one having authority from God, and not as having authority from the Scribes.

In light of what is happening in the LDS world this weekend, I thought these words by the Lord were timely. In instances were judging is necessary by the individual saint, the Lord has given us the above rule of judgment. He tells us to observe the ‘fruit’ and from there you can tell the roots the tree is planted in. Not only that, but he begins the discourse by stating who he is here giving us to judge, the prophets in sheeps clothing. Some are true, but “beware the false”.

It is readily made apparent too, that these are men who declare themselves to be prophets amongst us, but are not. The Lord tells us that they are amongst the sheep. They were the same clothing as sheep. I discussed this more in the vomiting wolves blog. These are folks who spoke in the Lords name, cried Lord, Lord, and did many wonderful works in the name of the Lord. They professed in every way to be the leaders of the sheep, claiming his name to lead amongst the sheep.

The idea of works is mentioned a couple of times as the fruit. The Lord here tells us that they, the ravening wolves, will think that their works are wonderful in the sight of the Lord. They will think that their words are pleasing to his ears. Yet, their many works and words are counted as evil fruit, bad fruit to be hewn down.

After giving us the principle of the Good and bad fruit he states, “Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man…”, he gives us the parable of a wise and foolish man. What does he mean by saying, whoever does these things? What things are to be done? To judge. To Judge the prophets, the people, through the principle of fruit. It is our job, as wise men, to judge the people who intend to lead us by the fruit that they produce. By so doing we judge wisely and build our foundations on Rock.

It is interesting to note here too, what is the standard by which we judge? Good and Evil. In Moroni 7, Moroni tells us to follow the sprit. That which asks us to follow the doctrine of Christ is Good, that which doesn’t is Evil. Than to know this and make this judgment, we must know the Gospel. We must know the standard by which things are judged. We must know it well, and NOT rely on the ‘prophet’ to give it to us (ezek, 14). The Lord here states, that they will be doing and saying and teaching things that they believe to be good. The people than, in consequence will be taught a perverse idea of good and evil, as evidenced by the principle of the ‘few’.

At the end of this mini-discourse the Lord astonishes everyone because he demonstrates the type of a TRUE prophet. “The people were astonished at his doctrine; For he taught them as one having authority from God, and not as having authority from the Scribes.” A true prophet has authority from God, which regularly astonishes people he is talking too (i.e. read about every prophet in the scriptures). And not only that, but he spoke AGIANST the people who were currently their leaders, the givers of law. The Scribes employ was to write read and interpret the Law. They were the Leaders who gave the people their instructions of religious worship. Yet, when this Jesus spoke, he didn’t speak with that authority. The “church” didn’t give him his authority; he in fact contradicted that authority. It was astonishing that his fruit was in accord with scripture, when the fruit of those over them who interpreted law was not.

So then, getting to the point. Written in the book of Good and Evil, we should be able to find instructions, descriptions, of the fruit to judge by. IF we are to judge by their fruits, we need a righteous precedent to lean on. Let us describe them, the prophets, what they do, what they say, how they are treated. Of course, we could likewise describe the evil fruit….

I believe most people are in the LDS church are cognizant of the idea of persecution. They are even aware that great persecution has been suffered by men of God since the beginning. For that we can turn to Adam, Abel and Cain. The moment Adam came into the world and tried to seek further light and knowledge he was approached by someone seeking to stop him, to divert his path. This same pattern continues on for all men of God. Upon learning new things, accepting them and seeking to live after that manner of true faith, opposition arrives to thwart that progress and divert it. Men of all classes heap up persecution of one form or other.

Joseph was a prime example of this also. The moment he told people about this remarkable change in his life, he was told to quit believing, called a liar and pushed around by men of much more persuasion then him. Joseph made the solemn observation, “…all the time suffering severe persecution at the hands of all classes of men, both religious and irreligious, because I continued to affirm that I had seen a vision. During the space of time which intervened between the time I had the vision and the year eighteen hundred and twenty-three—having been forbidden to join any of the religious sects of the day, and being of very tender years, and persecuted by those who ought to have been my friends and to have treated me kindly, and if they supposed me to be deluded to have endeavored in a proper and affectionate manner to have reclaimed me-…(JSH)”. Upon reading the whole of the JSH, it is painfully obvious that this was his lot in life from the beginning, and yet he felt it to be to his benefit to receive it. He was in fact given that promise, “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. (D&C 121:7-8)”

Throughout the text we find living examples of persecution displayed graphically, all for believing and worshipping God and his Christ in the correct manner. Nephi was tortured by his brothers, tied up, beaten, verbally abused. They eventually sought his life. When enough was enough, Nephi was removed by the Lord with his family from the situation. They said of Enoch, “and all men were offended because of him”. They attempted to lay hands on him, but the Lord protected him (moses 7). As was Noah, whos life was sought by the Nephilim for preaching Gods word (Moses 8). Abraham, Joseph of Egypt, David, Moses, Isaiah, Ezekial, Paul, John, Alma, Alma the younger and his friends, Nephi iii, Mormon, Moroni, countless men in our dispensation, etc… All have this one thing in common, persecution. Their manner of life was not consistent with those around them and they were thus persecuted for being not like the others.

At first glance it could be dismissed that this was/is the lot in life of exceptional men. It could be dismissed that the majority of believers are not meant to be persecuted in this manner. This however does not correlate with scripture.

In 2 Tim. 3 Paul tells us, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”. And the Lord told us in Joh 5, “The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” Are you a servant? Do you live Godly in Christ Jesus? If so, what should be happening as fruit? But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. (Gal. 4)”

Whenever they were living the laws of God, men were persecuted for it. The saints of the New Testament were constantly bolstered by Paul’s word to them, telling them, “that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer (2 Thes 1)”. It was a forgone conclusion to Paul that the Saints would be persecuted, that it was to be their lot and that they would be rewarded for it.

Joseph stated, “This one thing is sure, that they who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution; and before their robes are made white in the blood of the Lamb, it is to be expected, according to John the Revelator, they will pass through great tribulation. (HC 1:449.)”. Also, “Those who cannot endure persecution, and stand in the day of affliction, cannot stand in the day when the Son of God shall burst the veil, and appear in all the glory of his Father, with all the holy angels. (HC 1:468.)”

Indeed persecution can be shown scripturally to not only be a byproduct of covenant keeping but the medium through which perfection is wrought. While strict law of ordinance and obedience, has not the power to perfect (Heb. 7), Persecution and Suffering do, “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1peter 5)”. In fact, this is said to be the medium through which our Savior found perfection, “…we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For ^ait became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings (Heb. 5)”.

The Nephites of the BOM were persecuted and purged through the righteous enduring of it. “And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction. Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.”

Finally the above quote in Helaman points out an interesting dichotomy which is consistent in scripture. That is, there are only two camps. They are those in prideful complacency who persecute and the repentant faithful who endure them. Taking Helamans example, “pride which began to enter into the church—not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God-And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren.” The same story was repeated in 4 Nephi,

“there were many churches which professed to know the Christ, and yet they did deny the more parts of his gospel, insomuch that they did receive all manner of wickedness, and did administer that which was sacred unto him to whom it had been ^bforbidden because of unworthiness. And this church did multiply exceedingly because of iniquity, and because of the power of Satan who did get hold upon their hearts. And again, there was another church which denied the Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ, because of their humility and their belief in Christ; and they did despise them because of the many miracles which were wrought among them.”

Thus men divide themselves into those who have faith and lift others and those with pride who tear others down. The BOM is full of examples of this, but more poignant to us is the warning from Moroni directly to us today, “And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.”

So, the question than behooves us as saints; are we being persecuted? If this is the manner of events that perfects us, are we in line? If not, what laws can we live to reap the fruits that provide perfection?

LDS Anarchy

I’m beginning to think the Lord has used the greedy and selfish nature of men, power hungry, etc…to produce a factory.  Hes the all knowing and loving owner who created the workplace to enable the workers to have directed profitable employ. Contrary to this, the Managers of the factory think they are doing things most efficiently for gain, though at the expense of the workers. The owner knows better though and has provided instructions written in the manual for the workers to do their jobs as individuals-and receive the optimum monetary benefit possible for themselves. Very few of those workers ever see the instructions, as most are doing as the managers tell them to do. Most don’t even read the workers manual. The managers themselves largely don’t know the instructions are there and what they do they explain or change.

As a result, those who do read and understand the message the owner was trying to tell them, stick out like a sore thumb. The other workers are annoyed as the differing folks seem to gum up the works, step on toes, they are bad for company image. They do things differently. They confound management since they seem to do their jobs better, understand the rules more completely but not do as they are told. Eventually some are “fired” from their jobs. But this too is OK, as the owner has provided a clause that when a worker is fired in this manner, doing his job most efficiently, according to the book, he is compensated monetarily out of the owners pocket FAR more than they would have received slaving away in the factory for their lives. They are then set at the personal employ of the owner, with a direct line cell phone, to do the work in places outside of the walls of the factory.

The “church” today is built to exalt the few who stick-out , though the general populace doesn’t see it that way, through study, prayer and suffering, as the saints in Helaman 3 found out.

And in the *fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church—not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who ^aprofessed to belong to the church of God— “And they were lifted up in ^apride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.  Nevertheless they did ^afast and ^bpray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their ^chumility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the ^dpurifying and the ^esanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their ^fyielding their hearts unto God.”

While studying the lesson in today’s manual (ch 25) which covers Joseph’s discourses on Matthew 13 I felt a nudge to put it all together. These are some powerful parables! The meanings of course are not even now fully dug up. I think evidence of that is found in our discussion of them and Josephs explanations.

The Parable of the Leavened Bread is used by Joseph to summarize and explain the other parables in the chapter (tares, sower and mustard seed). In the heading on page 302 the committee states, “The testimonies of the three witnesses and the latter-day scriptures are like the leaven that was hidden in the meal.” This description is misplaced, as we will show. Upon reading the actual discourse, the content therein is far more revelatory in nature and descriptive of last-days events.

Quoting the manual….

‘And another parable spake He unto them. The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till the whole was leavened.’ [Matthew 13:33.] It may be understood that the Church of the Latter-day Saints has taken its rise from a little leaven that was put into three witnesses. Behold, how much this is like the parable! It is fast leavening the lump, and will soon leaven the whole. …

” ‘Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind, which when it was full they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.’ [Matthew 13:47-48.] For the work of this pattern, behold the seed of Joseph, spreading forth the Gospel net upon the face of the earth, gathering of every kind, that the good may be saved in vessels prepared for that purpose, and the angels will take care of the bad. ‘So shall it be at the end of the world-the angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire, and there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jesus saith unto them, Have you understood all these things? They say unto Him, Yea, Lord.’ [Matthew 13:49-51.] And we say, yea, Lord; and well might they say, yea, Lord; for these things are so plain and so glorious, that every Saint in the last days must respond with a hearty Amen to them.

” ‘Then said He unto them, therefore every scribe which is instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven, is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things that are new and old.’ [Matthew 13:52.]

“For the works of this example, see the Book of Mormon coming forth out of the treasure of the heart. Also the covenants given to the Latter-day Saints [the Doctrine and Covenants], also the translation of the Bible-thus bringing forth out of the heart things new and old, thus answering to three measures of meal undergoing the purifying touch by a revelation of Jesus Christ, and the ministering of angels, who have already commenced this work in the last days, which will answer to the leaven which leavened the whole lump. Amen.”11

Notice here a distinct difference in understanding considering the term ‘three witnesses’. While it is true that we refer to the three witness of the Book Mormon with that terminology, I don’t believe Joseph was here, as inferred by the heading.

Joseph first states, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till the whole was leavened.’ [Matthew 13:33.] It may be understood that the Church of the Latter-day Saints has taken its rise from a little leaven that was put into three witnesses. Behold, how much this is like the parable! It is fast leavening the lump, and will soon leaven the whole.”

The language used here is interesting. Three measures of Meal had leaven hidden within them. That leaven was hidden until the batch was done, the lump had grown, and the whole was leavened. Of course, than it follows that the leaven would than be unhidden, or revealed, when the time was right. Using the parables in the rest of the chapter, this revealing happens when the harvest is ripe, at the time of the division of wheat and tares, when the fish are removed from the net and separated, when the corruption in the church (which the tares represent according to Joseph in the same discourse) are reaped and the church in purity remains. Just from there we find the leaven to be a revelation.

Following the inference in the heading, what would it be in the three witnesses of the BOM that eventually made this revelation happen? What of the three witnesses testimony eventually leavens the whole? What is HIDDEN in the three witnesses to the BOM? Nothing.

Joseph illustrates to us what the three measures of meal are , what those testimonies represent. “”For the works of this example, see the Book of Mormon coming forth out of the treasure of the heart (1). Also the covenants given to the Latter-day Saints [the Doctrine and Covenants] (2), also the translation of the Bible (3)-thus bringing forth out of the heart things new and old, thus answering to three measures of meal…”

The three measures of meal are the three testimonies available to us in the last days. The BOM, the D&C and the Bible. Hidden inside these three measures of meal is some leaven. That leaven will be revealed at the time of the division of wheat and tares, bad fish from the good.

Our prophet goes so far as to tell us what the leaven is. “…Of the heart things new and old, thus answering to three measures of meal undergoing the purifying touch by a revelation of Jesus Christ, and the ministering of angels who have already commenced this work in the last days, which will answer to the leaven which leavened the whole lump. Amen.”

This leaven will be revealed to us in the last days. A revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ that is hidden in the scriptures but will be revealed to the world at the winding up scene, commencing the events in the other parables of revelation. The angels are now doing the work, sowing the seed, dividing thoughts and ideals. At some point, a revelation will be brought which will ‘purify’ revealed word in some manner. Thus leavening the whole of Scripture and makeing the Loaf of Meal complete.  From our vomiting wolves we know that the seperation will be based on the word of God, those who receive meat form the Savior, and those who receive vomitted milk from men, prophets with covered eyes (Isaiah28). This purification of scripture of leaven will divide the sheep from the goats.

Here we have Joseph Smith discussing the Servant and his Mission! Jesus giving us a parable describing this event! That is revelatory indeed. Looking into the scriptures to back this theory and show we are on the same track reveals these ideas even stronger. To discuss just a couple;

In 3 Nephi we read; “ For in that day, for my sake shall the Father ^awork a work, which shall be a great and a ^bmarvelous ^cwork among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them. But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall be ^amarred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that ^bmy wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil. Therefore it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause ^ahim to bring forth unto the ^bGentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said) they shall be ^ccut off from among my people who are of the covenant.”

The words declared by a man will start a confrontation. Some will believe, some not. What will the words be about? They will be the words of Jesus Christ! Just as Joseph told us concerning the leaven hidden in the scriptures. A revelation hidden in scripture, revealed by a man concerning our Lord will commence this work. It isn’t Joseph, at least not in the probation he was teaching us in at the time. This revelation will work as the redemption of Zion (DC 101), but will cause great persecution of the man who reveals it.

For another description of this event we will turn to D&C 86;

“And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in ^aorder the house of God, and to arrange by ^blot the ^cinheritances of the saints whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled in the book of the law of God; While that man, who was called of God and appointed, that putteth forth his hand to ^asteady the ^bark of God, shall fall by the shaft of death, like as a tree that is smitten by the vivid shaft of lightning. And all they who are not found written in the ^abook of remembrance shall find none inheritance in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their portion shall be appointed them among ^bunbelievers, where are ^cwailing and gnashing of teeth.”

To review again, a man shall come with eternal words in front of the people. He will utter eternal words, divide inheritances and steady the ark of God, which another man was not able to do. We know what those eternal words will be about, a revelation of our Lord hidden in scripture. And we know what they will do, provide inheritance for those who believe and cut asunder those who do not. What is the next section about in the D&C? The Wheat from the Tares.

Isaiah covers this event in great detail, repeatedly telling us the mission and message of the servant. Here our modern prophet has told us too what he will do using Matthew 13:52, “’Then said He unto them, therefore every scribe which is instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven, is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things that are new and old.”

What do we call a scribe that is instructed in the kingdom of Heaven? A prophet. And what do Prophets do, in particular the servant in this case? He “bringeth forth out of his treasure things that are new and old.” A prophet looks into the scriptures available, relates to us the old things that we understood and reveals new things within them that the world didn’t already have. In most instances, the New is thrown to the swine who refuse to hear it.

As a follow up, I’m including Gileadi’s analysis of the revelatory event.

The Lord’s Work as a Revelatory Event

Our analysis of the terms great, marvelous, and work, also suggests that the Lord’s work is preeminently revelatory in nature. It brings to light knowledge hidden up from the founda­tion of the world because of unbelief (Eth. 4:13-15). This “great and marvelous” knowledge appears in the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon and in other books.[1] Such knowledge will be revealed initially among the believing Gentiles. From these Gentiles it will go forth to the house of Israel.[2] This additional reve­lation (see 2 Nephi 29:9) contains the “greater things” or more important truths (Morm. 8:12; Eth. 4:13). In relation to them, the Book of Mormon is called the “lesser part” (3 Nephi 26:6-10).

Much of this new revelation has to do with the last days, the time ushering in the millennial era of peace, as well as with the Millennium itself: a vision the Brother of Jared had in which he saw the end of time (Eth. 4:4-9; compare 3:25-27); a similar vision by the prophet Ether (Eth. 13:13; compare 12:5); a vision by Joseph in Egypt about his future descendants (2 Nephi 4:2; compare 3:5), a vision by Nephi on the mountain (1 Nephi 18:3; 2 Nephi 4:17, 25); teachings by Jesus to the Nephites that deal with the beginning and the end of the earth (3 Nephi 26:3-11); and visions by Moroni about our day (Morm. 8:34-35).

This new revelation includes knowledge of the mysteries of God.[3] It comprises all things shown to men in the past, things that were sealed up to come forth in their purity.[4] These revelations ultimately include words that are not within man’s natural power to utter or write.[5] They consist of the “wonders of eternity,” the mysteries of the kingdom of God “from days of old, and for ages to come” (D&C 76:2-10, 114).

These “great and marvelous” revelations nonetheless come forth in a time of wickedness among the Lord’s people. Because the people of the Lord are not doing his work as they ought (2 Nephi 27:25-29), he is required to “do mine own work” (2 Nephi 27:21).[6] The new revelations, therefore, convince the Gentiles among whom they come forth of the error of their ways; the revelations show forth to all men the wickedness, abominations, and follies of the Gentiles among whom the gospel has already gone forth.[7]

Yet, the very coming forth of these great and marvelous rev­elations depends upon some Gentiles not hardening their hearts as their unrighteous brethren do (see Alma 12:10). When these more righteous among the Gentiles repent of their iniquity of their own accord, when they become clean before the Lord and truly exercise faith in him and become sanctified, then is the time that the Lord will bring forth to them his great and marvelous revelations (Eth. 4:4-7.)[8]

Of necessity, the revealing of the Lord’s “work” comes through his appointed seer or seers. In large part, it involves the translation of ancient records (Mosiah 8:17-20; D&C 8:1-8). Al-though what the Lord reveals is given in plain language (2 Nephi 31:3), men do not understand or appreciate such revelation un­less they inquire of the Lord for themselves (1 Nephi 15:3; Eth. 4:7-13). Like Laman and Lemuel, those who harden their hearts fail to inquire of the Lord. They suppose that “the Lord maketh no such thing known” to them (1 Nephi 15:9). They harbor a superficial interest in the Lord’s “work” only because of some wonder he might perform on their behalf (2 Nephi 15:19). They maintain, for all practical purposes, that the Lord has already “done his work” (2 Nephi 28:5-6). Although a man declares the “great and marvelous work” to them, they do not believe it (3 Nephi 21:9; Eth. 12:5).

Part of the great and marvelous work, therefore, consists of words condemning the wicked of the Lord’s people. We find types of such condemnation in the words of Nephi the son of Helaman. Nephi prophesies the destruction and disinheritance of his people (Hel. 9:2; compare 7:28). Samuel the Lamanite like-wise prophesies the extinction of the Nephites and the Lord’s redemption of the Lamanites (Hel. 16:16; compare 15:11-17). Lachoneus the governor also warns of secret combinations over-powering his people (3 Nephi 3:15-16).

The scriptural references I have cited, because they use the terms great, marvelous, and work, serve rhetorically as types. They teach us what kinds of things to expect when the Lord per-forms his great and marvelous work in the last days. They show both sides of the event, the positive and the negative. Making ourselves familiar with these types thus increases our understanding of the message of the Book of Mormon. Indeed, the book’s great value lies in its message as a type of things to come.

[1] See 2 Nephi 27:21-23, 26, 29; Words of Mormon 1:11; 3 Nephi 5:8-9; Ether 4:4-7, 13-17.

[2] See 3 Nephi 21:9-12; 26:7-9; Ether 4:6, 13; D&C 35:7.

[3] See Jacob 4:8; Alma 10:5; 12:10; D&C 6:11.

[4] See 1 Nephi 14:26; 2 Nephi 27:10-11; 30:17-18; Mormon 5:8-9; Ether 3:25-26; 4:4-7.

[5] See Helaman 5:33, 45; 3 Nephi 17:16-17; 19:34-36; 26:14, 16.

[6] See 2 Nephi 27:21-29; 29:1-9; Mormon 8:34-41.

[7] See Mormon 8:34-41; Ether 12:19-35; D&C 6:11; 35:7.

[8] Compare 2 Nephi 27:23; 3 Nephi 26:7-9; Ether 4:13-16; D&C 35:7-18.

What kind of a revo lution would it work among the Lat ter‑day Saints if the revelation given in March, 1831, were carried out by them, “It is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in s in?” How much of a revol ution would it accomplish in Sa lt Lake City if this order of things should be brought about? I think it would work a greater revo lution among this people than has ever been witnessed amongst them since they had an existence as a Ch urch. (JD 15:355‑356)

Later in the same address Elder Pratt made the following observation:

There must be a reformation. There will be a reformation among this people, but He will plead with the stronger ones of Zion, He will plead with this people, He will plead with those in high places, He will plead with the priesthood of this church, until Zion shall become clean before him. I do not know but what it would be an utter impossibility to commence and carry out some principles pertaining to Zion right in the midst of this people. They have strayed so far that to get a people who would conform to heavenly laws it may be needful to lead some from the midst of this people and commence anew in the regions round about in these mountains. (JD 15:360)

John Taylor

I would be surprised if ten percent of those who claim to hold the Melchizedek priesthood will remain faithful to the gospel at the time of the seventh president and that there would be thousands that think they hold the priesthood at that time, but would not have it properly conferred upon them. (Minutes of a meeting, September 7, 1886)

G. Q. Cannon

The day will come when man’s priesthood and authority will be called to question, and you will find that there will be hundreds who have no priesthood, but who believe they hold it, they are holding only an office in the church. (Truth, 3:153)

Joseph Fielding Smith

It is a very apparent fact that we have traveled far and wide in the past 20 years. What the future will bring I do not know. But if we drift as far afield from fundamental things in the next 20 years, what will be left of the foundation laid by the Prophet Joseph Smith? It is easy for one who observes to see how the apostasy came about in the primitive church of Christ. Are we not traveling the same road? (Joseph Fielding Smith Journal, 28 December 1938)

H. Verlan Anderson

To fail to consider the possibility that the members of the church are again “falling away” would be to ignore one of the most thoroughly documented lessons of history. Especially is this true in light of the fact that the cultural, political, and educational life of Church members has become so deeply and thoroughly involved with that of non-members that they are overwhelmingly influenced by the “ways of the world.” Through newspapers and magazines, motion pictures and television, schools and lecture halls, and a thoroughly integrated economic system, Church members come into close and continuous contact with those not of their faith.

Some may assume that a “Gentile apostasy” in these latter days cannot occur because Christ’s Church is here to stay this time. They may assume that widespread departure from gospel principles by Church members is contrary to prophecy. While the scriptures do assure us that the Church will continue to exist and be divinely led by prophets of the Lord right up until his Second Coming, they do not state that all, or even a majority of its members will follow those prophets. On the contrary, they foretell extensive, and in some cases, almost total defection from true principles. (The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil, pp. 169-170)

Moroni was similarly explicit in predicting false teachings among the saints. Reflect upon the unmistakable implications of this point-blank indictment of members of the “holy church of God:”

“O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God?” (Mormon 8:38)

Since there is only one “holy church of God” on earth, and since it is being polluted, the blame therefore appears to rest upon the teachers and hypocrites within that church. (The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil, pp. 170-171, underline added)

Pres. Benson

Not only are there apostates within our midst, but there are also apostate doctrines that are sometimes taught in our classes and from our pulpits and that appear in our publications. And these apostate precepts of men cause our people to stumble. As the Book of Mormon, speaking of our day, states: “They have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men” (2 Nephi 28:14). (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, Pg.89‑90)

Watchmen – what of the night? We must respond by saying that all is not well in Zion. (Conference Report, May 1986, Pg. 4. See Isaiah 21:11.)

The Lord declares that the whole Church and all the children of Zion are under condemnation because of the way we have treated the Book of Mormon. This condemnation has not been lifted, nor will it be until we repent. (See D&C 84:51-81.)

The Lord states that we must not only say but we must do! We have neither said enough nor have we done enough with this divine instrument–the key to conversion. As a result, as individuals, as families, and as the Church, we sometimes have felt the scourge and judgment God said would be “poured out upon the children of Zion” because of our neglect of this book (D&C 84:58).

The Lord inspired His servant Lorenzo Snow to reemphasize the principle of tithing to redeem the Church from financial bondage. In those days the General Authorities took that message to the members of the Church. So too in our day the Lord has inspired His servant to reemphasize the Book of Mormon to get the Church out from under condemnation–the scourge and judgment. (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, Pg.63-6. See also A Witness and a Warning, Pg. vii-viii and p.9)

• 2 Nephi 28-Led By the Precepts of men but have to find truth therein by the Holy Ghost (vs 14, 31)
• D&C 33:4-Err in many instances because they are taught by Priestcraft, corrupt minds
• 1 Nephi 14-Scattered small groups (13, 14)
• Amla 21:12-Looking, searching, seeking for MORE of Gods word (see also 1 nephi 14, 2 Nephi 28, a bible, a bible…)
• Alma 33:19-23-Believe in the gift of Healing, the Gifts of the Spirit.  And UNDERSTAND what that means
• Mormon 8:36-Do NOT wear fine apparel (white shirt, dark suit, flaxen cord), are not prideful, do not envy things, or persecute others for their beleifs of socio economic status.
• 3 Nephi 7:21-They are visited by the power and spirit of God and testify of it
• 3 Nephi 14:14-have found the straight gate and narrow way of Baptism by fire
• DC 121:34-They are Chosen Because they reject the things of the World, Idols and pride; Don’t aspire to mens honors, the pharicees seats in the high places; Do not exercise Dominion or compulsion over other men, like making someone dress or groom differently to receive preisthood blessings
• DC 132:22-perhaps the biggest demarcation, They SEE CHRIST in THIS WORLD, or are definately searching for that gift
• Finally, their mantra is FOLLOW CHRIST, not FOLLOW THE LEADER or arm of flesh ( a mediator for a mediator? perposterous.  All men should be prophets in order to have the secrets and direction of God given them

You could understand a hesitant nature as Joseph turned and looked back. headed to Carthage jail for the last time.  He had wanted to take the saints to the Rocky Mountains.  He felt and had prophesied that they would go there and become a vast people in the shadows of that cathedral.  They indeed did but Joseph didn’t go with them.  He left a church in turmoil.  Like leaving for vacation by saying good-bye to his irate baby at the babysitters house.  Indeed, the lower laws have been embraced and the saints have shook hands with the Gentiles now.  Joseph had much to worry about.  It may have been the fault of a people unwilling to live Celestial laws in a Terestial existence but Joseph knew from several personal insights, including the two discussed below, that when the servants of God returned to make the house aright they would find corruption muddying the once clears waters of revelation.  Anxiety over this is prevalent in the dreams below but lets read them to find parallels and what they tell us about us.

The last recorded dream we have in our possession is recorded below….

I was back in Kirtland, Ohio, and thought I would take a walk out by myself, and view my old farm, which I found grown up with weeds and brambles, and altogether bearing evidence of neglect and want of culture. I went into the barn, which I found without floor or doors, with the weather-boarding off, and was altogether in keeping with the farm.

While I viewed the desolation around me, and was contemplating how it might be recovered from the curse upon it, there came rushing into the barn a company of furious men, who commenced to pick a quarrel with me.

The leader of the party ordered me to leave the barn and farm, stating it was none of mine, and that I must give up all hope of ever possessing it.

I told him the farm was given me by the Church, and although I had not had any use of it for some time back, still I had not sold it, and according to righteous principles it belonged to me or the Church.

He then grew furious and began to rail upon me, and threaten me, and said it never did belong to me nor to the Church.

I then told him that I did not think it worth contending about, that I had no desire to live upon it in its present state, and if he thought he had a better right I would not quarrel with him about it but leave; but my assurance that I would not trouble him at present did not seem to satisfy him, as he seemed determined to quarrel with me, and threatened me with the destruction of my body.

While he was thus engaged, pouring out his bitter words upon me, a rabble rushed in and nearly filled the barn, drew out their knives, and began to quarrel among themselves for the premises, and for a moment forgot me, at which time I took the opportunity to walk out of the barn about up to my ankles in mud.

When I was a little distance from the barn, I heard them screeching and screaming in a very distressed manner, as it appeared they had engaged in a general fight with their knives. While they were thus engaged, the dream or vision ended. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843-44 p. 393)

In the dream the vineyard is likened unto Josephs old barn and property.  The dream I believe, is a bit more specific than the below parable, speaking of the church proper and not the broader idea of the vineyard as a whole.   Joseph begins by telling of its appearance being in disarray.  He refers to a “curse” that has been put upon it.  I can’t help but think this is a continuation of our condemnation, which started in Josephs day and our continual decline in revelation and celestial law.

Joseph views the place and is rather sad at its degenerate state.  He even ponders how to fix it up (what a work that would be!).  A “company” of men than come in arguing, tell Joseph it isn’t his, though they can’t seem to agree on who’s it is.  They threaten Joseph with his life.  Joseph says whatever, you can have it and determines to leave.  This tells me that we are not talking about an eternal spiritual inheritance here, but rather a physical structure, as Joseph would have argued harder to keep it.  Organizations, buildings, systems people who worship them, etc…the expendable part of the church.  The guy continues to tear into him, but another group enters the fray claiming ownership.  While these two parties are arguing, Joseph peaceably leaves.

Of course I liken this to the Servant, coming causing a stir amongst the church and its people and leaving to the wilderness out the backdoor (3 Ne. 21: 9-10).  The servant steps in to the situation for a moment.  His presence is alarming to those who are in charge.  He states his right to set the church in order  (section 85).   They fight him over it, and he decides to take those who will come with him and turn the “church” (barn) entirely over to the hand of flesh.

When he/they leave its a sticky situation.  Mud covers them which would slow the departure but mainly just leave unsightly residue that would need to be cleansed later, on all those who go with him.  The mud would be cleaned and a better organization set up when they get to a new inheritance (JS-M 1: 27).

As he leaves, Joseph hears the men fight for their lives over it.  I would assume that these two parties are the makers of the covenant of death (Isa. 28: 15, 18).  The Church Corporation and the Gov’t they shook hands with.  The Gov’t brings the knives to the party and all those who relied on the arm of flesh are taken off guard by it.  While those who recognized the true servant of God depart for a better place with mud on their clothes from past experiences (2 nephi 28:14)

The next text is a Parable given to Joseph via revelation which tells of a similar event.

A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants: Go ye unto my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive-trees; And set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive-trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard.  Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them, and planted the olive-trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, and began to build a tower. And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves: And what need hath my lord of this tower?  And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves: What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace? Might not this money be given to the exchangers? For there is no need of these things. And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord. And the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge; and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive-trees. Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil? (DC 101:44-51)

This section begins with the building of the barn, establishing a foundation whereon a marvelous work could be built in the future (D&C 64: 33).  The foundation was supposed to be the Church of Christ and of the firstborn and the Kingdom of God.  But alas the barn was built but the tower never finished.

We hear the words of the servants, the watchmen (Isa. 56: 10), trying to decide what to with the goods that the foundation is producing.  The Barn has been built, but the watch tower never finished.  These watchmen begin to argue amongst themselves.  They see no need to build a tower (relationship with god, from which warning springs for Israel), as they are in a time of peace!  Peace, all is well in Zion!  They become at variance with each other.  They give the sacred money to the building of Babylon.  They become lazy in their callings, even falling asleep on the job.  All of these descriptions Isaiah uses to describe the prophet priest and leaders of Ephraim in the last day (Isa. 56: 10-11; 28: 7).  As a result, the Barn is run over.  It is left in disarray by the enemies of the Lord.  Just as Joseph saw it upon his return, the servants are at odds with each other and have left the whole property with a curse and in shambles.

In this parable we see what Joseph does with the property…

And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants: Go and gather together the residue of my servants, and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry;  And go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard; for it is mine; I have bought it with money.  Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls of mine enemies; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen.  And inasmuch as they gather together against you, avenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land. (D&C 101:55-58)

1. Josephs role is that of an innocent leader doing his job.  When he returns (as the Rod or spokesman for the Davidic Servant unto the houses of Joseph), he is not recognized by those who presently run the farm that he established.  These men threaten him wtih bodily harm.  H knows when to leave, gets reinforcement and rebuild.
2. The slothful servants are running the farm at the time of His return.  It is a time of disarray.  They are asleep as to the issues.  They consider their authority to be supreme and do not recognize the true servant of God.  They have ruined the farm through mismanagement.  They have built Babylon instead of Zion.  Like the people they have charge over, Babylon overtakes them and they are scattered.  Instead of warning the people they have taught another doctrine, that of  “peace, all is well in Zion”.

Isaiah

Chapter 53

Isaiah 53:1

1 ¶ WHO hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

***The revelation is talked about in chapter 28. There it was a question whether people would go on from the lesser portion of the word of God to the greater portion – in other words from the fundamentals (milk) to the deeper topics (meat), including direct revelation and divine instruction. (see 28:9) Most people are no receptive to this higher instruction that is offered to them. There is a dichotomy between those who do accept and those who don’t. In Isaiah, it is always the few that do and the many do not accept revelation and divine instruction.

***So it is here. “Who has believed our revelation?” Some yes, but very few overall. Some go on and accept divine revelation from God and hold fast to those things. They keep the laws of God and all things that he has revealed through his servants, the prophets. But most do not. The majority of the people are in an apostate or descending mode, descending down the spiritual ladder, and don’t come back up. That’s why the judgements of God come upon them. They are even losing what they had.

***The pairing of these two ideas – who has believed our revelation and on whose account has the arm of the Lord been revealed – the paralleling of these two ideas tells you that those who believe the revelation are those on whose account the arm of the Lord has been revealed. In other words, the arm of the Lord is revealed to those who believe the revelation. This implies that those who don’t believe God’s revelation don’t accept the arm of God. They do not understand what the arm of the Lord represents. It is a person.

***The two arms of the God seen in 51:5 are righteousness and salvation. Salvation is the Lord himself. Righteousness is the servant or forerunner who establishes righteousness so that salvation may come. These are the two arms that judge the people. In this case, we are talking about the arm of salvation. However, if you don’t accept the one arm, you won’t accept the other. If you don’t accept the forerunner and all the preparatory work he does, you will not be in a position to accept the other.

***In this case, the arm of the Lord appears to be talking about the suffering person who is the Lord Himself.

Isaiah 53:2

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him. (Like a sapling he grew up in his presence, a stalk out of arid ground. He had no distinguishing appearance that we should notice him; he had no pleasing aspect, that we should find him attractive.)

***The sapling and stalk idea is similar to chapter 11:1, which talks about the stalk of Jesse (shoot, stalk, branch, graft). Those are messianic titles. These are all metaphors that describe the messianic individual. Jeremiah literally calls the Lord’s Servant the branch.

***Growing up in his presence and out of arid ground is a contrast. Arid ground implies a cursed state. This, in turn, implies wickedness or apostasy by people in general at the time of his growing up. Yet, he himself grows up in the presence of the Lord, meaning that he himself has access to God; he is not cut off from his presence as most of the people are cut off because of their wickedness. This is quite a contrast between him and the people with whom he grows up. He is not a charismatic personality that is a natural charmer, statesman or very popular.

***While there are many word links throughout Isaiah to other parts, these 10 verses are different in that there are very few links to other parts of the book. While the Servant is marred in chapter 52 and healed in chapter 57, this person in this chapter dies. However, 52:1 also tells us that he awakes and arises. He is part of the same structure of the Zion motif that awakes and arises, therefore he is also resurrected.

Isaiah 53:3

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

***In Isaiah’s context, the majority of the people are already rejecting God. Therefore, when this person appears, he represents what they oppose. This person comes from God and reflects God in all that he does. Yet he is met with disdain and rejecting. His lifestyle is a contradiction to their own. He gets very bad treatment here from those who should have welcomed and sustained him. This reiterates the suffering and humiliation he encounters. However, from Isaiah’s structures, this is a necessary prelude to salvation. There is no exaltation without a prior humiliation. There is no salvation without prior suffering. The higher you go on the spiritual ladder, the more humiliation and suffering you have to go through. From Isaiah’s context, this person descends below them all.

Isaiah 53:4

4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

***We thought he was under some kind of curse of God because he couldn’t seem to come out from under this problem. Yet, what was actually happening was that he was enduring the curse that was ours and he took upon himself. This person is not guilty of any sin or transgression that would cause covenant curses to come upon him. So these adversities are not through his own fault.

Isaiah 53:5

5 But he [was] wounded (…pierced…) for our transgressions, [he was] bruised (…crushed…) for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him (: the price of our peace he incurred…); and with his stripes we are healed.

***This person is some kind of proxy for the rest of us. Note the pronouns: “our transgressions,” “our iniquities,” ”we did esteem him stricken.” There is a spokesman (speaking on behalf of God’s people) who is speaking about him. It is no longer the Lord speaking about the Servant; it is the Servant speaking about the Lord. There is a person who really knows this person and what his life is all about, what happened to him really. Whereas, we at the time it happened were not aware. This person is now pointing out what really happened.

***The piercing and crushing indicate what happens to him. This links to the suffering of Christ on the cross with the piercing of the nail to his hands and feet and the spear to his side. He was crushed on the way to the cross. This occurred not for any iniquity of his own.

***The difference between transgression and iniquity. Transgression of the Laws of God is a sin to the person performing the act. Iniquity is the sin that is passed down from generation to generation. These can include behavioral patterns, etc. that are the results of sin. They are cumulative. They result in covenant curses that are also passed down, causing the people to labor in adverse situations. These are passed on from generation to generation. He took all of this upon himself.

***Peace is a word link to other parts of Isaiah. It is the Lord himself who brings about peace in Isaiah. Also, being healed is synonymous to salvation. The main theme of this verse is that he is suffering these things for our salvation. He is doing this as a proxy, for us. Those who receive peace for whom he pays the price are the righteous, those who repent of their transgressions. This implies that there is only salvation for those who do repent. He suffers for their transgression. This is part of the law of justice. Under the law of justice, someone must pay the price for transgression. He does this, enabling mercy to take place for those who repent. This also implies that for those who don’t repent, there is no mercy. There is no peace for the wicked. They themselves must suffer under the law of justice.

Isaiah 53:6

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

***Again the pronouns “we” and “us.” “We” are identified as sheep. Sheep are kosher animals and elsewhere in Isaiah, the Lord’s people are referred to as his flock. This is talking about the covenant people of the Lord, not the gentiles. Those who receive this peace or salvation are His own covenant people. This suggests that those who are not His covenant people do not inherit peace and salvation.

***We are all gone astray, going in different directions, straying away from God and the law and the covenant, and the Lord brought together on him the iniquity of us all. We are all scattered and he gathers them all up and dumps them all on him. This includes the iniquity of even those who don’t repent. All they have to do is repent, and he already suffered their iniquity. Whether they repent or not, he still suffered for their iniquity.

***Each of us going our own way implies that we have all left God’s way.

Isaiah 53:7

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

***Twice it states that he opened not his mouth. He could have opened his mouth and defended himself. He chose not to speak up because that is what God wanted him to do. He was to be submissive. God then inflicted him with harassment, slaughter, arrest and trial, being pierced, being crushed, bearing our sufferings, being shunned, and being to be worth nothing (when he was of most worth). The lamb led to slaughter is a sacrificial idea. It appears again in verse 10 as an offering for guilt. In Hebrew it is “asham” (aleph shin mem) which in anciently sacrifice under the Law of Moses that must be offered when a man transgressed. The lamb led to slaughter reminds of the Passover lamb and is another metaphor. The Passover lamb was proxy for the firstborn of Israel, that they would not die. Here, he is proxy also for the firstborn of God’s people who will not die spiritually or physically. He is led to slaughter, meaning he dies.

***He comes before the people of God, his sheep, the covenant people. He is sheared, indicating his clothes are taken away.

Isaiah 53:8

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. ? (By arrest and trial he was taken away. Who can apprise his generation that he was cut off from the land of the living for the crime of my people to whom the blow was due?)

***This again reinforces Isaiah’s indication of this man as our proxy. He dies for his people’s crime. Note the “my people” which is the covenant formula. For their transgressions, justice needed to be done. He suffered for their transgressions.

***This also implies that it was done formally, by trial and arrest. He wasn’t just mugged in a wood. He went through an official execution.

***”Generation” implies more than just the covenant people. It suggests almost a dynasty, possibly his lineage. In verse 10 it talks about his having lineage, offspring. Being cut off from the land of the living almost happens to Hezekiah, but he is healed. The same with the Servant. However, this person dies and his death is part of his suffering and humiliation.

Isaiah 53:9

9 And he made his grave with the wicked (He was appointed among the wicked in death…), and with the rich in his death; because (…yet…) he had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in his mouth.

***In the Masoretic text, these first two lines are reversed. The Servant/Tyrant parallel helps to identify that they were reversed. He was not appointed among the wicked in his burial, nor among the rich in his death, but just the reverse, being among the wicked in death and rich in his burial. Christ of course dies between two thieves and was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimethea, a wealthy man.

***The word “appoint” is also used with the Lord’s Servant. Both are appointed by God, one higher on the spiritual ladder than himself, who is his Lord. Each one has his Lord who is above him. To us, Jehovah is our Lord. Yet, on his wrung of the spiritual ladder, there is one above him. We also know that the first two lines of verse 9 are reversed because the wicked to violence and the rich are deceptive.

Isaiah 53:10

10 ¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. (But the Lord willed to crush him, causing him suffering, that, if he made his life an offering for guilt, he might se his offspring and prolong his days, and that the purposes of he Lord might prosper in his hand.)

***To crush is like to crush the life out of something or to crush his spirit. The Lord willed that. In order to bring about the redemption of the world, whoever gives him their covenantal allegiance can obtain salvation and peace and healing for the sake of so many people in their lost and fallen state. For their sake, the Lord willed to crush him, that he made his life an offering for their guilt (not his own). On the higher levels of the spiritual ladder, one does not suffer for ones own sins, but for the sins of others. He could not be a proxy for others if he himself was a transgressor. The higher you go on the spiritual ladder, the greater or more effective is the proxy role you can perform. Hezekiah’s offering his life only merited deliverance of his people from the besieging Assyrians. Those on the seraph level, can merit more than that. On the level of the spiritual ladder where the Lord himself suffers and dies, all sins and iniquities can be taken away. This is the highest proxy function known in Isaiah.

***Note the mention of offspring here and burial in verse 9. Both these are covenant blessings. In the tyrant parallel, the tyrant has no offspring or burial. All the tyrant’s people are destroyed and his corpse lies unburied. In other words, the king of Babylon suffers from covenant curses while this person enjoys covenant blessings. One may argue that the offspring referred to here is adopted or spiritual offspring. However, in Isaiah, the literal meaning is always the first one that applies. If he did not have literal offspring, he would be under a curse. But God has provided that he is not under a curse because he is innocent.

***Days are prolonged when you honor father and mother (fourth commandment). In the Old Testament, if you honor father and mother, your days are prolonged on the land by your offspring. Abraham has his offspring as the sands of the sea, etc., where as the King of Babylon has his offspring cut off. (see chapter 14)

***That the purposes of the Lord might prosper in his hand is referring to his right hand, the Servant. This is transitioning to the next section of text. This can also apply to any of the Lord’s servants. They cannot be empowered if the whole thing rests on a false foundation. The Servant himself, along with all the rest of us, are sinners and have need to repent of our transgressions of the law of God. When we do, we are forgiven because he is our proxy and has taken our guilt and transgressions upon himself. If he had not done this, the purposes of the Lord would not prosper in us. The Lord has done this, provided this proxy atonement for our sins, and based on that foundation, we can function as his servants.

Isaiah 53:11

11 He shall see of the travail (…toil…) of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (…:and by bearing their iniquities, shall my servant, the righteous one, vindicate many.)

***Who will see the toil of whose soul? The second “his” is referring to the Servant, the one who establishes righteousness. He too suffers. Anyone on the spiritual ladder who performs a messianic or proxy role suffers. They don’t suffer as much as Christ suffered, but they suffer. Again, not for their own transgressions, but for others.

***Now the Lord Himself is speaking. He has done his work of atonement, his proxy salvation, now he talks about the Servant again. Between the end of chapter 52 and here, there is a chiasm of sorts – a-b-a – where the middle part of the chiasm is the Lord Himself.

***The Servant also goes through humiliation and exaltation. His appearance is marred beyond human likeness – he appalled people – yet he became exceedingly eminent and highly exalted. (see 52:13-14) Like King Hezekiah, he has toil of soul. When the person endures this well and suffers in humble submission and the Lord sees it, there comes a point where it is enough and the Lord is satisfied.

***Knowledge is a covenant term. It implies knowledge of the covenant as well as knowledge of God and His ways. He knows that according to the terms of the covenant, if he intercedes on behalf of others and pays the price for their transgressions, he through his sacrifice can merit others deliverance. In Hezekiah’s case, that is limited to physical deliverance. In the Lord’s case, it includes all deliverance.

***Knowledge is parallel with “bearing their iniquities.” Because of his knowledge of the terms of the covenant, he is willing to bear their iniquities. The Lord does this. The Servant has seen the Lord do this and does the same thing on a lesser level. This servant is the one who personifies righteousness. He is the model of righteousness for us to follow. Because of his knowledge of the terms of the covenant, he knows that he can do this for them. Because of this, they do not have to suffer death of the besieging Assyrians or other calamities, but because of the Servant’s intercession, they can be delivered.

Isaiah 53:12

12 Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

***The Lord Himself does this in the early part of the chapter. Here, however, the Lord is speaking of his Servant who does the same thing on a lower scale. The Servant emulates the Lord.

***Every one of these sentences has a type in Israel’s history. Caleb received an inheritance among the great (when the Israelites came into the Promised Land) because he was one of the two spies sent out who remained faithful to the Lord when they came back. Joshua and Caleb gave a true report. They were the only ones who came out of Egypt who inherited the Promised Land.

***David divided the spoil with the mighty in his war with the Philistines. David provides a type for this person. Hezekiah is also a type, pouring out his soul unto death. David was also number with criminals after being anointed by Samuel. Christ was numbered with criminals.

***Job bore the sins of many (his children). Job was smitten. However, we see that in his proxy role, Job was only paying the price for others sins, not his own.

***Moses made intercession for the entire nation when they made the golden calf.

***The Servant is like a lot of these heroes of the Old Testament, performing many of the same functions. All the major events in Israel’s history are roles that the Servant assumes. He would have to be on the same spiritual level as those characters of the Old Testament were.