http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-03-110-watchman-on-the-tower?category=old-testament/isaiah-malachi&&lang=eng
I never realized there is a parable in the Doctrine and Covenants about the "Watchman on the Tower."
D&C 101:
43 And now, I will show unto you a parable, that you may know my will concerning the redemption of Zion.
44 A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants: Go ye unto my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive trees;
45 And set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook the land
round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive trees may
not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take upon
themselves the fruit of my vineyard.
46 Now,
the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them,
and planted the olive trees, and built a hedge round about, and set
watchmen, and began to build a tower.
47 And
while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say
among themselves: And what need hath my lord of this tower?
48 And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves: What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?
49 Might not this money be given to the exchangers? For there is no need of these things.
50 And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.
51 And the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge;
and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled;
and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees.
52 Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil?
53 Ought
ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and—after ye had planted
the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the
walls thereof—built the tower also, and set a watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?
54 And
behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he
was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy
from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard from the
hands of the destroyer.
The prophet is someone who can see beyond the corner, or over the next bump in the road. I am so glad we have a prophet who has this vision, and we can take advantage by heading the warnings that have been given.
This movie is well done in the way it portrays physical danger, and relates this to spiritual danger in our time.
