I Nephi 13:37 – BLESSED ARE THEY WHO SHALL SEEK TO BRING FORTH MY ZION

“And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day.”

I’ve always loved this scripture because it was a vision Nephi saw of our day 2,600 years ago.  Think about that … Nephi saw the great work of the restoration of the gospel all those years ago and recorded it so we could know it’s part of the Lord’s great plan. 

When I was a missionary in England in the mid-1970’s I thought this scripture applied just to missionaries.  But since then I have come to understand that it applies to each of us if we are working on building up the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, today.  So, how do we “seek to bring forth Zion?”  We do it by inviting others to learn of the gospel and be baptized into the Church.  We do it by inviting the less-active in our wards and stake to join with us as we worship, partake of the sacrament, and attend church together.  We do it by serving faithfully in our callings, no matter how large or small.  We do it by sharing our testimonies of how the gospel blesses our lives.  We do it by setting examples for our friends and families of righteous living.  We do it by following the prophet.  We do it by becoming of “one heart and one mind” while we knit our hearts to the Savior.  Those who do these things are the ones Nephi saw in his vision seeking “to bring forth my Zion at that day.” 

What a great responsibility we have to share the gospel and build the kingdom.  Now some of you may have had, are having, or will have the opportunity to serve in a class or quorum presidency … Nephi saw those of you who strived to magnify your callings and to bless the members of your class or quorum.  You are the ones he gave the promise and blessing … “For they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost.” 

Is there a better reward than having both “the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost?”  You’ve received the gift of the Holy Ghost at your confirmation, but notice Nephi also promised the “power” of the Holy Ghost in your life.  I believe the power of the Holy Ghost is to be impressed to know who to help and when.  I believe the power of the Holy Ghost gives you inspiration to seek out certain individuals at times when they need your influence.  I believe the power of the Holy Ghost allows you to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands in blessing others.  Can you imagine the good you will do with this power in building the Lord’s kingdom?  I pray we will all strive to be a part of Nephi’s prophesy and “bring forth Zion.”  I promise, like Nephi of old, that as we do so we’ll be blessed with the “power of the Holy Ghost.”