“And it came to pass that the angel of the Lord spake unto me, saying: Behold, saith the Lamb of God, after I have visited the remnant of the house of Israel—and this remnant of whom I speak is the seed of thy father—wherefore, after I have visited them in judgement, and smitten them by the hand of the Gentiles, and after the Gentiles do stumble exceedingly, because of the most plain and precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable church, which is the mother of harlots, saith the Lamb—I will be merciful unto the Gentiles in that day, insomuch that I will bring forth unto them, in mine own power, much of my gospel, which shall be plain and precious, saith the Lamb.” – 1 Nephi 13:34
This verse makes me think of the overarching mercy of the Lamb of God and the divine orchestration of His gospel throughout history. It refers to the challenges faced by the remnant of Israel and the Gentiles as a result of the withholding and distortion of the gospel’s plain and precious truths. Despite this, the verse carries a message of hope, showing us that God’s mercy is unrelenting and His power absolute.
The “remnant of the house of Israel” represents those scattered and afflicted, often at the hands of others, as part of divine judgment. We have to remember though that their story is not one of despair, because Heavenly Father remembers His covenant and acts in compassion. Similarly, the Gentiles, despite their stumbling, are not left in spiritual darkness forever. The promise that much of the gospel, “plain and precious,” would be restored demonstrates Heavenly Father’s commitment to all His children. This restoration, brought forth by His power, testifies of His love and the central role of Jesus Christ in redeeming all mankind.
For me, this verse invites reflection on how the Restored Gospel blesses my life, provides clarity in a confused world, and reaffirms the mercy extended to all who seek Him. It is a call to cherish the truths we now hold and share them with those who seek light and understanding.
