Prophetic Voice | Part 1

 

Joseph Smith: The Prophet Who Saw God

“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun…”

—Joseph Smith—History 1:16

✨ In a time of religious confusion and spiritual hunger, a young boy knelt in a grove of trees to ask a simple but sincere question:

Which church is true?

His name was Joseph Smith, and his prayer changed the history of the world.

🕊️ The Dawn of the Restoration

In the spring of 1820, near Palmyra, New York, Joseph sought the Lord with real intent. What happened next, known as The First Vision, marks the beginning of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days.

Key scripture:

📖 Joseph Smith—History 1:17

“I saw the Lord… and He spoke to me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to a young prophet. This sacred event opened the heavens once again and restored divine communication to the earth.

📜 A Prophet Prepared for a Great Work

Through heavenly revelations, angelic visitations, and divine guidance, Joseph was chosen to restore the true Church of Jesus Christ. He translated the Book of Mormon, received priesthood authority from John the Baptist and later Peter, James, and John, and officially organized the Church on April 6, 1830.

Key scripture:

📖 Doctrine and Covenants 1:17–18

“I the Lord… called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments…”

🛡️ A Servant Willing to Give His All

Joseph Smith endured persecution, slander, and imprisonment, yet he never denied what he saw and knew. He remained faithful until the very end, even giving his life for his testimony.

He was martyred on June 27, 1844, in Carthage Jail.

“Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more… save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world…”

— Doctrine and Covenants 135:3

🗣️ Words from Living Prophets

President Russell M. Nelson:

“Joseph Smith was a chosen instrument in the Lord’s hands—foreordained to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley:

“We do not worship Joseph Smith. But we reverence him as the great prophet of the Restoration.”

✨ Personal Reflection

Joseph Smith was not a perfect man, but he was a faithful, humble, and courageous prophet. His life is a testimony that God still speaks today. His story invites each of us to seek our own “First Vision”—a personal connection with our Heavenly Father through sincere prayer and scripture study.

🙏 Invitation to Act

• Read or revisit the First Vision in Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26.

• Ask the Lord your questions—He will answer.

• Prepare your heart to hear the Lord’s voice through His living prophets.