"Lord, to whom shall we go?" Charting the Course of the Church from Here to the Second Coming: Part 4

Prophecy is Like a Box of Chocolates . . . 

The LDS people are a people of prophecy. 

We have an important role to play in the fulfilment of the Lord's covenants in these last days.

  But not in the way we expect.

The scriptures reveal a destiny for the Church that is somewhat . . . different . . . than the one we usually hear about. 

Personally, I am not sure why we interpret scriptural prophecy in the most narcissistic way possible.  But it might come as a big surprise to learn that we are not up for Best Actor, but instead are nominated only for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

In this Series I want to contextualize the role of the Church within the broader Greatly Marvelous Work of the Father (who always wins Best Director).

Scene: Ward BBQ

Picture this:  We are chatting at a summer ward barbeque as the evening breeze blows our paper plates and napkins across the lawn, and children run around with happy shouts, and the water in our plastic cups turns warm while we watch the sun lean heavily on the horizon. 

I turn to you and ask: 

"What part do you see yourself playing in the future of the Church and its destiny?"

Do we see ourselves, or the Church, as the star of the show?  Are we a diva?  Do we see the Church negotiating a contract to pull at least a $20,000,000 paycheck with backend royalties for its performance?

Scene: Casting Call for Extras

When I watch TV or movies, I love looking at the people in the background, seen through a half-focused lens, doing something away from the main action (like eating at a restaurant in a booth next to the main couple).

Picture this:  What if we are not the stars but are extras in this unfolding drama? 

Don't fret: being an extra is awesome!  We may not get paid very much but at least we're in the movie and get to enjoy craft services.      

Well, I believe we all have a bit of the gift of prophecy in us.  We can sense the signs of the times being fulfilled before our eyes.  The Lord is hastening across white fields ― and the laborers are few.

I bet you have pondered how best to prepare for the coming calamity.  Do you feel prepared?  Are you anxious about the times of tribulation?  Have you wondered what else you can do to be ready?

Because . . .

   It's showtime.

"Be Not Troubled"

Before we take a deep dive into the prophecies that describe our role in the last days, there's a couple of things we need to get out of the way.

   1.  If we plan for the future from a place of fear, we open ourselves to being deceived.

I cannot overstate how important this principle is, so I am going to repeat it: if we plan for the future from a place of fear, we open ourselves to being deceived.

   There are many spirits
   which are false spirits,
   which have gone forth
   in the earth, deceiving
   the world.

(D&C 50:2)

When Jesus told his disciples about the events preceding his Second Coming, "they were troubled" (D&C 45:34).  Why were they concerned?!  They didn't even have to live through these times.  But here we are, with earthquake, famine, hailstorms, war, and much more to come.

   And I said unto them:
   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.

(D&C 45:35).

The Lord is always trying to teach us is to "fear not."

It's Okay to Die

Remember Jerry Seinfeld's famous joke? 

"According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy."

The ultimate fear, I suppose, is death.  So much of our preparation revolves around survival (food storage, water purification, guns).  

But Jesus told us:

   Fear not even unto death;
   for in this world your joy
   is not full, but in me
   your joy is full.

   Therefore, care not for the body,
   neither the life of the body;
   but care for the soul,
   and for the life of the soul.

(D&C 101:36-37)

So whenever I eat Skittles and Hostess cupcakes I tell myself, "Eating junk food is fine!  The Lord said not to care for the body."

   It's okay to die.  We all do. 

   Those that die in me
   shall not taste of death,
   for it shall be sweet
​   unto them.

(D&C 42:46)

Remember what the Lord told Joseph early on when things were rough?  One of the ways we can be like Jesus is by not being afraid to die.  

   Blessed are ye,
   for they can do
   no more unto you
   than [they did] unto me.

(D&C 6:29)

"A Girl Worth Fightin' For"

Being fearless, though, is not enough.  (After all, it is easy to die.)

In order to make it through the coming storm, we also need a reason to live.  

What will motivate us to "carry on" during the coming tribulation?

We need to find our purpose.  We need to cling to that holy purpose that gives us the will to go on at all costs.

   Perfect love casteth out all fear.

   2.  Instead of seeking to preserve our own life, we can focus on living so that we may bless the lives of others.

Sure, we could build a bunker for ourselves and our family, shutting ourselves off from everybody.  We could stockpile canned food and water while waiting out the storm, playing Monopoly and eating microwaved popcorn as the world burns.

But has the Lord called us to isolate ourselves in some remote ranch in rural North Dakota?  Does the Lord want us to retire to our private island in the Pacific and turn our backs on His suffering children?  Are we more concerned with staying alive than we are with being alive in Christ?

​   Thou shalt bear their infirmities.
   Thou shalt stand in the place
   of thy stewardship.

(D&C 42:52-53)

I love John the Baptist's response to the people before the Lord's first coming, and believe he would say the same to us before the Lord's Second Coming:

   And the people asked him, saying,
   What shall we do then?

   He answereth and saith unto them,
   He that hath two coats,
   let him impart to him
   that hath none;
   and he that hath meat,
   let him do likewise.

(Luke 3:10-11)

As others have said, I say too:  The most important preparation we can make in order to survive what is to come is to take care of the poor and needy today.

The Lord has called us to warn, to serve, to sacrifice, to love, to care, to cherish one another ― He has not called us to retreat into our private silos when things collapse. 

To survive the coming tribulation, we must have community.  We cannot make it alone. 

The promises of the Lord will be fulfilled communally.