Since before the Earth was formed, there has been a battle between the forces of light and the forces of darkness. This war between good and evil began in Heaven and has continued here on the earth ever since Satan tempted Eve and conquered Cain. There are many instances where the wickedness of God's people are documented as well as instances of God's people living as He would have them live. Sometimes there is a clearly observable parallel course of the development and growth of evil on the one hand and the development and growth of good on the other.
One such time was in the days of Noah. As the world grew increasingly more wicked, the Prophet Noah preached - in vain except for his wife and three sons -for the people to repent and return to God and be saved. As this artist's concept of the scene clearly shows, he was not successful.
But parallel to this course of deepening wickedness was the development of a righteous community called Zion. The Prophet, Enoch, was also preaching. The righteous of the world were gathered to a place where they could live in peace and righteousness. The people of Enoch's city were so righteous, in fact, that God took them. (Genesis 5:24; Moses 7:20-23) Six hundred and sixty-nine years after Enoch was taken, his son, Methuselah died. It was not long after that Methuselah's grandson, Noah and his family entered the ark and were saved from the destruction that poured down upon the world.
Something similar is happening in our day. As the Book of Revelation talks of the rising wickedness of the people, we get glimpses of the parallel course of development as the gospel of Jesus Christ is preached in all the world and millions are drawn to it. In chapter seven, we are told that an angel forestalls the "hurting of the Earth" until the Lord has completed His work among the people. In verse 3 through 8, we are told specifically about 144,000 who are sealed up before God. We aren't told specifically to what mission they are called and sealed up, but I can't help but think it is the mission of Noah and Enoch, Paul and Barnabas, and every missionary in the history of the world. That they may have special missions seems plausible because in the very next verse, we are told of an innumerable multitude of people from "all nations, kindred, tongues, and people," standing before the throne of God dressed in white and worshipping Him.
I find chapter seven to be an encouraging chapter. Even though wickedness is spiralling almost out of control (and one doesn't have to look far to see it), the gospel is going forth with increased strength and speed to all of the Earth. With the availability of mass media, computers, and the like, the message of Jesus Christ is being broadcast to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. By the millions, they are coming unto Christ and creating a Zion cultural in their homes and communities of believers.
How do I create a Zion culture? The answer is in a little song the children sing in Primary. It has several verses, but I'll share only the last:
Now we have a world where people are confused.
If you don't believe it, go and watch the news.
We can get direction all along our way,
If we heed the prophets - follow what they say.
chorus
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; don't go astray.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; he knows the way.
Text copyright Gebara Education February 2013
Pictures of Noah and Enoch from www.lds.org/gospelartbook
Song Follow the Prophet pg. 110; the Children's Songbook of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, SLC
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