THE SHEPHERD

 

The more I study the Church history, the more I can see one truth: the Saviour himself restored His Church. We often say the Church was built on the sacrifices of the pioneers. This statement is not without its foundation but it overlooks the power behind those pioneers and their sacrifices.

When President Joseph F. Smith received his revelation regarding the spirit world in 1918, he was given to understand the greatest truth regarding the Church and its ability to rise. In the revelation, he observed that there were noble and great spirits who were chosen ‘in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of God’, and that they were prepared, with many others, to come forth ‘in due time to labour in the Lord’s vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men’ (D&C 138:55,56).

I am amazed how plain it is to see that the Saviour placed these chosen people where they should be for the establishment of the Church. Over and over He sent men prepared to receive the Gospel to Joseph, asking for baptism and a revelation from the Lord to know what He would have them do. This is what the Church was built on. Consider just a few of these men:

·        Orson Pratt, a brother of Parley P. Pratt, was baptized in 1830 in New York and arrived on Joseph’s doorstep six weeks later asking him to inquire of God what his duty was. He was 19 years of age (History of the Church, 1:127-28)

·        Sidney Rigdon heard the message of the restored gospel in 1830 in Ohio and was baptized immediately. Soon after his baptism, he travelled to Fayette, New York, to meet the Prophet and inquired what the Lord wanted him to do.  (History of the Church, 1:128)

·        Edward Partridge first heard the Gospel message in Ohio in 1830, from the missionaries who had been sent to the Lamanites and who stopped there on the way to Missouri. In December of that year he travelled to Fayette, sought out the Prophet and asked to be baptized (History of Joseph Smith, p 191-2)

·        Parley P.  Pratt: I read about his story years ago. It is astounding. In short, he was preaching around the countryside and came upon a man who had been given a Book of Mormon. He thought Parley would be interested in it so he gave it to him. Parley Pratt started reading and could not stop until the next day. He could not eat or sleep until he finished it. He also found the Prophet and asked to be baptized.

And Joseph? It is not by accident that he wanted to know which Church to join at 14 years of age. He was led to read the scripture which brought him to the sacred grove to utter the question he asked. Therefrom, he was guided in all things until his life was asked of him.

The Church was restored and has prospered because of one thing: “I am the good shepherd…..and my sheep hear my voice” (John 10:14,27)

We are in this Church because we are His sheep. We were prepared long before the world began to answer the call. All glory be to the Shepherd who calls us His own….

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: The Gentle Saviour by Greg Collins)