Ep. 398: Doctrine & Covenants 133:5-53 The Great Grandeur of God

Introduction

In today’s episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeff takes us into Doctrine and Covenants 133—often referred to as “the appendix” to the Doctrine and Covenants. After a rare second start to his recording, he dives into themes of preparation, gathering, repentance, and revelation. Along the way, he reflects on Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s penetrating imagery of “keeping a second residence in Babylon,” considers the parable of the Ten Virgins, and pauses to explore modern prophetic counsel from President Oaks’ recent conference message.

The episode becomes a thoughtful journey from ancient prophecy to present-day discipleship—layered with questions of where we place our devotion, how we prioritize the Lord, and what it means to prepare for the Bridegroom with full lamps and willing hearts.

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Chapters

00:00 – A False Start and a Fresh Take

Jeff recounts restarting the episode after getting sidetracked searching for a Maxwell quote. He re-centers the session, welcomes listeners, and re-orients to D&C 133.

02:20 – The Call to Solemn Assemblies

Exploring verses 6–7, Jeff reflects on the Lord’s invitation for sacred gatherings, personal devotion, and calling upon His name—considering how such practices could transform our lives and our world.

03:50 – “Go Ye Out of Babylon”

The narrative turns to the familiar message to flee Babylon and gather to Zion. Jeff begins to explore missionary work, spiritual separation from the world, and the urgency in the Savior’s call.

04:34 – The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Jeff links the text to the Savior’s parable and discusses revelation as a blend of memory, imagery, and inspiration. He draws on modern parallels from President Oaks’ conference message on preparation and spiritual maintenance.

09:36 – Spiritual Babylon and the Maxwell Quote Quest

Jeff finally introduces the Neal A. Maxwell quote he couldn’t find earlier—powerfully illustrating how we often “keep a second residence in Babylon.” He shares personal reflections on prioritizing spiritual nourishment first each morning.

13:44 – Looking Forward, Not Back

Using Lot’s wife as the backdrop, Jeff emphasizes the danger of spiritual backward-looking. He traces scriptural footnotes through Genesis and Luke, highlighting the Lord’s call to move forward with faith.

15:37 – Prophecies of the Second Coming

Jeff reads through verses describing the gathering of Israel, the great deep receding, earth being restored, and the Savior standing upon Zion. He shares insights on how early Saints may have struggled to imagine such prophecies and how we now see them unfolding globally.

20:13 – Ephraim, Judah, and Worldwide Conversion

Jeff notes modern missionary work’s astonishing reach, referencing recent conference statistics and speaking about temples and covenant paths as signs of the Lord hastening His work.

22:35 – A Fiery Description of the Lord’s Return

The imagery intensifies—melting fire, trembling nations, mountains flowing down. Jeff ponders why the Savior expresses such fierce language and suggests it reflects divine heartbreak when His children reject their potential.

24:49 – What Does the Lord Want Us to See?

Jeff slows down to ask the central devotional question: What is the Lord trying to teach us through these verses? He describes how the overarching message reveals the Lord’s perfect foreknowledge and boundless preparation for His people.

26:17 – The Certainty of the Gathering

Reading through prophecies of Christ’s triumphant return, Jeff reflects on the kingdom being prepared, the gospel reaching every nation, and the imagery of dyed garments and the winepress.

28:05 – Judgment, Mercy, and Missed Potential

Jeff considers the emotional tone of the Savior’s words—particularly His anger toward those who obstruct or diminish others’ spiritual progress.

29:30 – Closing Thoughts and a Pause Point

The episode pauses at verse 53. Jeff ends with gratitude for the majesty of God’s unfolding work and an invitation to forgive, let go of offenses, and reflect more of Christ’s light.

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Conclusion

Thank you for joining this powerful study of Doctrine and Covenants 133. As Jeff highlights throughout the episode, the Lord calls us to prepare, to watch, to flee spiritual Babylon, and to place Him first—not just in grand gestures, but in small, steady choices. Those daily moments of devotion—prayer, scripture study, repentance, kindness—become the oil in our lamps.

If you want a simple way to keep those spiritual practices alive day after day, the MyStreaks Streak Tracker app is a wonderful companion on the covenant path. Set the spiritual actions you want to keep consistent, track your progress, build momentum, and let your streaks strengthen your preparation for the Bridegroom. Whether it’s scripture study, prayer, ministering outreach, or simple acts of devotion, consistency creates transformation.

Until next time, may your lamp stay bright, your heart stay steady, and your streaks keep you anchored in the Savior. And as always—keep streaking the Scriptures.