Apocolypse

Watching a History Channel production on the Book of Revelation and "The Nostradamus Effect" leaves me more grateful than before for the knowledge I have of a loving Heavenly Father. This program portrays Him as so very harsh, unforgiving, and unyielding. Terms such as "prophetic gloom" and "unfathomable mayhem" portray such a picture of hopelessness, despair, and helplessness that contrast deeply with the words of modern prophets and apostles. While they acknowledge that there are many calamities, natural disasters, and economic difficulties, they also say that "the future is as bright as [our] faith."

So I guess that's where the main disparity lies between those who have hope and those who do not - it is in the substance of their faith. Joseph Smith taught that the first principle of the gospel is to know the character of God. He is the basis of our faith. Thus, if one's view of God is one of harshness, vengeance, and unforgiving justice, the future would very likely be dark and troublesome, to say the least. However, thanks to the New Testament accounts of Jesus and modern revelation, we can come to know a loving, merciful, long-suffering, perfect Father in Heaven who knows us and loves us intimately and personally. He sent His Son to redeem us and bring us home to Him. His justice is perfect, but His mercy is infinite through the merits of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we can be brought safely home - no matter what experiences the "end of the world" and "the final destruction of earth" may bring.

Thanks be to God for His glorious plan of mercy, redemption, salvation, love, and peace. Jesus said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." We may not be spared the suffering and tribulation that will come upon the world. The Lord causes the sun to shine and the rain to fall upon all men, and the trials of mortality can befall anyone at any time. But, as the Lord taught Joseph Smith after enumerating all the terrible trials that could possibly come upon him (many of which actually did), "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." And again: "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversities and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high."

Knowing what we know, believing what we believe, and feeling what we feel, may the times and seasons of the last days bring out from our hearts undying compassion, all-consuming love, daily repentance, unyielding obedience, and eternal faith, that when the Lord comes again to gather His own, He may look down upon us with favor and mercy; and at that day, may we "see Him as He is" because "we shall be like Him."