The Gospel of Hope
by Jared Kern • January 27, 2014 • Faith, Jesus Christ, Peace, Second Coming of Christ • 0 Comments
The classic question, and favorite of armchair psychologists everywhere; “Is the glass half full or half empty?” The correct answer is supposed to yield insight into one’s outlook on life, one’s personality, one’s soul. The true answer is neither, none of the above. The glass is always, and precisely, 100% full. Half fluid, and half gas. Yin and Yang.
The question of the half full glass persists however due to the gloom perceived in our human condition. The pessimists and doomsayers amongst us enjoy talking about the decline of our constitutional government, the rampant immorality, the self centered materialism, and the pending judgments of God. The gridlock in our halls of power, the growing inequality, the endless parade on news outlets of our species’ inhumanity, the genocide, torture, and war, the public captivation with glitz, glamour, and upper class decadence, the cult of self – all find themselves implicated in our home grown “doom porn” industry. The end of days is not just imminent, it is coming straight at us like a speeding freight train in whose headlights we find ourselves trapped. The hearts of men and women are failing them (D&C 45:26; 88:91), and unfortunately many of those succumbing to this pernicious and obscene temptation are the elect of the covenant (JS-M 1:22).
To anyone of faith however, things clearly WILL get better.
The New Jerusalem, a place of safety and refuge, is yet to be established (D&C 45:66). Zion from above will meet Zion from below (D&C 84:100). The Lord will come in triumph and glory (D&C 34:7). The nations will be threshed by the power of the Lord (D&C 35:13; 133:59), and no power shall stay His hand (D&C 38:33). The arm of the Lord shall be revealed in power to the nations of the world (D&C 90:10). The false serpent, the garden interloper, shall be bound (D&C 84:100). Rejoice and put your trust in God (1 Thess 5:16; 2 Nephi 9:52; Mosiah 7:19; D&C 27:15; 52:43; 97:21; 100:12), for He shall wipe away all tears (Isaiah 25:8; Rev 7:17; 21:4).
The good news of the gospel is a message of optimism. It is a gospel of hope. Good WILL win out. The Lord WILL triumph. This life is only a blink of the eye in a grand eternity of celestial glory. We have much to look forward to.
The end is not in question. As Jesus said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee.” (Mark 14:36) Optimism is the word of the day. “Be not moved away from the hope of the gospel.” (Colossians 1:23) We chose to come to earth because we are optimists to the core. We believed we could make it back to the Father. We believed in our potential then. Believe in your potential now. As Joseph Smith said, “Brethren [and sisters], shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren [and sisters]; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad.” (D&C 128:22) “No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing.”(The Wenthworth Letter)
Brigham Young wrote “The Lord is at the helm of the old ship Zion, and she sails well.” (Orton, Chad and William Slaughter. 40 Ways to Look at Brigham Young. p. 37)
“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9)
“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” (Isaiah 43:2)
“Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” (Isaiah 46:3–4)
“Ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; and ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.” (D&C 78:17–18)
“Doubt not, but be believing.” (Mormon 9:27)