Artworks for Doctrine & Covenants 109-123
Our artistic exploration of the Doctrine & Covenants continues! Each month, we'll share artworks from our permanent collection or visiting exhibitions that accompany the coming month's Come, Follow Me readings. You can also subscribe to get email reminders when new artworks are ready or follow along weekly on Instagram or Facebook. We hope that art-lovers everywhere will be inspired by these artworks as they complement their gospel study, family discussions, and church classes with fine art from around the world.
September 29 - October 5
After nearly three years of construction, the early Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, anxiously gathered for the temple dedication. Those in attendance described the event as being accompanied by divine manifestations. The spiritual outpourings continued when a week later the Lord appeared and proclaimed to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, “I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house” (D&C 110:2, 7).
The poverty-stricken Saints in Kirtland sacrificed to build the House of the Lord and then carefully and prayerfully prepared to make covenants within its walls. President Nelson promised, “Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple.” As you come away from General Conference weekend, how will you prioritize the temple?
October 6-12
In Doctrine and Covenants section 111 the Lord acknowledges Joseph Smith’s imperfection but also reassures him that He is there to help saying, “I will order all things for your good” (vs. 11).
Sometimes our trials are a result of our own weaknesses, but God is merciful. In this painting by Gustave Brion, Jesus reaches out to Peter who, after demonstrating remarkable faith, became afraid and began sinking into the sea. The Lord admonished Peter regarding his weakness but continued to support and teach him. We can feel that we are not worthy of God’s help, that because of our weaknesses we have let Him down. However, like Joseph and Peter, as we faithfully reach out to the Lord, He is there to lift us up and “order all things” for our good.
Otober 13-19
As people striving to follow God and his teachings it can be discouraging when our efforts seem to yield very little. How can we feel okay about our diligent efforts when the fruits are not evident, especially when we have made great sacrifices in our efforts?
Perhaps we can take comfort in the words the Lord offered to Oliver Granger when he was not successful with the task the Lord had requested of him, “...his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase…” (D&C 117:13). Like the woman in Bennion’s painting with an offering of a single loaf, the Lord holds our efforts sacred regardless of the results.
October 20-26
In the Doctrine and Covenants, after experiencing a prolonged and wrenching trial, Joseph Smith cried out to God asking Him where He was. In the Lord’s reply, He listed many terrible things that could happen to Joseph in this life and then ended with these thoughts, “…know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” (D&C 122:7-8).
The wave in Magleby’s print looks like it could engulf the viewer, yet at the top white birds fly heavenward giving a feeling of hope and joy. Like Joseph, as we look to our Savior, the trials that engulf us can eventually uplift us as they are transformed for our good.
