When I was but a boy, Grandpa told me the stories from the scriptures, and one of my favorites was about the boy prophet Daniel. He interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. I was facinated by this story. Because the king could not remember the dream, he asked Daniel to tell him what the dream was and then provide the interpretation. Daniel explained that he had seen a stone cut out of the mountain without hands that rolled forth until it filled the whole earth. But what is even more impressive to me is that we are seeing the fulfillment of this dream in our day.
The little stone which was cut out of the mountain without hands as seen in Daniel’s vision is the Church rolling forth to fill the whole earth (see Dan. 2:44–45). Only 182 years ago, the Church was organized with six members. And today, it literally fills the earth from East to West and from North to South. I remember when I was a boy that we would go to Temple Square to look at the world globe at the visitor center. There was a light shining wherever there was a temple and at the time that added up I remember to nearly 40. That was impressive. And now just 43 years later, there are 136 operating temples around the world (as of the end of last year) with more announced and still others under construction. (see Chart)
But I have wondered if we all really appreciate how remarkable this is. In the face of wars and economic downturns and international hardships, the Church continues to grow and flourish all about the earth. And it will always do so. Just like Daniel prophesied, the kingdom of God will roll forth and won't be stopped from achieving its destiny.
When I was cleaning out some papers the other day, I came across a statement by President Hinckley in this regard. See his perspective below:
"What a marvelous thing it is to belong to a society whose purposes are noble, whose accomplishments are tremendous, whose work is uplifting, even heroic. Be loyal to the Church under all circumstances. This is your church. You have embraced its gospel. You have taken upon yourselves a covenant in the waters of baptism. Be proud of your membership in this great cause and kingdom which He has restored to earth in this, the last dispensation of the fullness of times. Why? To bring you happiness."
"The Standard of Truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame. But the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, until the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah will say, ‘The work is done.'" -- Joseph Smith
Read the reference above. It's amazing. It's inspiring. It's true.
You'll be glad you did.
I love you, dad
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