THE POWER WITHIN HIM

 

“While the enemies in Missouri were gathering their lawless forces for an assault upon the Church there, the Lord inspired the Prophet Joseph to go on a mission and proclaim the gospel message. He was not to mind the enemies. His calling was to testify to the world. And he went on this mission as far as Canada, as full of faith and hope as if there had been no storm clouds in the sky.” (Smith and Sjodahl, Commentary p 630 – as quoted in the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual p 236)

If there is anyone who is qualified to say that “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation” it is Joseph Smith (Lecture 6:7, “Lectures on Faith”). Following this call he wrote in his journal: “I feel very well in my mind. The Lord is with us, but have much anxiety about my family.” (“History of the Church”, 1:419n)

Section 100 of the Doctrine and Covenants is only small and seems rather insignificant compared to the rest of this book. It mainly deals with this mission call but there is something so powerful in it.

The Lord assured Joseph and his companion Sidney Rigdon that their families were in His hands and then He added something that makes this mission call more significant than it appears. He said: “In me there is all power” (v1).  

And this is how that power was manifest. Sidney Rigdon had great gifts as an orator and student of scriptures. The Lord called him as a spokesman to Joseph and promised him “power to be mighty in testimony” (v 10). Sidney declared the word of God with wonderful eloquence and was a mighty man in the hands of God.

What is significant about Sidney is that Joseph of Egypt was told about him by the Saviour himself 1,700 years before his birth and recounted by Lehi 600 years before the same (2 Nephi 3:18). Thus we see Sidney was prepared in pre-existence by the Lord himself for his calling as Joseph’s spokesman to Canada and according to President George Q. Cannon, even until Joseph’s death (see “Journal of Discourses” 25:126).

What a God we worship!!! A God of impeccable wisdom, might and power. When you make the salvation of others your work and your glory, you employ all your perfect faculties in ensuring success. This is who He is. A God of perfection, a God of all knowledge, wisdom and power, a God that can be trusted and relied upon. A God who will ensure our salvation. In Joseph’s words:

“We are on the pathway to eternal fame, and immortal glory”…….

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Joseph Smith at Saviour's Feet by Liz Lemon Swindle)