November 17–23: “Prepare Ye for the Coming of the Bridegroom”: Doctrine and Covenants 133–134
“November 17–23: ‘Prepare Ye for the Coming of the Bridegroom’: Doctrine and Covenants 133–134,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 (2025)
“Doctrine and Covenants 133–134,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: 2025
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painting of the ten virgins
Ten Virgins, by Jorge Cocco
November 17–23: “Prepare Ye for the Coming of the Bridegroom”
In 1833, mobs attacked and destroyed the Church’s printing press. Among the print jobs in progress at the time was the Book of Commandments—the Church’s first attempt to compile God’s latter-day revelations into one volume. The mob scattered the unbound pages, and although courageous Saints preserved some of them, only a few incomplete copies of the Book of Commandments are known to have survived.
What we now know as section 133 of the Doctrine and Covenants was meant to be the appendix to the Book of Commandments, like an exclamation point at the end of the Lord’s published revelations. It warns of a coming day of judgment and repeats the call found throughout modern revelation: Flee worldliness, as symbolized by Babylon. Build Zion. Prepare for the Second Coming. And spread this message “unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (verse 37). The original plans for the Book of Commandments were not fulfilled, but this revelation is a reminder and a witness that the Lord’s work will go forward, “for he shall make bare his holy arm … , and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of their God” (verse 3).
Jesus Christ calls me to reject Babylon and come to Zion.
The spiritual opposite of Zion is Babylon—an ancient city that throughout scripture symbolized wickedness and spiritual bondage. As you read Doctrine and Covenants 133:4–14, ponder how the Savior is calling you to “go … out from Babylon” (verse 5) and “go … forth unto … Zion” (verse 9). How are you responding to His call? What else do you learn about Zion from Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s message “Come to Zion”? (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 37–40).
Both section 1, the Lord’s preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, and section 133, the original appendix to the Book of Commandments, begin with the same plea from the Lord: “Hearken, O ye people of my church” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:1; 133:1). Perhaps you could study Doctrine and Covenants 133:1–19, 37–39 and list the messages the Lord invites you to “hearken” to (listen to and obey) as you prepare for His Second Coming. In particular, you might list things He wants you to do to (1) prepare yourself and (2) help prepare the world for His return. What do you learn from these lists?
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ will be joyful for the righteous.
As you read the description of the Savior’s return in verses 19–56, what do you find that you are looking forward to? What words or phrases describe the Lord’s love for His people? Consider recording your personal experiences with “the loving kindness of [your] Lord, and all that he has bestowed upon [you] according to his goodness” (verse 52).
“Governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man.”
The early Saints’ relationship with government was complex. When the Saints were forced out of Jackson County, Missouri, in 1833, they asked for help from the local and national government and received none. At the same time, some people outside the Church interpreted teachings about Zion to mean that the Saints rejected the authority of earthly governments. Doctrine and Covenants 134 was written, in part, to clarify the Church’s position on government. What does this section suggest about how the Lord’s Saints should feel about government?
As you study section 134, consider looking for principles of government and the responsibilities of citizens. How might these ideas have been helpful to the early Saints? How are they applicable where you live?
The Lord wants me to stay away from the evil in the world.
You and your children could list some places and situations the Lord wants us to stay away from. Then you could compare those places and situations to the definition of “Babel, Babylon” in the Guide to the Scriptures (Gospel Library). They could then read Doctrine and Covenants 133:4–5, 14. What does it mean to “go … out from Babylon”? (verse 5). You could also make a similar list of places and situations the Lord invites us to and compare that list to the definition of “Zion” in Guide to the Scriptures.
Your children might enjoy acting out what it looks like to prepare for something, like a sports tournament, an important visitor, or a favorite holiday. Why is preparation important? You could then read together Doctrine and Covenants 133:17–19, 21 and invite your children to look for what the Lord invites us to prepare for. You could show them the picture from this week’s outline and ask your children what they know about Jesus Christ’s Second Coming. What else do we learn from verses 19–25, 46–52? What can we do to prepare for this joyful event?
You could hide various pictures or objects depicting things we can do to prepare for Jesus Christ’s Second Coming (such as read the scriptures, share the gospel, or serve our families). Let your children find the pictures or objects and talk about how doing these things helps us get ready to meet the Savior when He returns.
You could also sing together a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83). Share with each other your love for the Savior and your feelings about His return.
You and your children could look at pictures that show that Jesus is loving and kind. (For example, see Gospel Art Book, nos. 42, 47.) What else has Jesus done to show His love and kindness? Read together Doctrine and Covenants 133:52, and help your children think of ways they can “mention the loving kindness of their Lord” to others.
Teach clear and simple doctrine. The Lord teaches His gospel in “plainness and simplicity” (Doctrine and Covenants 133:57). What do these words suggest to you about teaching the gospel to your family or class?
Your children could list rules or laws they obey. What would life be like if no one obeyed these laws? Then you could read Doctrine and Covenants 134:1–2 with them, helping them understand any words or phrases they might not understand. Why does the Lord want us to obey the law? (see also Articles of Faith 1:12).
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
