Two weeks after the Section 62 was received, Joseph Smith is back in Kirtland. While in Missouri, the Lord had revealed where the city of the New Jerusalem was going to be and now the saints in Kirtland are anxious to know about it, when they will go there, and if they will have land of their own in the city. The Lord reveals that this is not something that can be taken lightly.
Zion is a very sacred concept and a very sacred place. Only those who have faith in the Lord, who keep the commandments, will be able to dwell there. The Lord warns those who want a sign that these things are true rather than having faith in him that they are true that they will not have such an inheritance. Others, are not worthy morally.
Another thing the Lord reveals about the move to Missouri is that it is not to be in haste because it will bring confusion, overcrowding and pestilence. Rather than prospering, the people will suffer. Lands need to be purchased which means money is needed. I think it's interesting that the Lord commands specific individuals to provide money for purchasing land, but doesn't say how much, only that they use wisdom. A false prophet would say the Lord is asking the people to give everything to him without thinking of their circumstances or needs.
One thing that came true in this revelation is the Lord's telling them that their enemies will be upon them, that they will be scourged from city to city. I'm sure they had no concept of what was in store for them when they finally came to Missouri. The Lord says that the promises of Zion will be in his own time. The saints wanted it then and it just wasn't going to happen.
The Lord also cautions people concerning love. Pure love is a part of Zion. The Lord is offended by those who claim to love, but lie. Because the Lord's love is perfect for all, because he has suffered for all and given his very life for everyone, it is offensive to him when claim to love him but don't. It is also offensive when his or his Father's name is used as an epithet, or casually, or in vain.
Eventually the righteous will be separate from the wicked. There will no longer be the grey areas that are so easy to wander in today. We can see this happening now with some moral issues. I also find it interesting that the Lord says the wicked will slay the wicked. History has shown this to be true and this will be seen on a far larger scale prior to the Lord's coming.
I think what the Lord wants is for us to recognize and respect that which is sacred. That we live our lives as if they are sacred gifts, that we keep the commandments, and that we love without guile. When we do that, we become a Zion people worthy of a Zion city. But we also are happier and more settled. We live life with both feet on the ground, know who we are and what we're about.
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