The Lord loves a good agricultural image. During His earthly ministry, he used them often in teaching opportunities. He especially loves teaching about missionary work in this way. “For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul” (D&C 4: 4).
But one thing often overlooked in these images is the amount of time it takes to bring forth the work. Think of the mustard seed, which needs many years to grow before birds can nest in mature branches (see Luke 13). The process is slow.

So it is also with the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees (Jacob 5). Jacob takes great care to relate the stories of scattering and gathering, told through olive branches being grafted back and forth. In the end, the Lord of the vineyard says: “Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come (v 71, emphasis added).

This season began in 1820, and the early saints thought they would see the end of this season, but they didn’t understand the whole parable. “For behold, for a long time will I lay up of the fruit of my vineyard unto mine own self against the season” (v. 76).

We are nearly at the end of that season. It is nearing the time for the final harvest. May we all thrust in our sickles and lay up fruit for the Lord of the vineyard.

All the best,

Editor@DesertSaintsMagazine.com