"And they are as the angels of God, and if they shall pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus they can show themselves unto whatsoever man it seemeth them good.
Therefore, great and marvelous works shall be wrought by them, before the great and coming day when all people must surely stand before the judgment-seat of Christ;
Yea even among the Gentiles shall there be a great and marvelous work wrought by them, before that judgment day.
And if ye had all the scriptures which give an account of all the marvelous works of Christ, ye would, according to the words of Christ, know that these things must surely come."
This chapter speaks of the twelve disciples and how three of the Nephite disciples desire the same blessing that John, the beloveth received. To never taste of death and live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men. Then when Christ comes in his glory they will be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality.
I had a new thought while reading the chapter this time. That these three Nephites have a mission, and it must be part of their condition of never being able to die that is necessary in order for them to fulfill that mission. I always connect a great and marvelous work with missionary work. But, now I think there is something more to their role. I found this statement by Orson Pratt on it.
"Do you suppose that these three Nephites have any knowledge of what is going on in this land? They know all about it; they are filled with the spirit of prophecy. Why do they not come into our midst? Because the time has not come. Why do they not lift up their voices in the midst of our congregations? Because there is a work for us to do preparatory to their reception, and when that is accomplished, they will accomplish their work, unto whomsoever they desire to minister. If they shall pray to the Father, says the Book of Mormon, in the name of Jesus, they can show themselves unto whatsoever person or people they choose. (3 Ne. 28:30) The very reason they do not come amongst us is, because we have a work to do preparatory to their coming; and just as soon as that is accomplished they are on hand, and also many other good old worthy ancients that would rejoice our hearts could we behold their countenances, and hear them recite over the scenes they have passed through, and the history of past events, as well as prophesy of the events to come. How great and how precious are the promises of the Lord, contained in ancient revelation!
(Orson Pratt, "Progress of the Work, Etc." JD 2:259)
We have a preparatory work to complete before their great work begins. I wonder what great and marvelous works we will see, when we are ready? It appears it's recorded in the scriptures that we aren't ready for.
Day 1965
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