Sections 41, 48, 51, 69, 70, 72
Section 41
Section 41 from the Joseph Smith Papers:
What is a disciple? (See D&C 41:5)
The word we translate as disciple is μαθητής (mathetes), which is defined as "a learner, a disciple, a pupil" (http://biblehub.com/greek/3101.htm). How would being a learner or a pupil relate to discipleship?
"Speaking of becoming a Zion people, President Spencer W. Kimball said: “As important as it is to have this vision in mind, defining and describing Zion will not bring it about. That can only be done through consistent and concerted daily effort by every single member of the Church. No matter what the cost in toil or sacrifice, we must ‘do it.’ That is one of my favorite phrases: ‘Do It.’” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1978, p. 122; orEnsign, May 1978, p. 81.)" (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-41-49/section-41-the-first-bishop-is-called?lang=eng)
41:12 holds a warning for us. What is it? How may we heed it?
Section 48
The Saints had been called to gather at Ohio because of the persecution they were undergoing in New York. However, Section 48 makes it very clear that Ohio was only a temporary gathering place and that a more permanent one would yet be revealed. "The Lord used the phrase present time three times in this section, implying that Ohio would be only a temporary Church center." (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-41-49/section-48-ohio-a-temporary-abode?lang=eng)
"The First Presidency of the Church holds the keys of the gathering to the New Jerusalem. President Harold B. Lee said: “The Lord has clearly placed the responsibility for directing the work of gathering in the hands of the leaders of the Church, to whom He will reveal His will where and when such gatherings would take place in the future. It would be well, before the frightening events concerning the fulfillment of all God’s promises and predictions are upon us, that the Saints in every land prepare themselves and look forward to the instruction that shall come to them from the First Presidency of this church as to where they shall be gathered. They should not be disturbed in their feelings until such instruction is given to them as it is revealed by the Lord to the proper authority.” (Ye Are the Light of the World, p. 167.)" (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-41-49/section-48-ohio-a-temporary-abode?lang=eng)
Section 51
As the Saints began arriving in Ohio, they came with many and varied resources, talents, and needs. Bishop Partridge, the first Bishop in the Latter-Days, obviously had a large burden in ensuring that these Saints were cared for and their needs met. He sought the advice of the Lord on this topic and in response, Joseph Smith received the revelation known as Section 51.
How were the Saints to treat one another? (51:9) Is this requirement still in effect? In that same verse, the Lord tells the Saints that they are to "be alike" and to "receive alike." What does this mean?
"President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: “The Lord endeavored to teach these members, in part, at least, and train them in the great principle of consecration as a preparatory step before they should be permitted to journey to Zion, for it was in keeping with this law upon which the City of Zion was to be built. Thus these saints from the East were to be organized according to the law of God. (Sec. 51:4–6.) This land in Ohio was in this manner to be consecrated unto them ‘for a little season,’ until the Lord should provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence. (Sec. 51:15–16.)” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:204.)" (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-50-59/section-51-bishop-edward-partridge-and-the-law-of-consecration?lang=eng)
In 51:19, we learn the reward of good stewardship. What is a stewardship?
Section 69
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| (https://history.lds.org/article/revelations-in-context-doctrine-and-covenants-john-whitmer?lang=eng) |
In Section 47, John Whitmer was called to be the Historian of the Church. In Section 69, he was called to serve as a companion to Oliver Cowdery during his journey with the revelations that would be contained in the Book of Commandments and the money for its publication. He was not released from his calling as Historian, but was told specifically to continue in that stewardship.
69:5 What does it mean to send forth an account of your stewardship in our day?
Section 70
From the Student Manual:
"D&C 70:3. What Does It Mean to Be a Steward?
Stewardship is not ownership. Stewardship is management with a responsibility to account to the owner or master. The basic principle was taught by the Lord when He said: “I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine. … Behold, all these properties are mine, … and if the properties are mine, then ye are stewards; otherwise ye are no stewards.” (D&C 104:14, 55–56.)" (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-69-80/section-70-
the-lords-steward?lang=eng)
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70:4 What stewardship(s) will we have to account for in the day of Judgment? (See v9)
In 70:14, we are told to be equal. What does it mean to be equal? Does "equal" differ from "same?"
Section 72
From the Student Manual:
"The Prophet received the first eight verses of section 72, and immediately Newel K. Whitney was ordained. Then the Prophet received the rest of section 72." (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-69-80/section-72-duties-of-a-bishop?lang=eng)
In this section, we continue the theme of stewardship. Newel K. Whitney was called to serve as a Bishop in Kirtland, under Bishop Partridge who became the Presiding Bishop of the Church. This call was to facilitate the care of the Saints. "Bishop Partridge was called as the first bishop of the Church. Later, when others were called, he became the equivalent of what today is called the Presiding Bishop. Newell K. Whitney thus was actually under the jurisdiction of Bishop Partridge. “The bishop in Kirtland was to ‘hand over’ to the bishop in Zion, the record of the stewardships, where the permanent records should be kept. For this responsibility Newel K. Whitney was called to act as bishop. He was to keep the Lord’s storehouse in Kirtland, and to receive funds in that part of the vineyard, and to take an account of the elders as he was commanded; to administer to their wants, all those who should pay for that which they received, inasmuch as they have wherewith to pay. These funds received were to be consecrated to the good of the Church, ‘to the poor and needy.’ If there were any who were unable to pay, an account was to be made ‘and handed over to the bishop in Zion, who shall pay the debt out of that which the Lord shall put into his hands.’” (Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:270.)" (https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-69-80/section-72-duties-of-a-bishop?lang=eng)
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Why do you feel the Lord spent so much time reviewing the concept of Stewardship with the early leaders (and members) of the Church? Does this still apply today? How do we render an account of our stewardship? How can we be better stewards?
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