5 questions with 5 answers: D&C 42

D&C 42 is a composite revelation received in part on February 9th, 1831 then further two weeks later on February 23rd, 1831. The original printed revelations from 1835 contained this revelation in a more complete version with 5 question and 5 answers. These are the general questions:
- Should the Church come together in one place?
- How are Elders to take care of their families while the Elders serve missions?
- What is the Church's position on gathering?
- How should the restored church of Christ interact and deal with the "world"?
- What should they do to prepare for receiving Saints coming from the East?

Some of these questions are not pertinent to the Saints today simply because they don't apply to our situations. But studying this revelation is profound in teaching about the process of revelation. As President Uchtdorf mentioned today in his Church Educational System devotional, practically all the revelations are answers to questions. President Uchtdorf was addressing the concern of dealing with questions about the Church, doctrine, parts of your testimony, etc. President Uchtdorf said that we are a questioning people--it is in our nature. The revelations, with D&C 42 being a classic example, teach us that if we take our questions to the Lord in faith, having searched, pondered, prayed, and came in righteousness, God will answer our prayers. He will guide us. I loved how President Uchtdorf remarked that if we didn't have any questions about the doctrine, Plan of Salvation, or other aspects of the Gospel, then we might wonder if it just isn't some man-made scheme. To sum it up in my college-oriented mind, learning about God and His plans and works is not some one-credit class you can just take and be done with!

D&C 42 reveals plainly the process of receiving, transcribing, and publishing revelation. The revelation also contains some great doctrine and commadments. The saints were promised in moving to the Ohio (D&C 38:32) that they would there receive "my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high." In Kirtland, Ohio, in the presence of twelve elders, Joseph Smith received "the law" as D&C 42. This was during a pentecostal period for the Church where a great outpouring of spiritual experiences and revelations came to the members. D&C 42 exhorts missionaries, tells them to use the Bible, Book of Mormon, and articles and covenants (D&C 20) in their missionary labors, gives 10 commandment-like commandments, begins to teach about how to be a consecrated people (taking care of poor, imparting your substance to others), tells purposes to Gathering, talks about stewardships, testifies of asking and receiving revelation, consequences of breaking 10 commandment-type laws, and gives other great counsel.
Though I cannot quite put myself into the shoes of any of the early saints, I can imagine this was a powerful witness of Joseph's role as prophet and revelator, the mindfulness of God over His people, and the importance of following God's commands to be worthy of His greatest blessings.