The Purpose of Prophecy

This quote is quite instructive:

"The purpose of prophecy is frequently misunderstood. It is not the Lord's purpose to completely remove the veil which guards the future. Too much prophecy would defeat the plan of salvation. Life on earth was designed for our education and testing." (W. Cleon Skousen, Prophecy and Modern Times, 5)

If all were revealed, where would be the testing? For example, we read in the Pearl of Great Price the words of the Lord:

We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them." (Abraham 3:24-25, see also Genesis 1:26)

If sin's effects were immediately felt, why would anyone choose anything but purity? But instead, if the results are delayed in coming, we then are more free to choose whether in principle we will follow our Father in Heaven's counsel...even if it brings no immediate gift.

In other words, to quote the hymn: "Who's on the Lord's side, who?" No matter what. Will we be true to Him till death, even without immediate reward? Thus, again, to quote the statement above: "Life on earth was designed for our education and testing."

Christ's Way

Here is how to face those that mock and scorn:

I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded... (2 Nephi 7:6

The First Presidency has asked those in California to stand up and be counted, supporting Proposition 8. What could be a clearer request? Yet to do so may engage some to mock and actually be mean.

It is in times like these that I think on the Savior who knew full well the eventual outcome of all He faced. It would be glorious, both on the earth and in the eternities. Here is a sample of what awaits:

For the Lord shall comfort Zion, he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.

Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation; for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light for the people.

My righteousness is near.

If we fear and tremble in the face of anger, animosity and persecution, we can know that Jesus Christ faced the same. He showed the way of how to handle it; we can too...with His help.