Windows of Heaven

3 Nephi 24

This entire chapter is one I relate very personally to. Christ is still teaching the multitude and quotes from Malachi 3. The Lord's messenger shall prepare the way for the Second Coming. Christ shall sit in judgment. Israel commanded to pay tithes and offerings.

The first thought I had as I started reading was "Who is the Lord's messenger?"  It wasn't a "who".  It was a "what".  

I lived without the gospel in my life for a little over nine years. It was a miserable existence with much oppression from an emotionally abusive spouse. I, like Alma, remembered to reach out. It took a while to work, but finally I understood that I needed the help of friends, family and leaders to get me out of this oppression. They were my messengers. They prepared me to receive the Savior in my life.

It struck me this morning as I read that the first thing Christ said after telling them of the second messenger was they should pay tithing. The very first righteous decision I had to make after I had finally made my break (divorce) was when I received my first paycheck. I looked at it and the thought came to me “Nobody will stop you from paying your tithing. It is your decision now.” I quickly pulled out my checkbook and wrote a check so as not to be tempted.

Prior to my divorce, but after I had decided I had to make this break if I was ever to be happy, I asked my Dad for a Priesthood blessing. In that blessing he promised me that if I continued on the path I was currently on that the “windows of heaven would be opened to me and there would not be room enough to receive it”. This was prophecy fulfilled in my life. I marvel every day at the blessings in my life. Are there troubles? You bet! But do I see them as troubles or opportunities to grow? I see them as opportunities to grow – especially as I overcome them one by one. Yes, the windows of heaven have definitely opened up to me, to which I am grateful beyond measure.

So who is the messenger that prepares the way for His Second Coming?  It is the experiences we have that draw us closer to Him.  That is my own personal interpretation and I'm glad to receive correction on this.