Lesson 12 Themes of the Doctrine and Covenants: Zion

Transcription

1 Lesson 12 Themes of the Doctrine and Covenants: Zion Key Words Kingdom Zion Promised land Scriptures for this Lesson D&C36 Genesis 9:21 D&C 6:1, 3 D&C23:4a D&C29:3 D&C24:1b D&C34:6a D&C 38:4c-5b D&C 45:12c-14 D&C48:2 D&C 52:1-2b D&C57:1 D&C63:8a D&C97:4a D&C 98:3-4f D&C 100:2-3 D&C87:8d D&C94:5h D&C 140:5c-d Zion (Sion) is a Hebrew place name. It is a major theme of the Biblical story. It is a significant part of God's covenants and the history of God's people. It is also a grand part of the future of God's redemption of his people. In the non-restoration Christian world, the idea of Zion is first introduced when King David established his throne and residence in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:6-10 and 1 Chronicles 11:4-9). From that time forward the name Zion and Jerusalem became linked. The mountain upon which the city sat is known as Mount Zion. In a larger sense, the idea of Zion carries the idea of a covenant relationship with his people. The dominant motif of Zion as the dwelling place of God, the place where God is in the midst of his people, is conjoined to the larger theme of Immanuel, "God in our midst." Just as the pillar of fire and cloud stood above the tabernacle during the wilderness wandering, so once Israel had attained the place of God's choosing (Dt 12:5-14), he would dwell there, "God with us." When Jerusalem became David's capital and Solomon had completed the temple, the glory cloud filled the temple (1Kgs8:10; 2 Chr 5:13, 14) and Jerusalem became the dwelling place of God (Pss 74:2; 76:2; 135:21; Is 8:18; JI 3:17, 21). The Lord loved and chose Zion (Pss 78:68; 132:13). His glorious presence was there, and from there he would speak (Ps 50:1, 2). His fire was in Zion, his furnace in Page -82-

2 Jerusalem (Is 31:8, 9). There he was enthroned above the cherubim (Pss 9:11; 99:1, 2) and ruled over his people and the nations (Is 24:23). His chosen king ruled from that holy hill (Pss 2:6; 48:1). 14 Zion, in the Biblical context, describes a principle, a place, a people in relationship and a promise of things to be made right. These ideas are supported and enhanced in the scriptures of the Restoration. In Section 36 (Genesis 7) of the D&C is the story of Enoch's experience with God and the building of a city which the Lord called Zion. Our faith is that the idea of Zion is not a Jewish idea, but a gospel idea that first became tangible in the days of Enoch, the seventh from Adam. According to the revelation, Enoch and his city were taken up into heaven to dwell with God because of the wickedness of the earth. Zion was taken up into the bosom of God (D&C 36:14e). Zion continues to walk with God, waiting for the time to return among men. The desire of God is revealed in the covenants he makes with his people. God had promised Enoch that Zion would come down and be a part of the dwelling place of the Saints when Jesus comes back at the end of earth's history. After the flood, the hope and desire of God to dwell with his people 14 Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (p. 2202). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. was re-established in covenant with Noah. It was not a new covenant, but it was a renewal of the covenant he made with Enoch regarding Zion. Noah was barely established on dry ground when he built an altar to God and worshiped God. In his worship he was met by God who began to instruct and encourage Noah. Regarding things to come, the Lord set a covenant token in the sky in the form of a rainbow to keep the covenant fresh in the minds of everyone. God promised that when Noah's children keep all of God's commandments, Zion will come again upon the earth (Genesis 9:21). Zion in the Restoration Joseph Smith was probably familiar with the word Zion and some of its Biblical context from the instruction he received at home and in the church. He would have learned more about the idea of Zion as a promise of God for the future through his work on translating the Book of Mormon. The Lord first spoke the word to him in the revelation received in late April The words were given as counsel to Oliver Cowdery, a school teacher, who had come to see Joseph in Harmony, Pennsylvania. The revelation begins by saying, /1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men" (D&C 6:1a) and goes on to say, Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, Keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and Page -83-

3 establish the cause of Zion (D&C 6:3a). In this statement the Lord was inviting and commanding Oliver to keep the terms of the everlasting covenant. Come and be a part of the great and marvelous work of God in the last days. From that first mention in latter day revelation, the idea of Zion was born into the language of the Latter Day Saints. It was to fill the revelations to come and be a major theme of the Restoration. Similar counsel was given to several other people in the weeks after the revelation to Oliver. The Lord used the same language about seeking to establish and bring forth cause of Zion (D&C 10:3a, 11:3a and 12:3a). Zion was a concept which matured in the understanding and heart of the church over the opening months of the Restoration. When God used the term Zion, there may have been a wide variety of opinions among the members of the church. God used a series of revelations to lead the Saints to see Zion more clearly. In these revelations he made the concept practical and present tense for them. The Saints of the latter days were to be inhabitants of this glorious city of God. The hints about Zion continued. In July 1830 the Lord told Joseph Smith to put all of his energies into the work of Zion (D&C 23:4a). John Whitmer was given similar counsel in September 1830 (D&C 29:3). In the July of 1830, a revelation was received which was addressed to Emma Smith. She was told, A revelation I give unto thee concerning my will, and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion (D&C 24:1b). Zion becomes a little more tangible in these words from God. Zion is not just a concept, it is a place of eternal inheritance. Zion is also shown to be affected by the Saints willingness to keep the commandments of God. Hence, the people who reside there must be a people of faith, obedience and worship. Keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound, and I will cause the heavens to shake for your good, and Satan shall tremble, and Zion shall rejoice upon the hills, and flourish; and Israel shall be saved in mine own due time (D&C 34:6a). It is important to say that Zion is not built by our good works. Our obedience to the covenants which we have made with God permits the outpouring of the blessings of God and this brings about Zion, the holy power of God through the Saints. About June or July of 1830 the Lord gave a series of revelations to Joseph Smith that became the opening Page -84-

4 chapters of the Inspired Version of the Bible. Among these revelations was the material that is Section 36 of the D&C. In this section a large body of important information was given to the church. This was mentioned before in this lesson. Zion is a people of righteousness who have believed the gospel of repentance by faith. It is a people gathered together in a place and who live together is peace and charity. They enjoy the power of God as their protection. Upon them is placed the name of Zion by God (see D&C 36:2g-3d). In 1831, the church received a revelation in which the Lord did a remarkable thing; he gave the Saints a land of promise. Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth; fear not for the kingdom is yours: and for your salvation I give unto you a commandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor have complained before me, and the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine, and I am no respecter of persons. And I have made the earth rich, and, behold, it is my footstool: wherefore, again I will stand upon it; and I hold forth and deign to give unto you greater riches, even a land of promise; a land flowing with milk and honey, upon which there shall be no curse when the Lord cometh; and I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts: and this shall be my covenant with you, Ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth shall stand; and ye shall possess it again in eternity, no more to pass away. But verily I say unto you, that, in time, ye shall have no king nor ruler, for I will be your King and watch over you. Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me, and you shall be a free people, and ye shall have no laws but my laws, when I come, for I am your lawgiver, and what can stay my hand (D&C 38:4c-5b)? This brings Zion into the practical reality of the Saints. God has made a covenant with the Saints. Like all other covenants, there is a land of promise that God has prepared. This land is described much like the land of Israel was described in the Old Testament. This land is not Israel, but its exact location is not known. When the land is inhabited, God is going to be the king and protector. This should have been exciting news to the church. At this time in church history the settlement of Kirtland, Ohio was just starting. Was this the new promised land or was there another Page -85-

5 place? If another place, where could it have been? The first major missionary effort was to the Lamanites on the western most border of Missouri in the area of Independence. The need for Zion was made very clear in another revelation given on March In this revelation the reality of the judgments coming on the world are addressed. Zion is presented as a place of refuge and protection much like it is described in Isaiah 4. and with one heart and with one mind, gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you, and it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God; and the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it; and it shall be called Zion. And it shall come to pass, among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor, must needs flee unto Zion for safety. And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another. And it shall be said among the wicked, let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible, wherefore we cannot stand. And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion singing, with songs of everlasting joy (D&C 45:12c-14). The church was instructed to become a people like the people in Enoch's city. They were called to stockpile their resources for the day in which Zion will come to pass. The word of God carries with it a sense of urgency. This is important and timely. Zion is going to be called New Jerusalem. Now Zion is tied to the prophecy of Ether in the Book of Mormon and to the Biblical pictures of Zion in the Old Testament and in the book of Revelation. The call to prepare and gather resources to purchase lands for Zion was reinforced in D&C 48:2. The location of the city was not yet revealed. The anticipation for the location of the city of Zion was running high amongst the church members. Section 49 was received in March The promise of Zion was renewed and it was to be a place of assembling or gathering of the faithful. Again the Lord said there is a specific place appointed, but it was not yet revealed. The spring and early summer months of 1831 were filled with the excitement and trials of bringing in the Page -86-

6 church members from New York and other eastern areas and settling them in Kirtland. There were tensions and problems with lands, housing and supporting this large influx of Saints. Several revelations were received giving counsel on these matters. All of these were indirectly a part of the preparation for the settlement of Zion. The people needed to learn to love each other and to obey God. In June 1831 the Lord becomes more specific on the location of Zion. It will not be in Kirtland, it will be in Missouri. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders whom he hath called and chosen, in these last days, by the voice of his Spirit, saying, I, the Lord, will make known unto you what I will that ye shall do from this time until the next conference, which shall be held in Missouri, upon the land which I will consecrate unto my people, which are a remnant of Jacob, and those who are heirs according to the covenant. Wherefore, verily I say unto you, Let my servants Joseph Smith, Jr., and Sidney Rigdon, take their journey as soon as preparations can be made to leave their homes, and journey to the land of Missouri. And inasmuch as they are faithful unto me, it shall be made known unto them what they shall do; and it shall also, inasmuch as they are faithful, be made known unto them the land of your inheritance (D&C 52:1-2b). It is significant that this news was received following the first conference of high priests in the Restoration. The minish y of this minister is to lead people in the Zionic lifestyle wherein people learn to live in the presence of God. The ministry of the high priest is a crucial part of the development of a people fit for Zion. Several men were named in the revelation to go to Missouri. The promise was given that if they were faithful, the Lord would give more specific instruction on the land of inheritance or Zion. The saints from Colesville, New York were called to travel under the leadership of Newel Knight to Missouri ind&c54. After Joseph Smith and the other who traveled with him arrived in the western borders of Missouri, the Lord gave another revelation about Zion. For the first time, the exact location of the city was identified (July 1831). Hearken, 0 ye elders of my church saith the Lord your God, who have assembled yourselves together, according to my commandments, in this land which is the land of Page -87-

7 Missouri, which is the land which I have appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the saints: wherefore this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion. And thus saith the Lord your God, If you will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold, the place which is now called Independence, is the center place, and the spot for the temple is lying westward upon a lot which is not far from the courthouse; wherefore it is wisdom that the land should be purchased by the saints; and also every tract lying westward, even unto the line running directly between Jew and Gentile. And also every tract bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands. Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for an everlasting inheritance (D&C 57:1). Zion was now a place. A place for the gathering of the Saints was now identified. The place for the temple (house of the Lord) was known. What had begun as a concept of a cause in D&C 6, was now much more real. The Saints began to settle into this new land of promise. On August 1, 1831, the Colesville Saints arrived. D&C 58 was received at that time. In it, the Saints were given more understanding of Zion's role in God's plan of ministry. Zion was to be a place of witness and testimony about the gospel. Those who were the first residents were "honored of laying the foundation" of Zion. The city was to be a place for the refuge of the poor (D&C 58:3-4). Section 59 was a commandment giving insight in worship in Zion, the City of God. It was to be a place were the glory of God was honored by God's people in all things. The settlement in Zion was threatened by the spiritual immaturity of the Saints and the Missourians already living there. To help prevent problems the Lord instructed them to gather to Zion with deliberate care and not with haste (D&C 63:8a). As the number of Saints increased in Independence, many revelations were given to instruct the church on how to conduct themselves. Overtime, the church in Missouri had good times and bad. Eventually, the internal dissension and disbelief and the outward trouble with the Missourians led to armed conflict and the Saints were driven out of Independence and Jackson County. Even while the Missouri Saints were driven at gunpoint from their homes and properties, the Lord was reassuring them that Zion will not be moved out of her place. And now I give unto you a word concerning Zion: Zion shall be redeemed, although she is chastened Page -88-

8 for a little season (D&C 97:4a). Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion, for all flesh is in mine hands: be still, and know that I am God. Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered, they that remain and are pure in heart shall return and come to their inheritances; they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy; to build up the waste places of Zion. And all these things, that the prophets might be fulfilled (D&C 98:4f-g). While he was comforting the church, the Lord was also instructing them and chastising them for their disobedience and failing. He was correcting them, as a father should, so they would know how to repent, prepare and eventually regain the land of Zion. When they return, they must be more humble, obedient and wise. But verily I say unto you, that I have decreed a decree which my people shall realize, inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour, unto the counsel which I, the Lord, their God, shall give unto them. Behold, they shall, for I have decreed it, begin to prevail against mine enemies from this very hour, and by hearkening to observe all the words which I, the Lord their God, shall speak unto them, they shall never cease to prevail until the kingdoms of the world are subdued under my feet; and the earth is given unto. the saints, to possess it for ever and ever. But inasmuch as they keep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them, for they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men; and inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. But verily I say unto you, I have decreed that your brethren, which have been scattered, shall return to the land of their inheritances and build up the waste places of Zion; for after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing. Behold, this is the blessing which I have promised after your tribulations, and Page -89-

9 the tribulations of your brethren; your redemption, and the redemption of your brethren; even their restoration to the land of Zion, to be established, no more to be thrown down; nevertheless, if they pollute their inheritances, they shall be thrown down; for I will not spare them if they pollute their inheritances (D&C 100:2-3). God's intention for Zion, his chosen location, her mission and the call to the church to be worthy of this place have not changed or faltered. God assures us of this. The challenge to the church today is to prepare ourselves for that kingdom and to be useful to God in it. hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation, and her high tower (D&C 94:5b). The work of preparation and the perfection of my Saints go forward slowly, and Zionic conditions are no further away nor any closer than the spiritual condition of my people justifies; but my word shall not fail, neither will my promises, for the foundation of the Lord standeth sure (D&C 140:5c-d). but verily I say unto you, that I, the Lord, will contend with Zion and plead with her strong ones, and chasten her, until she overcomes and is clean before me; for she shall not be removed out of her place. I, the Lord, have spoken it. Amen (D&C 87:8d). and the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say, Surely Zion is the city of our God; and surely Zion can not fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there, and he Page -90-

10 Select Scriptures for Discussion 1. What ideas about Zion would have been in the minds of the early church members in 1830? 2. Why did the Lord take so long to tell the church about where Zion was? 3. Why was establishing the cause of Zion the best thing Oliver Cowdery could do? 4. How old is the concept of Zion? 5. How do we know about ancient Zion? 6. What is the relationship of Zion and the Everlasting Covenant? 7. Where is Zion today? 8. What reasons caused the Saints of the 1830s to fail to establish Zion? 9. Has God given up on the idea of Zion? 10. What will bring Zion into reality on earth? Page -91-