2 Nephi 15:26
The beginning of this verse reads: " And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far."
Footnotes on the word "ensign" lead to other scriptures that also call it a "standard". The verse that I find most enlightening is found in D & C 115:5, "Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;" This verse explains how the ensign shall be lifted up -- it is through the light that emanates from the lives of the people.
This is a personal mandate that my life ought to so be that others are able to discern a difference.
The next part of the verse reads "and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth;" The word "hiss" in the Spanish translation is the equivalent of "whisper". There are many ways in which this "hissing" or "whispering" of the truth can take place: print media, electronic media, films, television, the Internet, personal witness, and also the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
The end of the verse explains the effects of this upon the recipients, "And behold, they shall come with speed swiftly; none shall be weary nor stumble among them." In the verses that follow, there is a explanation from Isaiah in the best terms that he can find to describe how this is possible. "They" refers to the nations. This is clearly not a reference to the early-day pioneers that crossed the American Plains on foot or in wagon. This has references to modes and means of transportation that are much quicker, where we can travel around the world in a matter of hours, not months or years.
The beginning of this verse reads: " And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far."
Footnotes on the word "ensign" lead to other scriptures that also call it a "standard". The verse that I find most enlightening is found in D & C 115:5, "Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;" This verse explains how the ensign shall be lifted up -- it is through the light that emanates from the lives of the people.
This is a personal mandate that my life ought to so be that others are able to discern a difference.
The next part of the verse reads "and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth;" The word "hiss" in the Spanish translation is the equivalent of "whisper". There are many ways in which this "hissing" or "whispering" of the truth can take place: print media, electronic media, films, television, the Internet, personal witness, and also the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
The end of the verse explains the effects of this upon the recipients, "And behold, they shall come with speed swiftly; none shall be weary nor stumble among them." In the verses that follow, there is a explanation from Isaiah in the best terms that he can find to describe how this is possible. "They" refers to the nations. This is clearly not a reference to the early-day pioneers that crossed the American Plains on foot or in wagon. This has references to modes and means of transportation that are much quicker, where we can travel around the world in a matter of hours, not months or years.
The idea of the Gospel of Christ "hissing" or whispering to the ends of the Earth is an interesting one, and bears further investigation.
ReplyDeleteAs a missionary of the Church, I saw many of the new mediums that you highlighted "hissing" forth. I shared videos, pamphlets, left cards, and directed people to websites. These are powerful new tools that The Church has wisely employed, and I hope they continue employing them with more effectiveness in the future.
What I am getting at, though, is that member missionary work fits the definition of "hissing" forth, as well. It is often done in hushed tones, amongst close friends, and it is, statistically one of the most effective means of spreading the kingdom. The Church, although well known, continues growing at an incredible rate, not by having mass baptisms and charismatic public orations, but in living rooms with individual members and their closest associates.
Excellent post, and interesting perception of what constitutes a "hissing" Gospel. I concur.
Dysmas,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. My apologies for the delayed review and response. I appreciate the personal insight.
Best,
Brent