BY THE WEAK

 

It is amazing to me that the Saviour relies on us, the weak things of the earth, to accomplish His purposes. This is His call: “Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit” (D&C 35:13). The greatest and first example of this latter-day mandate was Joseph Smith, as confirmed by the Lord who said: ".....for unto this end have I raised you up, that I might show forth my wisdom through the weak things of the earth" (D&C 124:1).

Why the unlearned and inexperienced and ordinary and those lacking in any esteem of their fellow men? So that the work which they achieve will be accredited to the right person, the Christ. Considering Joseph’s lack of education, experience and youth, nobody could ever claim that he achieved anything in relation to the gospel by his own merits. All credit goes to Him to whom this Church belongs. It is on this premise the authenticity of the Church is built.

I am amazed by the myriad of achievements the Saviour accomplished through the weakest and the most unlearned, the Prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith:

·        He taught the correct concepts about the nature of the Father and Son.

·        He translated and published the Book of Mormon by the power of God.

·        He was the means by which the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods were restored.

·        He organized the Church of Jesus Christ again on the earth under the direction of the Saviour.

·        He revealed the true meaning of Zion, its location in the last days, and the laws by which it shall be governed.

·        He received over a hundred revelations and published them in the Doctrine and Covenants.

·        He worked on the translation of the Bible, restoring lost scripture and correcting erroneous translations.

·        He established settlements of the Saints, teaching them principles of social order, city planning, economics and so on, in addition to teaching them spiritual principles.

·        He restored the keys and knowledge of temple ordinances for both the living and the dead.

·        He received keys of restoration from Moses, Elias and Elijah.

·        He started missionary program that has involved tens of thousands of missionaries and resulted in millions of converts in countries all over the world.

·        He translated by inspiration of God papyri from Egypt, containing some of the writings of Abraham.

·        The Lord revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith many principles and concepts of the gospel which had been lost or corrupted over the centuries. The Prophet Joseph Smith then:

·        Explained man’s relationship to God.

·        Explained the differences between the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods.

·        Explained the different offices of the priesthood, the duties of each, and the manner in which they are organized.

·        Set forth the proper organization, name and purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ.

·        Taught that our life on earth is a probation, a time to work out our individual salvation.

·        Received a revelation of the three degrees of glory and what we must do to prepare to live once again with God.

·        Explained the nature and order of the Resurrection.

·        Showed how saving ordinances can be performed vicariously for those who did not receive them in mortality.

·        Set forth the principles on which Zion will be built, the nature of the Millenium, and the kingdom of God and how it will eventually be established on earth.

·        Added to our knowledge of the Apostasy and why it came.

·        Pointed out the fulfilment of various prophecies.

·        Announced the coming of Elijah, and explained his mission.

·        Taught that marriage is intended to be eternal and that the family unit continues beyond the grave

·        Served as an example of the role of a living prophet.

·        Restored the principle of priesthood administration to the sick.

·        Built temples and revealed temple ordinances for the living and the dead.

·        Brought forth the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the writings in the Pearl of Great Price.

·        Set down the duties of Church members and the laws by which the Church is governed.

·        Taught the doctrine of common consent.

·        Explained the role of Satan in the gospel plan.

·        Gave the Saints the Lord’s principles by which we can avoid being deceived in this life.

·        Taught the true nature of the Atonement of Christ and its relationship to the principles of justice and mercy.

·        Explained the meaning of the sacrament.

·        Explained the nature of spiritual gifts and the role of the Holy Ghost.

·        Clarified the role of women in the kingdom of God.

·        Received the revelation of the oath and covenant of the priesthood.

·        Emphasized the necessity of missionary work in the Lord’s plan.

·        Received the Word of Wisdom.

·        Instituted the law of tithing, the law of consecration, and the law of sacrifice and obedience.

All of these accomplishments were done under the direction of Jesus Christ and ultimately the credit belongs to Him. But Joseph Smith was His chosen instrument in bringing all these things to pass. This is why we can rightly say that the Prophet did more for the salvation of humanity than anyone except the Saviour himself (D&C 135:3)

(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, p 349-50)

 - CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Joseph by Simon Dewey)