Put On Thy Strength, O Zion
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the parable of the royal marriage feast and how does it relate to our spiritual journey?
- What does it mean to be "chosen" in the context of the gospel?
- How does the concept of the wedding garment relate to our faith and commitment to the gospel?
- What can impede the blessings that Heavenly Father and the Savior are willing to bestow upon us?
- How does Elder Bednar suggest we strengthen our covenant with the Lord?
Topics
Understanding the Parable of the Royal Marriage Feast
Elder Bednar explains the parable of the royal marriage feast, emphasizing the significance of the wedding garment provided by the king. He notes that the refusal of one guest to wear the garment represents a rebellious refusal to honor the king and his customs, which leads to the guest's expulsion.
The refusal to attend the king’s feast was a deliberate [act of] rebellion against … royal authority and a personal indignity against both the reigning sovereign and his son.
The king’s judgment of the man is not based primarily upon the lack of a wedding garment—but that “he was, in fact, determined not to wear one. The man … desired the honor of attending the wedding feast, but … did not want to follow the custom of the king.
- What does the wedding garment represent in the parable?
- Why was the guest who refused to wear the wedding garment expelled from the feast?
- How does the parable of the royal marriage feast apply to your spiritual journey?
- In what ways might we "refuse to wear the wedding garment" in our spiritual lives?
Being Called and Chosen
Elder Bednar discusses the difference between being called and chosen. He emphasizes that being chosen is not a status conferred upon us, but a choice we make through righteous exercise of our moral agency. He stresses the importance of our hearts, desires, honoring of gospel covenants, and obedience to commandments in determining whether we are chosen.
To be or to become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred upon us. Rather, you and I ultimately can choose to be chosen through the righteous exercise of our moral agency.
God does not have a list of favorites to which we must hope our names will someday be added. He does not limit “the chosen” to a restricted few. Instead, our hearts, our desires, our honoring of sacred gospel covenants and ordinances, our obedience to the commandments, and, most importantly, the Savior’s redeeming grace and mercy determine whether we are counted as one of God’s chosen.
- What is the difference between being called and being chosen?
- What factors determine whether we are chosen?
- How can you exercise your moral agency to choose to be chosen?
- What changes can you make in your life to align your desires, priorities, and actions with the gospel covenants and commandments?
Prioritizing Spiritual Matters
Elder Bednar warns against prioritizing temporal matters over spiritual ones, explaining that this can lead us to forfeit our spiritual birthright. He encourages us to evaluate our temporal and spiritual priorities and seek for the spiritual gift of eyes to see and ears to hear.
In the busyness of our daily lives and in the commotion of the contemporary world in which we live, we may be distracted from the eternal things that matter the most by making pleasure, prosperity, popularity, and prominence our primary priorities.
Each of us should evaluate our temporal and spiritual priorities sincerely and prayerfully to identify the things in our lives that may impede the bounteous blessings that Heavenly Father and the Savior are willing to bestow upon us.
- Why is it important to prioritize spiritual matters over temporal ones?
- How can temporal distractions impede our spiritual blessings?
- What temporal distractions are you currently facing that may be impeding your spiritual growth?
- How can you reevaluate your priorities to focus more on spiritual matters?
Strengthening Our Covenant with the Lord
Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of strengthening our covenant with the Lord. He promises that as we seek for spiritual gifts and prioritize our relationship with God, we will be blessed with the capacity to strengthen our covenant connection and receive the power of godliness in our lives.
As we appropriately seek for the spiritual gift of eyes to see and ears to hear, I promise that we will be blessed with the capacity and judgment to strengthen our covenant connection with the living Lord.
We also will receive the power of godliness in our lives—and ultimately be both called to and chosen for the Lord’s feast.
- What does it mean to strengthen our covenant connection with the Lord?
- How can seeking for the spiritual gift of eyes to see and ears to hear help us strengthen our covenant connection?
- What steps can you take to strengthen your covenant connection with the Lord?
- How can you seek for the spiritual gift of eyes to see and ears to hear in your daily life?
The Promise and Testimony of Elder Bednar
Elder Bednar concludes his talk by reiterating the promise that as we seek spiritual gifts and prioritize our spiritual journey, we will be blessed with the capacity to strengthen our covenant with the Lord. He testifies of the divinity and living reality of God and Jesus Christ, and the restoration of the Savior's gospel in the latter days.
As we appropriately seek for the spiritual gift of eyes to see and ears to hear, I promise that we will be blessed with the capacity and judgment to strengthen our covenant connection with the living Lord.
I joyfully declare my witness of the divinity and living reality of God, our Eternal Father, and of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. I testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and that He lives.
- What promise does Elder Bednar make to those who seek spiritual gifts and prioritize their spiritual journey?
- What does Elder Bednar testify of in his concluding remarks?
- How do you feel about Elder Bednar's promise and testimony?
- How can you apply Elder Bednar's promise and testimony in your spiritual journey?
