Comparing Revelation

Patriarchal Blessings and the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants share many similarities and differences. Preparation enlightens understanding in both cases because direct revelation from God is based on faithfulness and obedience. Times and dates can be more readily attached to things in the Doctrine and Covenants, when in the appropriate context. This is not the case with Patriarchal Blessings because things work on the Lord’s eternal timescale and may occur in this mortal life OR in the life to come. Both are part of modern day scripture.

Before receiving a Patriarchal Blessing, both the Patriarch and church member prepare for divine revelation. They fast, pray, ponder, and study the scriptures. An interview by the Bishop assures that the person seeking the blessing is worthily ready to receive it. Similarly, the Lord frequently revealed things to Joseph Smith after he came to Him with a specific question or desire. The Spirit does not reveal to those not seeking truth.

In the Doctrine and Covenants it was common for revelations to direct specific mission calls or callings for members of the church (D&C 57). These things could be read in context and offer specific historical information. The Prophet Joseph was also given specific direction for temples. Recently we read about the land bought for a temple in Missouri (D&C 57) and then the Kirtland era. Sometimes, a person’s Patriarchal Blessing may be very specific. It may state how they will serve in a certain capacity. Although many mention marriage or missions, everything is on the Lord’s timetable (things are done on an eternal scale and could come in this mortal lifetime OR the life to come).

Obviously, a person’s life changes between age sixteen and age ninety-three, but as you learn in the gospel, grow, mature, change perspective, and experience different trials, your blessing will take on different meanings. The same is true for D&C revelations. A specific mission call commanded in the 1800’s may teach a church member today to “lift where they stand” (President Uchtdorf) and to serve the Lord in their given capacity.

Comfort is offered in Patriarchal Blessings through listing what you are blessed with, specific promises, or positive character traits. The Lord knows each of us and will provide ways for us to triumph over weakness and trial. The Lord states very specifically in the Doctrine and Covenants “be of good cheer” or “I am with you to bless you.” He loves each of us and hears our prayers.

The Lord will always protect the righteous. In D&C He may warn against behavior in Zion or specific mobs hurting the church; whereas in Patriarchal Blessings, warnings tend to be more general “over-the-course-of-your-lifetime” traps to watch for.

It is such an amazing thing to me that the Lord knows each of us so well individually and is doing everything in His power to bring us home. Both the Doctrine and Covenants and Patriarchal Blessings are revelation from God and are for our benefit.

Believe in God

This is officially my first "blog post/ online posting/ online existence" EVER! To start off the semester, here is my favorite scripture.

"Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend."
-Mosiah 4:9