Jacob occupied a unique place in Nephite history. He was among the last of the people who sailed from the old world and had firsthand knowledge of that journey and he lives and taught the people after their first leader had died. In fact he had been teaching them at the request of Nephi even while Nephi lived.
Two things seem very clear to me as I read the allegory of the olive tree today. First, the phenomenon of the branches overgrowing the roots and bringing forth bad fruit is happening or going to happen in the restored church. In fact it probably has happened at least once already and seems to be happening again. It may happen one more time before the Second Coming out this may be the last time. Second, the Lord has many olive trees that he had planned and that he continues to work with. I see evidence of His continued work among modern Jews as well as evidence of His spirit at work among active Catholics and devoted Protestants. His work today is not nearly confined to the Latter Day Saints.
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