In the spring of 1820, a fourteen-year-old boy named Joseph Smith had a remarkable experience in a grove of trees near his home in Palmyra, New York, because he prayed. God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and answered his question about which church he should join.
From his account of this experience, we can learn many principles about receiving revelation. We learn that some questions are worth wrestling with. We learn that scriptures can provide insights to help us answer our questions. We learn that it’s helpful to be intentional about when, where, and how we pray. We learn that we should not give up when our prayers aren’t answered right away. We learn that God knows each of us by name. We learn that God will not find fault with our sincere questions. We learn that we must be true to revelation we have received from Him.
Here are some other lessons I’ve learned from Joseph Smith’s experience:
Outline
- Introduction: Why Joseph Smith wrote this account (v. 1-2)
- Background and problem statement: extreme religious fervor and contention in Joseph’s community (v. 3-10)
- Inspired by James 1:5 to pray (v. 11-13)
- Seized upon by a power of darkness (v. 14-16)
- Joseph sees God the Father and Jesus Christ (v. 17-20)
- Religious leaders persecute him, but Joseph cannot deny what he has seen (v. 21-26)
Key Themes
- Contention is incompatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- God answers the sincere prayers of His children. We can ask Him specific questions and receive answers.
- Our Father in Heaven loves His Son, Jesus Christ.
- Hypocrisy separates us from God and stunts our growth
- Universal truth exists, independent of our opinions and desires.
Book of Mormon Connections
- Nephi shared the words of Isaiah with his brothers. He writes, “I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23). Joseph Smith benefited from taking James 1:5 literally and applying it to his own experiences.
- Abinadi told King Noah and his priests, “I will not recall my words,” even though he faced execution for his testimony (Mosiah 17:10). Joseph Smith said, “Though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true, … and I could not deny it” (Joseph Smith—History 1:25).
Applications
- Don’t argue about religion, and don’t criticize other people’s spiritual experiences.
- Take time to ponder important things.
- Don’t give up when you feel surrounded by darkness and confusion.
- Pray out loud when you can.
- Be careful not to prioritize custom or tradition over the doctrines of the gospel.
Recommended Posts
- Why Is It Important to Ask Questions?
- What Does It Mean to Ponder?
- “Beware Lest There Shall Arise Contentions Among You” – Mosiah 2:32
- Truth
Blog Posts: January 14-19
“To Disabuse the Public Mind”
Joseph Smith wrote his history in response to disinformation. His purpose was “to disabuse the public mind” by putting them in possession of the facts. When we trust our listeners to be fair-minded, we share information which is beneficial to them.
Joseph Smith and the Need to Know
Remaining in “darkness and confusion” was simply unacceptable to Joseph Smith. He framed specific questions. He studied the information already available. He prayed carefully. Like Nephi, Alma, and Mormon, he made the effort to seek and receive answers.
Hypocrisy and Denying the Power of God
Hypocrisy stunts growth by distorting our view of where we are and of what we can become. When we are hypocritical, we substitute human ideals for God’s perspective. He counters by performing “marvelous works,” which help us see how limited our ideals are
Pillars and Rays
Joseph Smith saw a pillar of light. Most of the time, we receive revelation in less spectacular ways. Elder Alexander Dushku called these “rays.” Many small experiences of receiving personal revelation can combine into a powerful testimony of the gospel.
“Above the Brightness of the Sun”
The Restoration began with a burst of light chasing away the darkness. Not ordinary darkness, but “thick darkness.” Not ordinary light, but a pillar of light “above the brightness of the sun.” God’s light can dispel even the thickest of darkness.
“Hear Him”
On at least three occasions, God the Father introduced His Son and invited a group of people to “hear Him.” Various church leaders have made short videos in which they share how they hear the voice of the Savior. Here is a list of those messages.
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