Here is a vocal arrangement of Dearest Children, God is Near You, to go along with the Come Follow Me Sunday School Lesson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This lesson draws from 2 Kings 2–7 and is called “There Is a Prophet in Israel” (This was supposed to be released at the beginning of the month, but I was unable to do so at the time, so I am posting it now 🙂 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-old-testament-2022/28?lang=eng
The text for this song was written by Charles Walker, who was an amazing early latter day saint who was born in England and then traveled with his family to the Utah Territory. He helped settle the St. George area. He sacrificed and worked hard all his life for God and his songs helped lift the saints’ spirits during hard times.
In 2 Kings, Elisha and his servant, while facing a large army surrounding Israel, have their spiritual eyes opened to see an army of God’s angels ready to assist them. The song helped me think more about how we really do have angels nearby, watching over us and helping God in his work. It is a comforting thought to me. Wendy Nelson, President Nelson’s wife, has written about this topic and it’s good stuff. https://www.ldsliving.com/sister-wendy-nelson-how-angels-can-help-us-more-in-our-lives/s/81465
President Joseph F. Smith declared: “When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred [and] friends . . . . In like manner, our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine Presence messages of love, of warning, of reproof and instruction to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh.”
Thanks for watching and listening.
