The Savior

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Joseph Smith: Divine Prophecy

As I read Chapter 1-3 of 2 Nephi, I cant help but be over whelmed with the thoughts of a sad, and excited prophet Joseph Smith Jr.. In the start of 2 Nephi I can only feel an inkling of what Joseph was feeling as he translated Lehi's dying words to his sons. How prophetic did Lehi speak? I'm amazed at his wording, he was truly a prophet of God and was trying to relay all his feelings of the Lord and that his posterity may find redemption through Jesus Christ before he left his "probation" . After hearing all these amazing and beautiful words, my mind is directed toward D&C 3. This chapter was a revelation given to Joseph Smith jr. through the Urim and Thummim about the lost 116 pages of the manuscript which was called "Book of Lehi". Joseph had given this translated portion of the BOM to his scribe Martin Harris, and he asked to be lended these pages to show his wife and family. The Lord knew what would happen and answered Joseph in prayer not to let Martin H. borrow these pages not once, but twice. Joseph asked once again because of the pressure Martin H. was giving him to show his family of the "proof" of the translation. Finally the third prayer to the Lord, he gave him permission to lend Martin H. the papers. I know that Joseph was sick in body and spirit after finding out that Martin H. had lost these sacred pages of Lehi. And after I read more of Lehi's words in 2 Nephi, I wonder what more we could have learned through this Holy prophet which words were lost in 1828? Although I'm sure Joseph was hurting through the translating of those pages, Heavanly Father knows how to reactivate Joseph's confidence through the prophesying in chapter 3. In this chapter I believe Joseph was feeling alot better about the good he was doing for this world, as it prophecies of his life and trials. How clear are the words in verses 14- 15 ? It calls Joseph by name speaks of his fathers name as well as talks about all the people that seeked to destroy him and how they will be confounded (to put to shame, or bring to ruin)! I know if I had been translating this section what an AWESOME vote of confidence that would have been! I cant even begin to think of what it would feel like to have a prophet from thousands of years before me calling me by name and naming me to " bring my people to salvation". What a great experience for Joseph after feeling so horrible about those lost pages of Lehi.

2 comments:

alli said...

I have always tried to remember what happened with the manuscript when I receive an answer to a prayer that I don't want. I know the Lord answers our prayers and if I continue to pray for something, even after I have received an answer He might just give me what I want, even if it is not what is best.

Sally said...

It is so amazing to me how Heavenly Father continues to have confidence and faith in us even after we have been disobedient and made bad choices. I try to be like that as a parent, too. Once a problem is resolved, it is time for a fresh start. I have confidence in all my children to make good choices in their lives. I believe in them and have faith in their ability to be great people. I hope that I can earn my Heavenly Father's confidence as Joseph Smith did.