Thoughts and Realizations

Yesterday I was doing my usual morning scripture study and had something pop into my head. I was reading in Jacob 5 (the grafting of the olive tree chapter). I can't tell you how many times I have read that chapter, but this time I had the spiritual light bulb flip on. We all know that the initial grafting in of the branches to other olive trees represents the scattering of the 12 tribes of Israel, and that these branches were good. Also, branches from wild trees were grafted into other trees. These trees yielded up good fruit, and they were laid up against the season. As time passed in the vineyard, the trees became overrun with "wild fruit" or "evil fruit". The harvest to lay up the fruit against the season was approaching, but the Lord of the vineyard had no good fruit to harvest. This grieved the Lord of the vineyard and He even suggested they burn and destroy the vineyard and prepare for the next season. This example of the trees being overrun with wild or evil fruit rang out to me especially strong as I read it. I felt the enlightening power of the Spirit upon my mind as I drew the parallel that this overrun state was an example of the Apostasy. When the gospel was diluted, and different sects put their own spin on the gospel of Jesus Christ, thus bearing much fruit, but none of it was good like unto the first fruit.

Take a look at the account given by Joseph Smith regarding the "religious excitement" of his time. There were many revival style meetings, and each sect had such a different idea about the principles of the Gospel that Joseph because confused. As we know, this lead Joseph to pray in faith, and thus ushered in the restoration of the fullness of the gospel. As I compared this to chapter 5 in Jacob, it just clicked to me. Now I'm sure that you guys already knew that, and drew that parallel long ago, but for me, it happened when I was 28.

That is the amazing thing about the gospel. It's all true and unchanging, but we as His children progress and grow at different paces. Some people are scriptorians and scholars when it comes to the scriptures. Others are just getting started on their journey. The thing we each need to remember is that no matter our point in our progression, we are all loved the same. As long as we make and keep covenants, exercise faith, and endure to the end, we will be alright. We wont be judged according to our ability to quote scriptures, or to expound the gospel like the prophets do. Rather, press forward with faith and hope, and the Lord will watch over you.

I just thought I'd share that with all of you, I hope it wasn't too boring!