Softening Hearts, prophesy D&C 105:27

[kimpearson]

In D&C 105:27, Jesus Christ prophesied through Joseph Smith that He would "soften the hearts of the people, as I did the heart of Pharaoh".   Pharaoh's heart was softened by various plagues.  It seems to me that Covid is such a plague. 

My question to you is whose hearts are being softened by this plague?

[JLHPROF]

Taking a single verse in isolation doesn't provide much context.

I do believe God uses plagues to soften hearts, but it's generally to turn people to God.  I don't know if COVID is having that effect at all.  It seems like the opposite.

This particular section refers to gathering to Jackson and softening the hearts of non members towards the Saints and a warning to Saints not to brag about their miracles or future judgements but to be considerate of non member feelings.

And we all know how well that ended.

"20 And now, verily I say unto you, a commandment I give unto you, that as many as have come up hither, that can stay in the region round about, let them stay;

21 And those that cannot stay, who have families in the east, let them tarry for a little season, inasmuch as my servant Joseph shall appoint unto them;

22 For I will counsel him concerning this matter, and all things whatsoever he shall appoint unto them shall be fulfilled.

23 And let all my people who dwell in the regions round about be very faithful, and prayerful, and humble before me, and reveal not the things which I have revealed unto them, until it is wisdom in me that they should be revealed.

24 Talk not of judgments, neither boast of faith nor of mighty works, but carefully gather together, as much in one region as can be, consistently with the feelings of the people;

25 And behold, I will give unto you favor and grace in their eyes, that you may rest in peace and safety, while you are saying unto the people: Execute judgment and justice for us according to law, and redress us of our wrongs.

26 Now, behold, I say unto you, my friends, in this way you may find favor in the eyes of the people, until the army of Israel becomes very great.

27 And I will soften the hearts of the people, as I did the heart of Pharaoh, from time to time, until my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and mine elders, whom I have appointed, shall have time to gather up the strength of my house,

28 And to have sent wise men, to fulfil that which I have commanded concerning the purchasing of all the lands in Jackson county that can be purchased, and in the adjoining counties round about.

29 For it is my will that these lands should be purchased; and after they are purchased that my saints should possess them according to the laws of consecration which I have given.

30 And after these lands are purchased, I will hold the armies of Israel guiltless in taking possession of their own lands, which they have previously purchased with their moneys, and of throwing down the towers of mine enemies that may be upon them, and scattering their watchmen, and avenging me of mine enemies unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me."

[Robert F. Smith]

1 hour ago, kimpearson said:

In D&C 105:27, Jesus Christ prophesied through Joseph Smith that He would "soften the hearts of the people, as I did the heart of Pharaoh".   Pharaoh's heart was softened by various plagues.  It seems to me that Covid is such a plague. 

My question to you is whose hearts are being softened by this plague?

A lot of things might soften hearts of proud and insensitive people:  financial instability, war or rumors of wars, plagues, etc.  Hindsight is 20/20.

[kimpearson]

56 minutes ago, JLHPROF said:

Taking a single verse in isolation doesn't provide much context.

I do believe God uses plagues to soften hearts, but it's generally to turn people to God.  I don't know if COVID is having that effect at all.  It seems like the opposite.

This particular section refers to gathering to Jackson and softening the hearts of non members towards the Saints and a warning to Saints not to brag about their miracles or future judgements but to be considerate of non member feelings.

And we all know how well that ended.

"20 And now, verily I say unto you, a commandment I give unto you, that as many as have come up hither, that can stay in the region round about, let them stay;

21 And those that cannot stay, who have families in the east, let them tarry for a little season, inasmuch as my servant Joseph shall appoint unto them;

22 For I will counsel him concerning this matter, and all things whatsoever he shall appoint unto them shall be fulfilled.

23 And let all my people who dwell in the regions round about be very faithful, and prayerful, and humble before me, and reveal not the things which I have revealed unto them, until it is wisdom in me that they should be revealed.

24 Talk not of judgments, neither boast of faith nor of mighty works, but carefully gather together, as much in one region as can be, consistently with the feelings of the people;

25 And behold, I will give unto you favor and grace in their eyes, that you may rest in peace and safety, while you are saying unto the people: Execute judgment and justice for us according to law, and redress us of our wrongs.

26 Now, behold, I say unto you, my friends, in this way you may find favor in the eyes of the people, until the army of Israel becomes very great.

27 And I will soften the hearts of the people, as I did the heart of Pharaoh, from time to time, until my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and mine elders, whom I have appointed, shall have time to gather up the strength of my house,

28 And to have sent wise men, to fulfil that which I have commanded concerning the purchasing of all the lands in Jackson county that can be purchased, and in the adjoining counties round about.

29 For it is my will that these lands should be purchased; and after they are purchased that my saints should possess them according to the laws of consecration which I have given.

30 And after these lands are purchased, I will hold the armies of Israel guiltless in taking possession of their own lands, which they have previously purchased with their moneys, and of throwing down the towers of mine enemies that may be upon them, and scattering their watchmen, and avenging me of mine enemies unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me."

I differ in my understanding of softening hearts like the heart of Pharaoh.  God wasn't trying to get Pharaoh to turn to Him, God was convincing a wicked man to let His people go.  Why would Joseph Smith use the example of Pharaoh if he was talking about turning peoples heart to God or softening their attitudes.  There are plenty of examples of that kind of heart softening in the scriptures.  It seems to me this is a specific warning to wicked people.  Like all prophecies, it will be applied to several different times not just the time of the revelation.  This whole revelation is about establishing Zion.  I believe we are still establishing Zion and this prophesy applies to today.  Whose hard hearts is God trying to soften to further the establishment of Zion with Covid?

[kimpearson]

13 minutes ago, Robert F. Smith said:

A lot of things might soften hearts of proud and insensitive people:  financial instability, war or rumors of wars, plagues, etc.  Hindsight is 20/20.

Who are the proud and insensitive people whose hearts need softening that Covid impacts?

[let’s roll]

26 minutes ago, kimpearson said:

Who are the proud and insensitive people whose hearts need softening that Covid impacts?

Aren’t we all?  Is there anyone who couldn’t be more sensitive and whose heart wouldn’t benefit from additional softening?

My belief is that Deity invites each of us to ponder what actions we can take in our current circumstances, whatever those circumstances may be, and what principles Deity intend we learn, or better understand and practice, as a result of those circumstances, all to the furthering of our conversion.