A month later I had an opportunity to share what I would've liked to have said if given full rein, The second talk is below the first.
The last wagon refers to the pioneers trekking to SLC, both Elder Bednar and Pres Clark are wanting to pay tribute to those past and present who are humbly pressing forward in the path of their duty, worn, tired, footsore, sometimes almost disheartened, borne up by their faith that God loves them, that the restored gospel is true, and that the Lord leads and directs the Brethren out in front.
Pres Clark concluded his message with this stirring commendation: “To these humble souls, great in faith, great in work, great in righteous living, great in fashioning our priceless heritage, I humbly render my love, my respect, my reverent homage.” Close quote
When I consider those of the last wagon I think of those in our ward or stake who are sick and afflicted, the widows, the elderly and the young exhausted mothers and fathers who offer their whole souls unto God and consistently strive to be obedient to our Saviour despite their limitations. Its those who find themselves on their knees longer than usual giving thanks for the many blessings Heavenly Father does bless them with but also to plead for very real and needed blessings going forward.
Elder Bednar goes on to say, “I am grateful for millions of Church members who today are coming unto the Savior and pressing forward on the covenant path in the last wagons of our contemporary wagon trains—and who truly are no less serviceable. (Listen to the members he is talking to) Your strong faith in Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and your unpretentious, consecrated lives inspire me to be a better man and disciple. I love you. I admire you. I thank you. And I commend you.”
He shares,“You love and serve, listen and learn, care and console, and teach and testify by the power of the Holy Ghost. You fast and pray often, wax stronger and stronger in humility, and grow firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, “unto the filling [your] souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of [your] hearts, which sanctification cometh because of … yielding [your] hearts unto God”
Elder Bednar concludes with this promise and testimony:
“They of the last wagon, all who are no less serviceable, and you who today are pressing forward in the path of your duty are the strength of the Savior’s restored Church. And as the Lord has promised, “all thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Close quote
Elder Bednar speaking of the last wagons of our contemporary wagon trains brings to mind the words of our Prophet pleading with us to participate in the final gathering and to prepare both spiritually and temporally for the difficult and marvelous days ahead.
In April 2020 Pres Nelson shared: “We are just building up to the climax of this last dispensation—when the Savior’s Second Coming becomes a reality.”
“The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do (see Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7).”
“Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.”
“How you deal with life’s trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth.”
“Do whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by increasing your understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth. Anchored in pure doctrine, you will be able to step forward with faith and dogged persistence and cheerfully do all that lies in your power to fulfill the purposes of the Lord.”
“You will have days when you will be discouraged. So pray for courage not to give up! Sadly, some who you thought were your friends will betray you. And some things will simply seem unfair. However, I promise you that as you follow Jesus Christ, you will find sustained peace and true joy. As you keep your covenants with increasing precision, and as you defend the Church and kingdom of God on the earth today, the Lord will bless you with strength and wisdom to accomplish what only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can accomplish.” Close quote
The last wagon receive warnings and admonitions to not delay. They receive counsel to put aside their worldly cares; the pleasures of participating in their surroundings are not theirs. They strive to let go of their selfishness, overcome temptations and ignore distractions. They are laser focused on those leading the way, so they don't make any wrong turns. They are anxiously engaged in this worthy cause because they know how crucial it is to never give up, get lost or get left behind.
Often the last wagons were the slowest because they were the smallest, leanest, weakest, however they were also the ones who had to dig deep and rely on their faith. Not afforded the blessing of traveling close to the leaders up the front, their vision literally clouded by dust, they had to resiliently trudge forward believing if they just kept putting one foot in front of the other, they would eventually arrive at their intended destination.
In 2020 President Nelson also said: "We live in the day that “our forefathers have awaited with anxious expectation.” We have front-row seats to witness live what the prophet Nephi saw only in vision, then quoted 1 Nephi 14:14 stating, “the power of the Lamb of God” "would descend upon the covenant people of the Lord." Then, in April 2023 he quotes the same verse but says that the Lord's power "is descending" upon the covenant-keeping people.
Have you observed the Lord's power descending on your life? If not, what do you need to do to receive this blessing?
In 2022 Pres Nelson said:
"But, my dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,” He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful."
"One crucial element of this gathering is preparing a people who are able, ready, and worthy to receive the Lord when He comes again, a people who have already chosen Jesus Christ over this fallen world, a people who rejoice in their agency to live the higher, holier laws of Jesus Christ. I call upon you, my dear brothers and sisters, to become this righteous people." Close quote
As we travel as a group, ward or stake towards the Lord's second coming, we are the last wagon. I know as we put in the spiritual and temporal preparation as the 5 wise virgins did, not only will the Lord's power be with us and enable us to overcome the difficulties and obstacles prophesied but we will be prepared to join the Saviour in the marriage.
The Lord promised Enoch in Moses 7:62 & 64
[I shall].. gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.
64 And there shall be mine abode, and it shall be Zion
Elder Christofferson warned recently, “We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen.”
Elder Christofferson also reminded us, to establish Zion….we need to (1) become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) become holy people; and (3) care for the poor and needy. Therefore we cannot establish Zion by only looking out for ourselves. We have to be unified and come together as one.
As we move forward in unity, godliness and charity supporting and looking out for one another we are “thinking celestial” just as our Prophet has asked us to and we will qualify for that Zion society the Lord will come to and abide in.
If we heed the promptings and prepare ourselves, asking the Lord in prayer how we each are to do that, I know we will be strong enough to move together as one in Christ, in unity and in faith, thus making sure all those who have chosen to undertake the trip arrive at the desired destination.
I know through the messages from our Prophets, through our scriptures and through personal revelation the Lord is preparing us for His coming, Pres Nelson recently pleaded "Do the spiritual work... and please do it now. Time is running out." (Nelson 2019).
I testify it matters not so much that we are the last wagon, what matters is that we prepare and participate in the journey of the final gathering, I pray that we may while we can. In the name of Jesus Christ amen
The last wagon refers to the pioneers trekking to SLC, both Elder Bednar and Pres Clark are wanting to pay tribute to those past and present who are humbly pressing forward in the path of their duty, worn, tired, footsore, sometimes almost disheartened, borne up by their faith that God loves them, that the restored gospel is true, and that the Lord leads and directs the Brethren out in front.
Pres Clark concluded his message with this stirring commendation: “To these humble souls, great in faith, great in work, great in righteous living, great in fashioning our priceless heritage, I humbly render my love, my respect, my reverent homage.” Close quote
Often the last wagons were the slowest because they were the smallest, leanest, weakest, however they were also the ones who had to dig deep and rely on their faith. Not afforded the blessing of traveling close to the leaders up the front, their vision literally clouded by dust, they had to resiliently trudge forward believing if they just kept putting one foot in front of the other, they would eventually arrive at their intended destination.
When I consider those of the last wagon I think of those in our ward or stake who are sick and afflicted, the widows, the elderly and the young exhausted mothers and fathers who offer their whole souls unto God and consistently strive to be obedient to our Saviour despite their limitations. It's those who find themselves on their knees longer than usual giving thanks for the many blessings Heavenly Father does bless them with but also to plead for very real and needed blessings going forward.
Elder Bednar shares, “I am grateful for millions of Church members who today are coming unto the Savior and pressing forward on the covenant path in the last wagons of our contemporary wagon trains… (Listen to the members he is talking to) Your strong faith in Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and your unpretentious, consecrated lives inspire me to be a better man and disciple. I love you. I admire you. I thank you. And I commend you.”
He shares,“You love and serve, listen and learn, care and console, and teach and testify by the power of the Holy Ghost. You fast and pray often, wax stronger and stronger in humility, and grow firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, “unto the filling [your] souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of [your] hearts, which sanctification cometh because of … yielding [your] hearts unto God”
Elder Bednar concludes with this promise and testimony:
“They of the last wagon… and you who today are pressing forward in the path of your duty are the strength of the Savior’s restored Church. And as the Lord has promised, “all thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Close quote
Elder Bednar speaking of the last wagons of our contemporary wagon trains brings to mind the words of our Prophet pleading with us to participate in the final gathering and to prepare both spiritually and temporally for the difficult and marvelous days ahead.
In April 2020 Pres Nelson shared: “We are just building up to the climax of this last dispensation—when the Savior’s Second Coming becomes a reality.”
“The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do (see Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7).”
“Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.”
“How you deal with life’s trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth.”
“Do whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by increasing your understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth. Anchored in pure doctrine, you will be able to step forward with faith and dogged persistence and cheerfully do all that lies in your power to fulfill the purposes of the Lord.”
“You will have days when you will be discouraged. So pray for courage not to give up! Sadly, some who you thought were your friends will betray you. And some things will simply seem unfair. However, I promise you that as you follow Jesus Christ, you will find sustained peace and true joy. As you keep your covenants with increasing precision, and as you defend the Church and kingdom of God on the earth today, the Lord will bless you with strength and wisdom to accomplish what only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can accomplish.” Close quote
The last wagon receive warnings and admonitions to not delay. They receive counsel to put aside their worldly cares; the pleasures of participating in their surroundings are not theirs. They strive to let go of their selfishness, overcome temptations and ignore distractions. They are laser focused on those leading the way, so they don't make any wrong turns. They are anxiously engaged in this worthy cause because they know how crucial it is to never give up, get lost or get left behind.
In 2020 President Nelson also said: "We live in the day that “our forefathers have awaited with anxious expectation.” We have front-row seats to witness live what the prophet Nephi saw only in vision, then quoted 1 Nephi 14:14 stating, “the power of the Lamb of God” "would descend upon the covenant people of the Lord." Then, in April 2023 he quotes the same verse but says that the Lord's power "is descending" upon the covenant-keeping people.
Have you observed the Lord's power descending on your life? If not, what do you need to do to receive this blessing?
In 2022 Pres Nelson said:
"But, my dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,” He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful."
"One crucial element of this gathering is preparing a people who are able, ready, and worthy to receive the Lord when He comes again, a people who have already chosen Jesus Christ over this fallen world, a people who rejoice in their agency to live the higher, holier laws of Jesus Christ. I call upon you, my dear brothers and sisters, to become this righteous people." Close quote
The Lord promised Enoch in Moses 7:62 & 64
62 [I shall].. gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.
64 And there shall be mine abode, and it shall be Zion.
We understand via the scriptures and modern day Prophets that the physical gathering to lands of inheritance is a vital part of the gathering of Israel and North and South America will be the land of inheritance for the house of Ephraim and Menassah (D&C 133:6-5 & 26-34, 2 Nephi 9:2). We have been participating in the spiritual gathering since Joseph Smith restored the gospel and redeeming Zion will be the beginning of the physical gathering. When the call comes, only those who are prepared and willing to live celestial law will qualify to go.
In 1831 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith in D&C 58:44
44 And now, verily, I say concerning the residue of the elders of my church, the time has not yet come, for many years, for them to receive their inheritance in this land, except they desire it through the prayer of faith, only as it shall be appointed unto them of the Lord.
We know time is short now. It is our desire through our prayer of faith that we bring about Zion. Elder Christofferson warned recently, “We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen.”
As we travel as a group, ward or stake towards Zion, any one of us could be the last wagon, especially the women and children or those of us not currently residing in America. I know as we put in the spiritual and temporal preparation as the 5 wise virgins did, not only will the Lord's power be with us and enable us to overcome the difficulties and obstacles prophesied but we will be prepared to join the Saviour in the marriage when He appoints us.
D&C 136:31
31 My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.
As we await our call we are preparing by
(1) become unified in one heart and one mind;
(2) become holy people; and
(3) caring for the poor and needy, eliminating poverty. (Moses 7:18)
We know we cannot establish Zion by only looking out for ourselves. We have to be unified and come together as one.
Those of us in the last wagon will have the opportunity to practice these Zion qualities while we wait. We will need much patience trusting in the Lord’s timing. We look forward to the “countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful" which have been prophesied. No doubt our faith will be stretched as we become sanctified and purified, trusting that all these experiences will be for our good.
Elder Christofferson reminds us, “The Lord calls upon us to be beacons of righteousness to guide those who seek the safety and blessings of Zion.
D&C 115:5-6
5 Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;
6 And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.
As we move forward in unity, godliness and charity supporting and looking out for one another we are “thinking celestial” just as our Prophet has asked us to and we will qualify for Zion, the New Jerusalem where the Lord will come to and abide in.
If we heed the promptings and prepare ourselves, asking the Lord in prayer how we each are to do that, I know we will be strong enough to move together as one in Christ, in unity and in faith, thus making sure all those who have chosen to undertake the trip arrive at the desired destination.
I know through the messages from our Prophets, through our scriptures and through personal revelation the Lord is preparing us for His coming, Pres Nelson recently pleaded "Do the spiritual work... and please do it now. Time is running out." (Nelson 2019).
I testify it matters not so much if we are the last wagon, what matters is that we prepare and participate in the journey of the final gathering to receive our inheritance, I pray that we may while we can. In the name of Jesus Christ amen
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