D&C 124 - Zion on the Mississippi

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Oct 25, 2025

Explore the audacious journey of the Saints as they strive to build a city amidst adversity in Nauvoo. The call to proclaim Zion to world leaders showcases their courage and hope. Delve into themes of integrity, highlighting Hyrum Smith's virtuous heart and John C. Bennett's conditional praise. The Nauvoo House symbolizes hospitality and spiritual refuge, while God’s acceptance of baptisms during poverty illustrates His mercy. With a focus on faith and justice, the discussion reveals the principles that guided the Saints in their quest for a brighter future.

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INSIGHT

Declare Zion To The Nations

The Nauvoo stake is declared a cornerstone of Zion and commanded to proclaim the gospel to kings, presidents, and nations.
Jared argues the saints must fearlessly announce Zion's light despite past exile and opposition.

INSIGHT

Integrity As A Divine Heart Trait

The Lord praises Hyrum Smith for having a heart like His, highlighting integrity as a chief virtue.
Jared suggests integrity means being whole, balanced, and aligned with God's love and neighborly concern.

ANECDOTE

Honeymoon Hotels And Nauvoo House

Jared recounts his honeymoon hotel choices to illustrate expectations versus reality for lodging.
He uses this to introduce the Nauvoo House as a deliberate, hospitable boarding house for weary travelers.

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Imagine starting over, driven from your home, betrayed by friends, and attempting to build a city and a temple in a malaria-infested swamp. The sheer audacity of the Nauvoo project required a powerful new revelation. D&C 124 provides the blueprint for healing the past, trusting the present, and embracing a grand future.

Summary: This episode analyzes D&C 124, a pivotal revelation received in Nauvoo in 1841.

Proclaiming Zion (D&C 124:2-11): The Saints are commanded to issue a solemn proclamation to "all the kings of the world" and world leaders, inviting them to "come to the light and glory of Zion". This was an act of courage, recognizing that the set time had come to favor Zion.

Heart Health & Integrity (D&C 124:15-20): The Lord praises Hyrum Smith for the "integrity of his heart" and his love for what is right. In stark contrast, John C. Bennett is given multiple "ifs" —his reward depends entirely on his choice to "receive counsel" and continue in love and acceptance.

The Nauvoo House (D&C 124:22-24, 60-61): The Saints are commanded to build a "healthful habitation" and a "resting-place for the weary traveler" where he can "contemplate the word of the Lord". The Lord instructs that stockholders must be "a believer in the Book of Mormon, and the revelations".

The Temple & Acceptance (D&C 124:27-35): Because the Saints lack a proper house for ordinances, the Lord mercifully accepts baptisms for the dead performed outside a temple "only in the days of your poverty". However, this acceptance has a strict deadline: failure to complete the temple after a "sufficient time" will result in the Church being "rejected as a church".

"A for Effort" (D&C 124:49-55): The Lord gives a powerful principle: when we go "with all their might" and are hindered by enemies, the Lord will "accept of their offerings". This principle is applied to the failed attempt to build the temple in Jackson County , offering "consolation" and a command to "prove yourselves unto me" by trying again in Nauvoo.

The Cause of the Poor (D&C 124:74-76): Saints are commanded to "plead the cause of the poor and the needy" and to support this cause with their interest , establishing a pattern of generosity that ensures their "seed be found begging bread" no more.

Call-to-Action: What "cause of the poor" can you dedicate yourself to this week? Share your commitments in the comments below! If this message helped you find renewed hope and purpose, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith.

Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

5:06 Hope Springs Eternal

18:37 Heart Health

29:43 The Nauvoo House

42:47 Good Enough for Now

52:44 Temple Ordinances

1:06:01 A for Effort

1:17:19 The Cause of the Poor

1:33:46 One-Liners