In His Power

I haven't always had a great appreciation of Jacob chapter 5, in which he quotes Zenos' allegory of the tame and wild olive trees.   It seemed to go on and on and repeat itself and I only had some general ideas as to what the story was referring to historically.

But this time I went slowly, making notes in my scriptures, and more lengthy notes and explanations in the online scriptures, referring to a commentary to get the history tied in,  and I understand it much better, and appreciate it much more.

In chapter 6 Jacob comments on the allegory and applies it to his day and to us.  I love this part about the servants who were laboring with the Lord of the vineyard: 

" 2 And the day that he shall set his hand again the second time to recover his people, is the day, yea, even the last time, that the servants of the Lord shall go forth in his power, to nourish and prune his vineyard; and after that the end soon cometh.

 3 And how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard . . ."

Notice how the servants will "go forth in His power."  These servants of the Lord, these prophets, these bishops, Sunday school teachers, High Priests' Group leaders, and especially these missionaries are not going forth to do their own work or in their own power.  But as they dedicate their hearts to Him, are obedient and faithful, they're  going forth in His power.  They nourish and encourage the vineyard.  They pray for the vineyard and weep for the vineyard.  

And notice that as they do this,  how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard.  The Lord's arms of mercy are extended to us, and His blessings are pouring out to us as we labor.  Let us not be like spoiled children who take our blessings for granted and just always want more stuff.  We are being blessed!  We must watch for those blessings and notice His tender mercies and record them and be grateful for them always!