"After Much Tribulation" (D&C 102-105)

Join our family as we discuss the Come Follow Me lesson for the week of Sep 15-21. This week we will discuss D&C 102-105.

Summary:

The presenters walk around the Saratoga Springs Temple and discuss the background and lessons of Doctrine & Covenants 102–105.

Historical context: In late 1833, the Saints were violently expelled from Jackson County, Missouri. Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight sought Joseph Smith’s counsel in Kirtland. Around this time, the first high council was organized (D&C 102).

Call to action (D&C 103): The Lord commanded the Saints to form Zion’s Camp to assist their brethren in Missouri, emphasizing sacrifice, consecration, and discipleship—even the willingness to lay down one’s life.

Zion’s Camp: About 200 Saints (including women and children) marched nearly 900 miles toward Missouri. Just before confrontation, a violent storm miraculously prevented an attack, showing the Lord’s protection.

Outcome (D&C 105): The Lord revealed that their sacrifice was accepted—like Abraham’s test. Zion’s Camp became a spiritual proving ground, preparing future leaders (many later called as Apostles and Seventies).

Lessons & application:

Trials refine and strengthen faith (like Joseph of Egypt).
Tribulation often precedes blessings.
The Saints were counseled to be peacemakers, connecting to President Nelson’s 2023 talk “Peacemakers Needed.”
Personal growth comes through adversity, even when outcomes differ from expectations.

The speakers close by reflecting on their own family’s connection to Zion’s Camp and emphasize watching for “Abrahamic tests” in our own lives.