Divine Authority, Sublime Young Men

Recognize the Power of Priesthood Ordination

President Lund emphasizes the significant moment when young men are ordained into the Aaronic Priesthood, highlighting the divine authority they receive and the lifelong ministry they embark upon as part of the gathering of Israel.

Each January, hands are laid on the heads of about 100,000 young men, connecting them through ordinance to a bright line of authority stretching back through the Restoration epoch to Joseph and Oliver, to John the Baptist, and to Jesus Christ.

These ordinations launch these young men into lifetimes of service as they will find themselves in consequential times and places where their presence and prayers and the powers of the priesthood of God they hold will profoundly matter.

• The ordination of young men into the Aaronic Priesthood is a significant event with eternal implications.
• This authority connects them to a line of priesthood authority tracing back to Jesus Christ.
• Their ordination prepares them for a lifetime of service in the gathering of Israel.

• Reflect on your own experience of being ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood. How did it feel?
• Share a moment when you felt the power of your priesthood ordination in your life.
• Consider a time when you witnessed the impact of a young man's priesthood service.

Embrace the Duties of the Aaronic Priesthood

President Lund outlines the responsibilities of Aaronic Priesthood holders, including teaching, administering ordinances, and inviting others to come unto Christ. He shares stories of young men fulfilling these duties with love and dedication.

The Doctrine and Covenants explains that deacons and teachers are "to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ."

When deacons, teachers, and priests help with the sacrament, they receive its blessings just like everyone else: by keeping the covenant they make as they individually partake of the bread and the water.

• Aaronic Priesthood holders have the duty to teach, administer ordinances, and invite others to Christ.
• These responsibilities are a form of preparation for future priesthood service.
• Fulfilling these duties helps young men understand their roles and the joy of being on the Lord's errand.

• Share an experience where you participated in administering the sacrament and how it affected your understanding of your priesthood role.
• Describe a time when you taught or invited someone to learn more about the gospel.
• Reflect on how fulfilling your priesthood duties has prepared you for future service.

Serve with Love and Unfeigned Faith

The talk includes a touching story of young men serving a neighbor named Alan, demonstrating the power of love and service in bringing others closer to Christ.

Deacons can be hard to hate, and Alan eventually began to love them.

As his failing health put Alan into hospitals and rehab centers, "his boys" served him, quietly exuding powers of priesthood and of love unfeigned.

• Service, even in difficult circumstances, can soften hearts and build relationships.
• The young men served Alan with love, leading to his eventual desire to be baptized.
• Their service exemplified the principles of priesthood and love unfeigned.

• Recall a time when you served someone who was initially resistant. What changed?
• Think about how service has strengthened your relationships with others.
• Share a story of how you or someone you know served with love and saw a transformation.

Understand the Significance of Sacramental Covenants

President Lund shares a poignant story of a bishop who, amidst personal tragedy, performed the sacrament ordinance, highlighting the power and importance of sacramental covenants.

With the pathos of that occasion, he pronounced some of the most powerful words that anyone is ever allowed to say out loud in this lifetime.

Words of eternal consequence. Words of ordinance. Words of covenant.

• The sacrament ordinance is a powerful reminder of the Atonement and our covenants.
• Even in times of personal tragedy, the sacrament can bring peace and the Spirit.
• The bishop's example demonstrated the eternal significance of sacramental covenants.

• Reflect on a time when the sacrament brought you peace during a difficult time.
• Share how you prepare to partake of the sacrament each week.
• Consider the impact of hearing the sacramental prayers and what they mean to you.

Acknowledge the Blessings of the Aaronic Priesthood

President Lund concludes by expressing gratitude for the blessings that come through the Aaronic Priesthood, emphasizing its role in the ministering of angels and the gospel of repentance.

I am forever grateful that holders of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its powers, ordinances, and duties, do bless all of us through the keys of the very "ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins."

• The Aaronic Priesthood brings significant blessings, including the ministering of angels.
• It plays a crucial role in the gospel of repentance and baptism for the remission of sins.
• Gratitude for the Aaronic Priesthood is expressed for its impact on individuals and the Church.

• Share a moment when you felt the ministering of angels in your life.
• Reflect on how the Aaronic Priesthood has blessed you or your family.
• Consider how the gospel of repentance has been a blessing in your life.