LESSON ABOUT THE 1ST VISION

Today (February 1, 2009), I was able to watch a KBYU program of discussions about Joseph Smith’s first vision.  It was very helpful and taught me several new things.  The professors of religion at BYU who were part of this discussion brought up several points included here (as I can recall):

• The book of James was almost not included at all in the Bible.
• Joseph pondered about which church to join for quite some time.
• He pondered further after he read James 1:5 which states: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”  He believed God literally.
• Joseph’s name in Hebrew means: gatherer of God
• Every detail that was prophesized of, including Joseph’s name, was fulfilled.
• Joseph read James 1:5 and had his first revelation by the Holy Ghost witnessing to his soul about the truth of James’ testimony and advising him to seek wisdom from God in personal prayer.
• God answered the prayer of a boy; demonstrating that we need only two things to come to God and receive wisdom: 1) a great desire; 2) to be a child of God; not famous, not rich, not of any worldly consequence.  We can all come to God in prayer and receive answers to guide our lives.  We can have personal revelations to help us meet our individual responsibilities.
• The Godhead was made manifest.
• The heavens were again officially opened; God had a prophet again.
• Satan has real powers, powers of darkness.
• Manifestations from God are sacred; they are to be shared only as is appropriate.  Joseph provided an example as he never shared too much or bragged or made light of his experiences, and he adjusted his testimony to the benefit of the audience before him as the Apostle Paul had done.
• Once the understanding of who the Godhead is and what their relationship with each other and with people was lost, the rest of truth was then confused.
• Joseph’s vision restored a knowledge of the Godhead and the relationship between God and mankind.  We are children of the Living God.
• Opposition always arises against the work of God.
• God’s work is not hindered.
• There is a priesthood hierarchy.  God, the Father, has given direction of all things to His Son, and we are to do all in the name of the Son.

I was especially touched today by the fact that God hears the prayers of any true seeker, regardless of one’s standing in the world, which is a very hopeful thing for little me.  I was also touched by the idea that we can all receive personal revelation to guide us in our lives.  While Joseph was lead to the scared grove, we are lead to our own revelation to meet our own needs and to accomplish our own works and meet our own responsibilities before God.  God loves His children, and He has not left us here on earth to wander aimlessly.  He has a plan and loves to share with us that plan.  He honors those who honor Him and His Son