While many of us have a favorite hymn from the beautifully inspired hymns of praise that have touched our hearts and brought tears to our eyes, The Songs of Zion are unique to our Church. They are songs that belong to a new time; they belong to a new era; they belong to our people. They are songs sent from the throne of God as a gift to The Church of Jesus Christ. They are inspirational and related to Christ and His promises of the latter-day times and events. This gift was given to our late Sister Arlene Buffington, as our songs of hope and joy, looking forward to the fulfillment of the kingdom of Zion, bathed in the latter-day glory of the restoration.

Today I’d like to consider No. 124 “I Am Your Brother” by looking at the meaning and application of the song, because it’s too easy to sing without paying attention to the words and their meaning.

I AM YOUR BROTHER

VERSE 1

I am your brother, the years have been long, 

Where dim grew the vision and dim grew the song. 

But out of the darkness and bursting with light, 

I’m seeing my brothers, don’t cry, it’s all right.

I’m seeing my brothers, don’t cry, it’s all right.

VERSE 2

I am your brother, lost so long ago, 

There’s no need to bow down nor sorrow to show.

This day had been promised our father before, 

I’ve found you my brothers, don’t cry, anymore. 

I’ve found you my brothers, don’t cry, anymore.

VERSE 3

I am your brother, so come gather ‘round, 

Where corn grows the tallest and honey is found. 

\Where storms never linger and dreams never die, 

And I am your brother, come brothers, don’t cry. 

And I am your brother, come brothers, don’t cry.

VERSE 4

I am your brother, I’m hiding my tears, 

Rejoicing to see you from so many years. 

The land lies before you, a beautiful sight, 

My brothers are home now, don’t cry, it’s all right. 

My brothers are home now, don’t cry, it’s all right.

©2005 Arlene Lea Buffington

This song and its melody are so sweet to me… I guess it it’s because when I read the account in Genesis 37-49 of how Joseph was thrown into a pit by his jealous brothers and sold into slavery (at around age 17), spent years as a slave and years in prison, and finally is released (at around age 30) to become Pharaoh of Egypt’s right-hand man, I begin to realize and see the many challenges he faced, and yet through it all, he remained faithful to his God. 

And when his brothers (yes, the same brothers that sold him into slavery) came looking to buy corn and food because of the famine, the scriptures tell us how he had to leave the room and weep because of the love he still had for his brothers (Genesis 43:30). This account touches my heart just as the song.

The song also helps us understand his heart and attitude. Despite the hardships, the challenges, the countless reasons to hate and despise, he found love and forgiveness! And while it reflects Joseph’s natural heart toward his natural brothers, it also foretells figuratively of the joy and love that his descendants (the seed of Joseph, the indigenous people of America) will have toward Israel as they come to accept Jesus Christ and the hope of salvation through His atoning sacrifice. They will view them as brothers–brothers in Christ, rejoicing to be together, to serve side by side in the building of His kingdom (Zion)! 

An experience accepted by the Priesthood in October 2018 speaks of this future through the Word of the Lord. In this experience, Joseph appeared in a vision and said, “…So I encourage you to continue, and those who labor amongst my kindred [Joseph’s seed – the indigenous people of America], continue! For yes, seeds have been planted; seeds have been planted not only amongst my offspring [Joseph’s seed – the indigenous people of America] but even my brothers’ [the other 11 tribes including the Jews]. Yes, for this is the plan of the Father. And yes, when His purposes are fulfilled and when the time comes appointed by the Father Himself, then knowledge will go, and my offspring will truly see and understand who they are. And once they have accepted this knowledge, that truth will spread. And the offspring of my brethren [a remnant of the house of Israel] will see and know, and they will come forth, and it will be proven unto them! And then will my family truly be reunited along with those sincere ones [Gentiles] who have accepted the Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Great Gift our Father hath given to all His creation; to all who would accept. So prepare now, prepare now…”

We anticipate with much joy and excitement the building of Zion and the fulfillment of all God’s promises. This will truly be a beautiful gathering and a homecoming, and as the last verse says, “My brothers are home now, don’t cry, it’s all right.”

May God bless you.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.