The Olive Leaf
Doctrine & Covenants 88
This revelation Joseph termed "the Olive Leaf, which we have plucked from the tree of Paradise, the Lord's message of peace to us" given for the consolation of the Saints, and it contains visions of truth, layers of meanings, that are offered nowhere else. It is an offering of comprehension beyond this world, and we can only absorb it in stages; as I have gained experience in life and in the Spirit it speaks to me more clearly, yet it has always sparked awe, and still does, in the sense of marvels still beyond reach.
It is not the first revelation given with great import in the admonition to gather a worthy, prepared group of priesthood holders in the spirit of fasting and prayer. The message? I the Lord have something to give you which is so important that you must come before me in total faith and humility, and unite the power of joint prayer and seeking, opening yourselves to take it all in. This is not some quick fly-by, to use a popular term, but a profound delineation of my power and purposes. (Section 42, giving "the law of the Lord" was received by the same prepare-and-gather counsel.)
We had two lessons on this section; it would be easy to create a dozen. The first part of the section begins with the words that "the angels rejoice over you" and describes the glory of Jesus Christ, the Firstborn--and then declares that the light of Christ is in all of us, and in all things, and is the very power of all life at every level. Here is the declaration of "the light of truth." Thy power, throughout the universe displayed, as the old hymn goes. Light, as symbol, as truth, as real, as the only reality in fact, as intelligence, as sanctifying power. Take the beginning of the gospel of John and square it, no cube it..actually there is no way for the mortal mind to quantify it. But God is giving us as much of a handle on this as we can try to take in, and he promises that one day we will be able to understand it in full. It takes your breath away!
Our second lesson's portion, yesterday, is filled with both promises and admonitions; it reminds the Saints of events to come and outlines the plan and purpose for them more clearly. It tells how to be prepared--I was struck by how many times the words 'organize,' 'purify,' 'study,' and 'sanctify' are used. Just as these elders are come together to receive this, they are counseled to continue to combine their strength and learn and pray together, because God is not done, and their work is only still beginning. They are directed a great deal on the power and process of prayer, something we ended up focusing on in our class. How do we 'draw near' and how do we receive? How do we act and follow?
But this portion of the revelation is filled with particulars that can be fearful. Besides the promises to them, he declares:
We don't take the waves of the sea heaving as a poetic image anymore, do we? We've never liked earthquakes. The latter part of Doctrine and Covenants 88 describes the commotion and tumult in the world which will be ended by the coming of the Savior again, after the described cleansing of the earth. It is harder for a moment to see this revelation as the message of peace and not fear, but the truth is that all that will happen is under the control of the One who loves and keeps us, and His purposes will be accomplished. It is still, indeed, the "Olive Leaf," the offering of peace to those who will prepare.
The great events, longed for and long watched for, will begin. I have had a song in my mind ever since class was done. I think it's a Shaker hymn.
My life goes on in endless song
above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear its music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
How indeed? We can sing, we are told to rejoice; all is well if we are anchored steadfast.
This revelation Joseph termed "the Olive Leaf, which we have plucked from the tree of Paradise, the Lord's message of peace to us" given for the consolation of the Saints, and it contains visions of truth, layers of meanings, that are offered nowhere else. It is an offering of comprehension beyond this world, and we can only absorb it in stages; as I have gained experience in life and in the Spirit it speaks to me more clearly, yet it has always sparked awe, and still does, in the sense of marvels still beyond reach.
It is not the first revelation given with great import in the admonition to gather a worthy, prepared group of priesthood holders in the spirit of fasting and prayer. The message? I the Lord have something to give you which is so important that you must come before me in total faith and humility, and unite the power of joint prayer and seeking, opening yourselves to take it all in. This is not some quick fly-by, to use a popular term, but a profound delineation of my power and purposes. (Section 42, giving "the law of the Lord" was received by the same prepare-and-gather counsel.)
We had two lessons on this section; it would be easy to create a dozen. The first part of the section begins with the words that "the angels rejoice over you" and describes the glory of Jesus Christ, the Firstborn--and then declares that the light of Christ is in all of us, and in all things, and is the very power of all life at every level. Here is the declaration of "the light of truth." Thy power, throughout the universe displayed, as the old hymn goes. Light, as symbol, as truth, as real, as the only reality in fact, as intelligence, as sanctifying power. Take the beginning of the gospel of John and square it, no cube it..actually there is no way for the mortal mind to quantify it. But God is giving us as much of a handle on this as we can try to take in, and he promises that one day we will be able to understand it in full. It takes your breath away!
Our second lesson's portion, yesterday, is filled with both promises and admonitions; it reminds the Saints of events to come and outlines the plan and purpose for them more clearly. It tells how to be prepared--I was struck by how many times the words 'organize,' 'purify,' 'study,' and 'sanctify' are used. Just as these elders are come together to receive this, they are counseled to continue to combine their strength and learn and pray together, because God is not done, and their work is only still beginning. They are directed a great deal on the power and process of prayer, something we ended up focusing on in our class. How do we 'draw near' and how do we receive? How do we act and follow?
But this portion of the revelation is filled with particulars that can be fearful. Besides the promises to them, he declares:
89 For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.
90 And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.
91 And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.
We don't take the waves of the sea heaving as a poetic image anymore, do we? We've never liked earthquakes. The latter part of Doctrine and Covenants 88 describes the commotion and tumult in the world which will be ended by the coming of the Savior again, after the described cleansing of the earth. It is harder for a moment to see this revelation as the message of peace and not fear, but the truth is that all that will happen is under the control of the One who loves and keeps us, and His purposes will be accomplished. It is still, indeed, the "Olive Leaf," the offering of peace to those who will prepare.
92 And angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice, sounding the trump of God, saying: Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants of the earth; for the judgment of our God is come. Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
93 And immediately there shall appear a great sign in heaven, and all people shall see it together.
The great events, longed for and long watched for, will begin. I have had a song in my mind ever since class was done. I think it's a Shaker hymn.
My life goes on in endless song
above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear its music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
How indeed? We can sing, we are told to rejoice; all is well if we are anchored steadfast.
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