Within 2½ years of the formation of the church the Lord is chastising the church for having forgotten the significance of the Book of Mormon. Perhaps they put to much emphasis on the fact that there was a living prophet on the earth and became as so many Christians who go to church and listen to their pastors but fail to read the Bible on their own. A possible manifestation of that might have come in the form of people coming to the prophet seeking answers to their questions rather than studying the Book if Mormon and gaining answers to their questions through the Spirit. Another manifestation of that would be teaching from the Bible and proclaiming a living prophet on earth in missionary work rather than offering the Book of Mormon to those who would receive it and inviting them to know for themselves.
The promise that “he who receives you shall feed you and clothe you and give you money” reminds me of the many times that people would give us money on my mission. It wasn’t just members either. There were numerous times that we would be tracting and people would give us money because of their faith, even some who weren’t willing to hear our message. I remember being amazed and grateful for the witness that the Lord can take care of His servants even through those who aren’t interested in their message.
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