“Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the great I AM, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins, who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice, and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer.” Section 28:1a

No one can argue that we live in a difficult day. Decadence is on display just about everywhere. Moral decline is not just evident; it is wanted and sought after. Conservative Supreme Court nominee Judge Robert H. Bork chronicles our plight in his book “Slouching Towards Gomorrah.” In it he states “So unrelenting is the assault on our sensibilities that many of us grow numb …”

Individualism that is unconfined by the tenants of the gospel and its moorings will end up in hedonism. Our world is fast approaching the day when the Machiavellian pursuit of pleasure will be all that matters.

The word of God bears record; “as it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:44) And as it was in the days of Noah, judgment will certainly be poured out. Perhaps it has already begun on His house. God will release his grip on those that strain against his loving grasp and the consequences of sin will devastate.

Jesus knew. He was well aware that the frailties of our flesh, the nature that we inherit at birth, and the uncertainty of our situations would collide with a force of devastating strength and determination. He knew we would see the “sights that dazzle” and the “tempting sounds” that we would hear. He knew that self-confidence, that affluence, that pride, that self-pity, that power would provide the green grass that attracts wandering sheep. He knew that the enemy – crafty, deceptive, evil, polluted, hateful and attractive – would do anything and everything to draw us away.

The metaphor is correct – like sheep, we are “prone to wander” and prone to “leave the God we love” and I’m sure that Jesus knew that there would be times in all of our lives when we would stray, when we would doubt, when events of pain and catastrophe would wedge a crowbar against our resolve.

That is why he was prepared from the foundation of the world to save us and that is why He endeavors to holds us so tight.

There is something wonderful about the mental picture of our Savior wrapping his omnipotent hand around each of us, and of the Father wrapping his own almighty hand around his. We become “encircled about with the matchless bounty of His love” (Alma 14:95) and our “life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3)

The story of Noah and his family’s preservation provides an example. When the ark was finished, God shut Noah inside. The storms of judgment fell in all their fury. The “fountains of the great deep [were] broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened,” (Genesis 8:36) but Noah was safe. He was in the ark. The waters of judgment fell on the ark, not on him.

Our salvation, security and protection are sure if we listen to his voice. His limitless grip will encircle us and hold us tight if we listen to his voice. His love will never let us go if we listen to his voice. He will never relinquish control if we listen to his voice.

“O my people, saith the Spirit, Hear the word of God today; Be not slothful but obedient; ‘Tis the worlds momentous day! Unto honor I have called you – Honor great as angels know; Heed ye, then, a Father’s counsel, And by deeds your purpose show.

Time is ripe! My work must hasten! Whoso will may bide the hour. Naught can harm whom God protecteth – Elements confess his power. Up ye, then, to the high places I have bid you occupy! Peril waits upon the heedless, Grace upon the souls who try!”

Despite the difficulties that we see and even experience, his promises are sure and the glory of His coming waits to break upon our day.