Our Divine Destiny

Understand Our Divine Destiny as a Reality and Spiritual Truth

“And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey … ”
~ Exodus 3:8 ~

The scriptures, early Christian writers, poetry, logic, and history testify not only of the divine possibility but of the divine reality that man may become as God. The Doctrine and Covenants refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, declaring, “And because they did none other things than that which they were commanded, they have entered into their exaltation, . . . and sit upon thrones, and are not angels but are gods” (D&C 132:37). For these men the divine possibility became the divine reality. This does not mean they became gods who replaced our Father in Heaven but rather exalted men who have enlarged capabilities to honor and glorify Him. Our Father in Heaven will forever stand supreme as our God, whom we will love and revere and worship, worlds without end.
~ Tad R. Callister – Our Identity and Destiny; BYU Devotional, August 14, 2021 ~

In Word: Proverbs gives us wisdom and insight in that where there is no vision, the people perish. It also reveals that those who keep the law find happiness (see, Proverbs 29:18). Our search for happiness begins when we seek our Heavenly Father in revealing to us who we are, our purpose in this life, and our eventual destiny. Each one of us may have asked ourselves those three important questions: Who am I? Why am I here? and, where am I going? Every one of us has a divine destiny. The Israelites had lost sight of who they were. Bound to slavery in ancient Egypt – the Hebrews groaned, murmured, and complained of their present fate. Scripture reveals that Israel endured years of enslavement to a prosperous and wealthy empire. And it was through the Prophet Moses that God brought about their deliverance. The Israelites followed Moses, wandering in the desert wilderness, and succumbed to all frailties of human discouragement, weaknesses, and lack of faith. All despite the magnificent and wonderous works performed by God.

Much like the Israelites, we are wandering in the wilderness and desert of life. Seeking freedom from those things that have us bound. Sin enslaves us, pressing upon us, and the more we resist, the weaker we seemed to become. Our Heavenly Father sent His Only Begotten Son to free us from the snares of sin and death. The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin so also does life come from the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:12-19).

Therefore, it is because of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in these last days that our eternal destiny is a reality. Through Jesus Christ, we are led through the wilderness and desert of life toward that eternal blessed hope. His promise is given in that if we endure as he endured and overcome as he overcame – we shall be granted permission to sit on his throne as he sits on the throne with the Father (Revelation 3:21). Our vision is upon the eternal promise of glory and exaltation. Through Christ, we receive our inheritance (Romans 8:18-17). Paul himself revealed to Timothy: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

In Deed: It is vitally important for us to have a clear and definitive vision of our eternal destiny. The assurance of our faith and hope not only rests upon Christ and His infinite atonement. It rests upon our willingness, commitment, and devotion to walk in obedience to our Heavenly Father’s will. Through daily journey, and scripture study, of the Old Testament we shall have pure truths and doctrines of Christ revealed. Our wandering in the wilderness and desert of life is similar to the Ancient Israelites. Because of Christ we are brought out of our various vices and spiritual bondages. In our wandering we come to develop a fellowship where we rely upon the Lord. His will and desire is revealed unto us in how we cultivate love toward Him and toward others. And if we are faithful enough in doing so we shall enter into that blessed hope of our promised land. A place where we receive a crown of righteousness. An inheritance similar to Christ’s inheritance. Without such vision – we shall perish in our lives. Wandering in the various deserts where we find no fulfillment, no hope, and no blessings.

Take a Moment and Ponder: Personal revelation also includes our willingness to hear the words of our Heavenly Father’s servants; but to also allow ourselves to be guided by their wisdom and counsel. Ultimately, it is Christ who leads us back to our Heavenly Father. It is through Christ and His infinite atonement where we receive our blessings in the eternities to come. Reflect on the following questions as you consider the scriptures and seek God’s wisdom and sweet counsel for your life:

• How long have I been wandering, lost in the desert of life?
• How do I apply the principle truths of Israelites being under bondage and the freedom brought forth through Moses?
• How does the vision of exaltation and inheritance of eternal life bring happiness?

There is no greater vision and hope than that of our desire to attain the promised blessings our Heavenly Father has in store for us. Exaltation is the treasure of God’s kingdom. A place prepared for us if we only seek to faithfully walk in obedience to His will and follow Christ all the days of our lives.

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