Forsake

The traditional meanings of the verb forsake are “to give up or renounce, part with, or surrender (esp. something dear or valued); to break off from, renounce (esp. an evil practice or sin; also, a belief, doctrine); to abandon, leave entirely, withdraw from (esp. to withdraw one’s presence and help or companionship from); to desert.”¹ Forsake is chiefly applied to “leaving that by which natural affection or a sense of duty should or might have led us to remain; as, to forsake one’s home, friends, country, or cause,”² or “to leave someone forever, especially when they need you.”³

In today’s current circumstances, the Lord has given strict instructions in the Answer to Prayer for Covenant to seek to recover the lost sheep remnant of this land and of Israel and no longer forsake them (T&C 158:11). “What does it mean when the [Lord] states to not forsake the house of Israel? The house of Israel occupies a very unique place in history. That is true not only of the Native American remnant of the house of Israel but also of the Jewish house of Israel. We are not to forsake them by ignoring them, by forgetting them, [or] by failing to pray concerning [these] people who believe strongly… in the preservation of their culture.”⁴

The task of reclaiming the Gentiles, the seed of Lehi, the Jews, and all of scattered Israel is an immense undertaking. It will not just rely upon a few humble covenant followers of Christ but will require the Lord’s hand because it is His operation. Recovering the lost sheep remnant of this land and all of the other lost sheep of Israel — and not forsaking them — can be accomplished by bring[ing] them unto me and teach[ing] them of my ways, to walk in them (T&C 158:11). The promise is then returned about being forsaken: And I, the Lord your God, will be with you and will never forsake you, and I will lead you in the path which will bring peace to you in the troubling season now fast approaching (ibid., ¶12).

There are times, however, when it is right and appropriate to forsake. The Lord tells men to repent, and when they do, He remembers their sins no longer. Confess and forsake them, and be forgiven. In other words, change; turn away from sin, and face God instead.⁵ Modern revelation tells us that every soul who forsakes their sins and comes unto Him, calls on His name, obeys His voice, and keeps all His commandments shall see His face and know that He is. It also informs that the glory of God is intelligence, or in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one (T&C 93:11).