Second Comforter "Highly Favored Tidings"

I have found, like reading scripture, that returning to the Second Comforter Conversing With the Lord Through the Veil is almost like having never read the book to begin with. Experiences of the last couple of years have given new perspective, new faith, and the ability to see and perceive things I had not noticed before. No matter where you are on the path, or if you have not yet found your way to the path, returning to the well of living water will always provide refreshment and vital new perspective that comes with that refreshment. I am learning frequent stops to quench a dry and thirsting soul are needed on this journey in order to have strength to continue. I have found sweet satiating spiritual rehydration and revitalization as I have returned to the great well of the Second Comforter. I increasingly understand there is much more than just inspiration to start and continue a climb there.

"To receive the second comforter we must allow others who have been so blessed to serve as our guides. Their instructions and testimony need to be accepted and followed." (Second Comforter pg. 15)

The Second Comforter is itself such instruction and testimony. We really must allow those who have been so blessed to serve as our guides. I believe the Lord places those who have been so blessed among us for the very purpose of showing the way and providing encouragement. He does not leave us alone. It is for us, in our day, just as it was in the days of Alma: (Alma 13)

22 Yea, and the voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels, doth declare it unto all nations; yea, doth declare it, that they may have glad tidings of great joy; yea, and he doth sound these glad tidings among all his people, yea, even to them that are scattered abroad upon the face of the earth; wherefore they have come unto us.

23 And they are made known unto us in plain terms, that we may understand, that we cannot err; and this because of our being wanderers in a strange land; therefore, we are thus highly favored, for we have these glad tidings declared unto us in all parts of our vineyard.

24 For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.

What tidings could be gladder? What news could create in us greater joy than the tidings contained in the Second Comforter that declare He awaits our coming to Him? These tidings have come to us. They are indeed made known to us in "plain terms, that we may understand, that we cannot err...we are thus highly favored, for we have these glad tidings declared unto us." Angles are declaring it unto many at this time in our land, in our very homes and families.

We need to remember, and be sure, that we never confuse the messenger with the message. Though "the voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels, doth declare it" to us, it is not the angels that should be the focus. It is the message and the instruction given to us by His messengers that will bring us into His presence. After all, it is "the voice of the Lord" even if it comes to us by the "mouth of angels." The Lord, by His own mouth, is providing a way that we may "allow others who have been so blessed to serve as our guides. Their instructions and testimony need to be accepted and followed." We have been highly favored to receive these things "for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory."

Let there be no doubt, we have received these things in order that the Lord may prepare our hearts to receive "His Word" at the time of His coming in His glory. We are thus "highly favored" to have received these glad tidings of great joy. We have received these things not because we are highly favored; instead, we are highly favored because we have received the glad news. It is the tidings of joy contained in the message that is "highly favored," not the one that receives the message. Knowing what we know, and drawing near to God, cannot ever create in us a sense of pride or vanity. We are highly favored to know these things. That favor can be immediately lost if we step away from the message and instruction that have come to us from “the voice of the Lord" by the mouth of angels.

Returning to a study of the Second Comforter shows us in a very intrinsic way, "instructions and testimony" of those who have been so blessed to have received the Second Comforter. Included in that instruction and testimony of those so blessed, is the additional example of Nephi who was also blessed to receive the Lord. I have found in that instruction concerning Nephi, guidance I did not know was there before. Some of that we can discuss in additional installments.