Standalone doctrinal study — independent of this week's Come Follow Me block.
Today, we reflect on the profound power and promise of divine covenants.
"I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise."
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/82?lang=eng&id=p10#p10
This powerful verse was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, on April 26, 1832. The revelation came during a council of high priests and elders, where the Lord was providing further instructions for establishing the United Firm (later known as the United Order) to manage the Church's temporal affairs and build Zion. Notably, this counsel followed a period where some leaders, including Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge, had experienced "difficulty or hardness," which was resolved, prompting the Lord's forgiveness to those who had forgiven one another. In essence, the Lord was organizing these leaders into a covenant relationship to collectively build Zion through living the law of consecration.
The declaration, "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say," is not a limitation on God's omnipotence, but rather a profound affirmation of His perfect justice, unwavering faithfulness, and the absolute reliability of His divine promises. It highlights that God operates within the framework of eternal law, and when we enter into sacred covenants with Him and honor our part, He is obligated by His own nature and word to fulfill His promises to us. This principle applies to all saving ordinances, including baptism, priesthood covenants, and temple endowments and sealings, inviting us to yoke ourselves with the Savior and access His strength and redeeming power. When we actively engage in keeping our covenants, we demonstrate our love and trust in Him, enabling Him to pour out blessings that are otherwise withheld.