Ep. 383: Doctrine & Covenants 124:1-2 The Weak Things of the World: A Missionary's Beginning

My Scripture Streak

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this heartfelt episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery Downs welcomes a very special guest—his son, Elder Bowen Downs, who enters the Missionary Training Center (MTC) the next day to begin his full-time missionary service in the Gilbert, Arizona Mission. Together, father and son study Doctrine and Covenants Section 124, exploring the Lord's message about raising up the "weak things of the world to thrash the nations."

Elder Downs shares his testimony, insights from Alma 9, and personal missionary experiences—inviting others to church and interviewing a convert. They discuss how the Lord uses humble instruments to accomplish His divine purposes, and what it means to rely on the Spirit in teaching, speaking, and serving.

This intimate conversation between a father and his missionary son beautifully captures the essence of faith, humility, and the power of consistent spiritual practice.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – A Special Guest Enters the Studio Jeffery introduces Elder Bowen Downs, who begins MTC training the next day. The two discuss his call to the Gilbert, Arizona Mission and experiences in the home MTC.

02:00 – Mission Preparation and Alma 9 Elder Downs shares scriptures he's studied, including Alma 9—a missionary story about repentance and inviting others to baptism. He recounts a class challenge to bring a friend to church and interview a convert.

04:40 – Section 124: Weak Things of the World Father and son begin reading Doctrine and Covenants 124, discovering how the Lord uses the weak to manifest His wisdom and strength.

06:45 – Why the Lord Chooses the Weak Elder Downs explains that sending the weak shows God's strength and faithfulness. They connect this to Ether 12:6 and 1 Corinthians 1:27, exploring how the Lord confounds the mighty through humble servants.

09:10 – Learning to Speak Through the Spirit Elder Downs describes overcoming his quiet nature through practice and Preach My Gospel training, memorizing key points of the Restoration and Plan of Salvation lessons.

13:35 – God's Pattern of Using the Humble The discussion moves to Doctrine and Covenants 35:13—how the Lord calls upon the weak and unlearned to "thrash the nations." Jeffery explains the biblical meaning of threshing—separating wheat from chaff—as a metaphor for spiritual refinement.

19:20 – Fighting with the Spirit, Not the Fists Drawing on Elder Downs's background in karate, Jeffery likens physical fighting to spiritual strength—fighting "manfully" for God with mind, mouth, and heart rather than hands.

21:50 – The Temple and the Cornerstone of Zion They discuss serving in the temple and the peace found within, relating it to the Lord's call to build up Zion and polish its cornerstone with refinement "after the similitude of a palace."

26:30 – Being Led by the Spirit Elder Downs shares how prayer brings direction, just as Nephi was "led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand" what to do. He reflects on listening to promptings as a missionary.

28:30 – Faith Over Fear: Preparing to Leave Home Jeffery asks if he's nervous to leave. Elder Downs replies with confidence and peace, knowing that through the Lord he can do all things.

30:55 – A Missionary's Testimony Elder Downs bears testimony of missionary work, prayer, the temple, and the Prophet Joseph Smith, expressing that the Lord is his "best friend" and constant companion.

32:45 – A Father's Pride and Closing Witness Jeffery concludes with gratitude for his son's faith and shares his own testimony of the gospel, the scriptures, and the divine mission of missionaries throughout the world.

🙏 Conclusion

In this special episode, Streaking the Scriptures becomes more than study—it becomes a legacy of faith between father and son. Elder Downs reminds us that even the weak and unlearned can do mighty things through the Spirit of God. His courage to step forward as a missionary shows what daily spiritual consistency can build—a faith strong enough to serve anywhere in the world.