The bishop in our ward told our children that he was inspired to tell them that the second coming would happen in their lifetime. Although sometimes I think he is right I do not believe he has the authority to tell something that even the angels do not know. My child thinks I am wrong and I am leading him astray and the bishop has every right to get inspiration for the ward.. which is true to some extent. Please help me as a mother explain how authority for the bishop works. I did explain that if the bishop said he has a revelation to have all the ward pack up and leave that it would be wrong and that it needs to comes through the proper lines of authority and this is how apostasy happens. I can’t seem to explain in a way that will help. Please please help!!
A very concerned mother
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Dear Concerned Mother,
I rejoice in the heart of a mother who desires her children to be properly nurtured according to true doctrine. In scripture, 3 Nephi 22:13 ( Isaiah 54:13) it is proclaimed, “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”
In your current circumstance, what knowledge from The Lord will greatly enhance the peace of your children, and peace within yourself? In a ward the Bishop is the presiding high priest who has been ordained, received keys, and authorized to receive revelation concerning those within his stewardship.
In light of our stewardships, would it be lawful, right, for a mother or father to receive a similar revelation regarding whether or not the second coming would be in their lifetime, even though the angels 2000 years ago didn’t know? The answer is, “yes.” In light of the Bishop’s stewardship, would it be right that he received revelation regarding the same prophecy? The answer is also, “yes.” Is a primary president authorized to receive similar inspiration, revelation? The answer concurs with the previous questions, “yes,” the primary president would be authorized, in connection with her steward (primary children), to receive this type of inspiration from The Lord.
Thus, the real question we (father, mother, and children) should be pondering is whether or not the inspiration delivered by your bishop was a sure and true prophecy? Thus, The true key is to find out if “he is right” about his inspiration. If he is, the argument with the child is over. If he is not, then there is no more “sometimes” and you can move forward with teaching that sometimes even spiritual leaders just speak as men – and there’s no need to bring authority or speculative timelines into the discussion. Pass the same key down and let the child exercise the gift of discernment also.
Gramps
