I Will Bless Those Who Labor in My Vineyard

Posted on Apr 6, 2021Apr 18, 2021 by Bob

The Lord and His servants have a large work to undertake, preserving the fruit of the olive trees. They’re commissioned to help prune the vineyard for the last time, according to the prophecies of Zenock, and reemphasized by Jacob. The Lord promises, “I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing.” What are the opportunities and blessings for those who labor in the Lord’s vineyard?

Watch the video presentation

“I Will Bless Those Who Labor in My Vineyard” Zoom meeting on April 6, 2021 by Bob & Kathy Bartel.

Table of contents show

What Do We Learn From The First Vision?

As most of you know, there are as many as 4 firsthand accounts of the First Vision and at least that many second-hand descriptions. For that reason, we decided to focus on the only description written in Joseph’s own hand found in JS History, Summer of 1832 pages 1-3. This is the earliest and most personal account, and the only one that is given in Joseph Smith’s own handwriting.

It must also be noted in this version, Joseph does not ask what church to join. He is simply seeking a remission of his own sins.

Joseph Smith History, circa Summer 1832“At about the age of twelve years my mind become seriously impressed with regard to the all-important concerns for the welfare of my immortal Soul which led me to searching the scriptures believing as I was taught, that they contained the word of God [faith]. I pondered many things in my heart concerning the situation of the world of mankind, the contentions and divisions, the wickedness and abominations and the darkness which pervaded the minds of mankind. My mind become exceedingly distressed for I become convicted of my sins and by searching the scriptures I found that mankind did not come unto the Lord but that they had apostatized from the true and living faith and there was no society or denomination that is built upon the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the new testament, and I felt to mourn for my own sins and for the sins of the world. For I learned in the scriptures that God was the same yesterday, today, and forever. That he was no respecter of persons. For he was God for I looked upon the sun the glorious luminary of the earth and also the moon rolling in their majesty through the heavens and also the stars shining in their courses and the earth also upon which I stood and the beast of the field and the fowls of heaven and the fish of the waters and also man walking forth upon the face of the earth in majesty and in the strength of beauty whose power and intelligence in governing the things which are so exceeding great and marvelous even in the likeness of him who created them. and when I considered upon these things my heart exclaimed, well hath the wise man said that it is a fool that saith in his heart there is no God. My heart exclaimed all these bear testimony and bespeak of an omnipotent and omnipresent power a being who maketh Laws and decreeth and bindeth all things in their bounds who filleth Eternity who was and is and will be from all Eternity to Eternity and when I considered all these things and that being seeketh such to worship him as worship him in spirit and in truth. Therefore, I cried unto the Lord for mercy, for there was none else to whom I could go and to obtain mercy and the Lord heard my cry in the wilderness and while in the attitude of calling upon the Lord in the 16th year of my age… a pillar of fire, a light above the brightness of the sun at noon day come down from above and rested upon me and I was filled with the spirit of god and the Lord opened the heavens upon me and I saw the Lord. And he spake unto me saying, Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee. Go thy way walk in my statutes and keep my commandments. Behold I am the Lord of glory. I was crucified for the world that all those who believe on my name may have Eternal life. Behold the world lieth in sin and at this time and none doeth good, no not one. They have turned aside from the gospel and keep not my commandments. They draw near to me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and mine anger is kindling against the inhabitants of the earth to visit them according to their ungodliness and to bring to pass that which hath been spoken by the mouth of the prophets and apostles. Behold and lo I come quickly as it is written of me in the cloud clothed in the glory of my Father. My soul was filled with love and for many days I could rejoice with great Joy and the Lord was with me but could find none that would believe the heavenly vision nevertheless I pondered these things in my heart. But after many days I fell into transgressions and sinned in many things which brought a wound upon my soul and there were many things which transpired that cannot be written. And my Father’s family have suffered many persecutions and afflictions. It came to pass when I was seventeen years of age I called again upon the Lord and he shewed unto me a heavenly vision for behold an angel of the Lord came and stood before me and it was by night and he called me by name and he said the Lord had forgiven me my sins. (JSP link)

We learn from Joseph’s example, that although we may have a baptism of Fire, receive visions and heavenly messengers, we must continue daily to seek a broken heart and contrite spirit, which by definition is: “godly sorrow that worketh repentance” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit are willing to do anything and everything that God asks of them, without resistance or resentment.

It has been 191 years since the Church of Christ was officially organized on April 6, 1830 in the home of Peter Whitmer. Joseph Smith, his two brothers, Hyrum and Samuel Smith, Oliver Cowdery, David and Peter Whitmer comprised the first six members. The record also states many other believers where present. Possibly as many as 50 others!

There were of course many events that led up to the organization of the Church. We read in D&C 20:

D&C 20:1-2,8-9 (Summer 1829 – April 1830)1 The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April—
2 Which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church;
…
8 And agave him power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon;
9 Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also;

D&C 21:11-16 (April 6, 1830)11 Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old;
12 Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
13 Therefore, having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter come to a knowledge of this work.
14 And those who receive it in faith, and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life;
15 But those who harden their hearts in unbelief, and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation—
16 For the Lord God has spoken it; and we, the elders of the church, have heard and bear witness to the words of the glorious Majesty on high, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

A Mighty Blessing For Those Who Labor in My Vineyard

D&C 20:37 (Summer 1829 – April 1830)37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

On April 6, 1830, Joseph taught the revelation he had just received:

D&C 21:19 (April 6, 1830)For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me by the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart.

191 years have passed since this revelation was given. Now, there are 3 questions that arise.

What happened?
Where are we now?
Where do we go from here?

So, Where Do We Go From Here?

The example set by Joseph Smith in coming to the Lord is our first step. He demonstrated coming to the strait and narrow path by first recognizing the need for repentance. This repentance precipitated an act of Faith, followed by a Baptism of Fire. Eventually, the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Intuitively, Joseph experienced the steps contained in the Doctrine of Christ, later confirmed as he asked questions during the translation of the gold plates. These gifts of the spirit led to a life of commitment in doing and saying what the Lord commanded. From the first vision, to receiving the power of the Priesthood to baptize and eventually the higher Priesthood.

So, where do we go from here?

Verse 9 of Section 21 bears repeating:

Then Can Ye Speak With The Tongue of Angels

We all go through a change after our baptism of fire and the holy ghost. In 2 Nephi 31:13 we receive a promise. “Then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.”

I’d like to explore speaking with the tongue of angels. More specifically, the confidence that the Lord’s servants gain once they’ve had their baptism of fire. The Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost has been described as having an increase in spiritual understanding. This can be compared to going from hope and faith to knowledge. We all have different levels of knowledge. However, the knowledge that comes with our first comforter gives us the courage to act with boldness according to our expanded knowledge. We can see this confidence and boldness played out by those we read about in the scriptures.

Peter’s Change

I think the most dramatic example is the change with the Apostle Peter. Prior to his baptism of fire, we see his enthusiasm, but not his confidence. He’s willing to jump out of the boat and walk on the water with Jesus. But he then quickly fears and begins to sink and has to be rescued.

During the night when the Savior was arrested, there’s the story of Peter denying that he knew Jesus. This is not the act of a person who has had their first comforter.

Yet, after the day of Pentecost, Peter had his baptism of fire and Holy Ghost. Peter boldly declared his faith in Jesus to the Jewish leadership in Acts 4:1-19 after he heals the paralytic man.

The boldness of Peter is the sign that he has indeed been touched by the fire of the Lord. Yet, Peter is not overbearing when he speaks with the confidence of knowing the truth. “In the moment” the Holy Spirit guides his words as he is now speaking with the tongue of angels.

Enoch’s Change

A similar story is given of Enoch. When he was first called of the Lord, he too lacked the confidence to speak boldly. We read in Moses 6:31…

Moses 6:31 (Pearl of Great Price)31 Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me, for I am slow of speech, wherefore am I thy servant?

Then the Lord gave Enoch great promises:

Moses 6:33-36 (continued)33 And the Lord said unto Enoch, Go forth, and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee.
34 Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance; for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good.
35 Say unto this people, choose ye this day to serve the Lord God who made you.
36 Behold, my Spirit is upon you; wherefore all thy words will I justify, and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.

Enoch went forth with confidence (because in the previous verse, he received the fullness of the priesthood).

Moses 6:37-39,47 (continued)37 And it came to pass, that Enoch went forth in the land, among the people, standing upon the hills, and the high places, and cried with a loud voice, testifying against their works. And all men were offended because of him;
38 and they came forth to hear him upon the high places, saying unto the tent-keepers, Tarry ye here and keep the tents, while we go yonder to behold the seer, for he prophesieth; and there is a strange thing in the land, a wild man hath come among us.
39 And it came to pass when they heard him, no man laid hands on him, for fear came on all that heard him, for he walked with God.
…
47 And as Enoch spake forth the words of God, the people trembled and could not stand in his presence.

I would ask, are we willing to accept the moniker of a “wild man”, for surely many will think we are crazy. Yet, once we are given the power of God, like Peter and Enoch, we too will be able to speak with the tongue of angels, and those we teach will not be able to deny the truth of what we say.

Moses’s Change

Again, the power of God from the Baptism of Fire can change a man or woman who has little confidence to one who is able to speak boldly as Moses did in front of Pharaoh. In Exodus 3 we read:

Exodus 3: (KJV)10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.
11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
…
30 And Moses said, before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised stammering lips, and slow of speech; and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?

Later in the record we learn of Moses’ boldness before Pharaoh when he commands Pharaoh to release the people. In Exodus 5 we read:

1 And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. 2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.

But then, we know that many mighty miracles followed Moses, and in the end, Pharaoh relented and let the people go.

Imagine being asked by the Lord to go before the President of the United States and saying, my people will no longer pay taxes to you for God commands it. I’m guessing you’d receive the same sort of response that Pharaoh gave Moses.

I testify to all of us, we too will face similar challenges as we prepare to leave and participate in the latter-day exodus. And we will also need to have confidence in the Lord, as Moses did, so we can help to lead the people to Zion.

To What Lengths Are We Willing to Go?

So, to what lengths are we willing to go? Let’s read what commitment Isaiah gave to the Lord when he was taken to the seventh heaven: Let’s turn to Isaiah Chapter 6:1-3 and 8-13 (I’m going to read the version from Avraham’s translation).

1 In the year of King Uzziah’s death, I saw my Lord seated on a throne, highly exalted, the skirt of his robe filling the sanctuary. 2 Seraphs stood by him overhead, each having six wings— with two they could veil their presence, with two conceal their location, and with two fly about. 3 They called out to one another, and said, Most holy is Jehovah of Hosts; the consummation of all the earth is his glory!

8 Then I heard the voice of my Lord saying, Whom shall I send? Who will go for us? And I replied, Here am I; send me! 9 And he said, Go, and say to these people, Go on hearing, but not understanding; Go on seeing, but not perceiving. 10 Make the heart of these people grow fat; dull their ears and shut their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand in their heart, and repent, and be healed. 11 And I replied, For how long, my Lord? And he said, Until the cities lie desolate and without inhabitant, the houses without a man, and the land ravaged to ruin. 12 For Jehovah will drive men away, and great shall be the exodus from the centers of the land. 13 And while yet a tenth of the people remain in it, or return, they shall be burned. But like the terebinth or the oak when it is felled, whose stump remains alive, so shall the holy offspring be what is left standing.

The commitment that Isaiah gave when he said “send me”, was no light promise. But what is sadder for Isaiah is that he is told by the Lord that no one will listen to him. And so he essentially is sent to be a witness of the destruction of Israel and as part of that witness, he takes up the garments of a slave (basically, a loin cloth so he was almost naked, and then Isaiah preaches for 3 years dressed in the garb of a slave to warn the people of the slavery they were going to have to endure, unless they repent.

I hope all of us can see that the Lord is not going to let us off easy either. Although, I hope that slaves in our day might get to wear more clothes (especially today because it snowed in Utah).

Although Nephi always seems to always have been bold, and had great confidence, I’m sure that ascending to the High Mount gave him even more strength to endure the challenges he would face over the many years of journeying in the wilderness, building a ship, building the city and temple of Nephi and so forth. Hence, these gifts of the spirit can also provide us with endurance.

And if we look close enough, most of those spoken of in the scriptures have had a similar transition from fear, to confidence as the fire burned out their flaws and they become new, servants of God.

I don’t know what your experience has been, but when I know the truth of a matter, I am much more confident in sharing that truth with others. I know that part of the “covenant” in the Book of Mormon is to receive revelation from the Lord if I keep my part of the covenant and commit to him my broken heart and contrite spirit. Each day I try to renew that covenant by saying to the Lord, today, help me to live by every word that you give me, and I’ll do my very best to listen and to say and do what you want me to do.

I know that when I am commanded or have the Lord’s permission, then anything I say by His word will come to pass, and my confidence in the outcome is sure, and I too, can speak boldly.

I truly believe that as the laborers are given command to reclaim the vineyard, as we read in Section 101: 55-58 that the Lord will give us the power to do so:

55 And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants: Go and gather together the residue of my servants, and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry; 56 And go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard; for it is mine; I have bought it with money. 57 Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls of mine enemies; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen. 58 And inasmuch as they gather together against you, avenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land.

In conclusion, I’d like to reread the scripture we quoted in D&C 21:9 earlier, which is the theme of our talk tonight: