Thursday, September 1, 2016

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 104:8-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 104:8-10
"Therefore, inasmuch as you are found transgressors, you cannot escape my wrath in your lives.
Inasmuch as ye are cut off for transgression, ye cannot escape the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption."

One of the saddest things in my life has been to witness those that turn their backs on the Lord now feel the buffetings of Satan. In the last 24 hours I have witnessed it in the lives of 3 people. I'm sure that is why I needed to ponder on this verse today. 

What is God's wrath I wonder? How is it manifested? I think it is when He withdraws. His comfort and protect is removed as we pass through the trials in our lives. He also does not prevent the natural course of events any longer. Though He has power over Satan, he does not prevent him from afflicting the lives of the transgressors. I absolutely do not want to imagine what it would be like for them in their lives. I know the pain they are feeling is very real. I have the deepest sorrow for them. It didn't need to happen. I felt impressed to find some external writing on this and found this in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, under "Buffetings of Satan".

"Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a latter-day apostle, explained that to be "turned over to the buffetings of Satan is to be given into [Satan's] hands; it is to be turned over to him with all the protective power of the priesthood, or righteousness, and of godliness removed, so that Lucifer is free to torment, persecute, and afflict such a person without let or hindrance. When the bars are down, the cuffs and curses of Satan, both in this world and in the world to come, bring indescribable anguish typified by burning and fire and brimstone. The damned in hell so suffer" (MD, "Buffetings of Satan", see also McConkie, Vol. 2. p. 335)."

I also found it interesting that the article mentions that the person had to receive extensive spiritual knowledge, and entered into sacred covenants, then turned their back on those promises to the Lord. They may be left to the buffetings of Satan until complete repentance has occurred. This sin differs in nature and category from one committed in ignorance. Yes, all three people fit that criteria in their lives, they were temple endowed. My heart is broken for them, because it never needed to get to this point. The peace, joy and comfort the Lord will give you is worth more than man can ever offer you in this world. Sin was never happiness and it never can be.


Day 523



 

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