Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 1:8-9

Today's Favorite Verse: Zechariah 1:8-9

"I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.

Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be."

I love how this chapter shows how a vision is given and the interpretation is received. It's that question and answer session that the spirit uses to instruction. I am reminded what Joseph Smith said about interpretations of vision or figures.

“Whenever God gives a vision of an image, or beast, or figure of any kind, He always holds Himself responsible to give a revelation or interpretation of the meaning thereof, otherwise we are not responsible or accountable for our belief in it. Don’t be afraid of being damned for not knowing the meaning of a vision or figure, if God has not given a revelation or interpretation of the subject.”

(Joseph Smith, Jr. "History of the Church", 5:343)

“Oh, ye elders of Israel, hearken to my voice; and when you are sent into the world to preach, tell those things you are sent to tell; preach and cry aloud, ‘Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; repent and believe the Gospel.’ Declare the first principles, and let mysteries alone, lest ye be overthrown. Never meddle with the visions of beasts and subjects you do not understand”

(Joseph Smith, Jr "History of the Church", 5:344).

We also have this warning from President Nelson.

"As any good thing can be misused, a word of warning may be appropriate. The scriptures don't have the answers to every question. Many important truths have yet to be revealed. Preoccupation with the so-called "mysteries" should be avoided. Beware also of private interpretation. Look to the living prophets and official policies for interpretation."

(Russell M. Nelson, “Living by Scriptural Guidance,” Oct 2000 General Conference)

Day 3071