"A Marvellous Work And A Wonder"

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Woodland Ward

Happy Autumnal Equinox today! It's also the anniversary of my baptism by my father on September 22, 1955, in the font at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. “I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name. … “And worlds without number have I created; … and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten” (Moses 1:3, 33). In scriptures brought to light by the Prophet Joseph Smith, we read these words of our Heavenly Father: “I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh” (Moses 6:51; see also Moses 3:5).

This week's study in Come, Follow Me continues into the extensive writings of Isaiah. The phrase “great are the words of Isaiah” comes from Jesus Christ’s command in 3 Nephi 23:1–3 in the Book of Mormon, where He instructs His followers to diligently study Isaiah because his prophecies apply to all Israel and the Gentiles and will all be fulfilled.

Isaiah was fearless, and his warnings to the kingdoms of his day — including Israel, Judah, and surrounding nations — were bold (see Isaiah 13–23). He would perform “a marvellous work and a wonder” (Isaiah 29:14), restoring to Israel the blessings He had promised them. Neither Isaiah nor anyone else alive at that time lived to see this marvelous work. But we are seeing it today. In fact, we are part of it.

Questions to consider this week:

What similarities do you see between the pride of the Babylonian king and the pride of Satan? (see Isaiah 14:4–20; Moses 4:1–4). What warnings do you find for yourself in these verses?

How does the Savior provide “rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear”? (Isaiah 14:3).

The teachings of Isaiah often refer to the Savior’s mission, including His atoning sacrifice, Resurrection, and Second Coming. What aspects of His mission come to mind as you read these verses: Isaiah 22:22–23; 24:21–23; 25:6–8; 26:19; 28:16? What other passages do you find that remind you of the Savior?

What do you learn from Isaiah 29:13–24; 30:18–26; 35 about the Lord, His love, and His power? Perhaps you could find a phrase in these passages that gives you hope when you need healing. You could also look in Sister Amy A. Wright’s message “Christ Heals That Which Is Broken” (Liahona, May 2022, 81–84).

Isaiah 29 contains several passages that have parallels with events of the Restoration. For example:

Compare Isaiah 29:11–12 with 2 Nephi 27:6–26 and Joseph Smith—History 1:63–65.

Compare Isaiah 29:13–14 with Doctrine and Covenants 4 and Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19.

Compare Isaiah 29:18–24 with the title page of the Book of Mormon.

Also, you might look into Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s message “All Nations, Kindreds, and Tongues” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 38–41). It's been a veritable feast for me this week in Isaiah. Hopefully, you will have the same experience as me.

Our gospel doctrine instructors this week will be Quinn and Lisa Jensen. Come and share what you've learned. (25 minutes just isn't enough time to cover Isaiah, but we'll surely be edified as we come together).

Woodland Ward Sunday School Presidency