Testimonies of the Witnesses

A couple of things stood out to me this time as I read the testimonies of the three witnesses, the eight witnesses, and the testimony of Joseph Smith.

Our own responsibility

In the testimony of the three witnesses, after they had beheld the plates and the engravings on them, they testify that “the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things”. As I pondered on this, I also thought about my own responsibility after I have seen these things…or read this record. I think that the Lord also expects me to bear record of what I know as well.

Principle of Witnesses

I have also thought about the principle of witnesses in conjunction with how our church operates...how the Lord operates. I believe that the Lord uses this principle with anything that affects the membership of the church. With the coming forth of the Book or Mormon, and with the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods, there were always at least two witnesses. We just had a change to our stake presidency. Two men were sent and came fasting to know whom the Lord had chosen to be our leaders. It was inspiring to me to hear these two men testify of the process of choosing leadership through revelation. But that is not where the principle of witnesses ends. We each have a right and a personal responsibility to receive a witnesses for ourselves that each of these events is the Lord’s will as well. I have felt that witness many times as leaders have been called in the church, in my stake, and in my ward. Occasionally, for a reason unknown to me, I have even had the name of the person to be sustained flash into my brain a moment before the call was made from the pulpit.

It is comforting for me to know that the Lord will witness these things personally to me as well. I think we all begin with faith, but as we are obedient and trust the Lord, he also reveals or witnesses to us that what we are doing is right…and importantly, that the leaders he has called are called by Him.

Prayer Precedes Revelation

Another important principle that stands out to me is that prayer precedes revelation. In Joseph Smith’s testimony, he relates that he was in the act of calling on God when the angel appeared to him. The appearance of the Father and the Son to him previously also came as he was praying for direction. We too need to remember that when we are seeking revelation, we need to be in touch with the Lord through humble prayer.

He knows us by name.

Another very critical principle which comes out in both the appearance of the angel Moroni to Joseph and the appearance of the Father and the Son earlier, is that in both instances Joseph points out that “He called me by name” (see also J.S. History 1:33). This is a principle that is close to my heart and important to me…the Lord knows us each by name. He sends messengers to aid us…or perhaps ministering angels…who know us by name. To know a person and use their first name is personal, it is intimate. It is something we do when we are familiar with a person. The Lord knows us each by name. Pondering on this and the knowledge that I am His daughter and He loves me can change my whole day!

"I obeyed."

Finally this time, I was struck by two words in Joseph’s testimony. Near the bottom of the second page of his testimony, he states simply “I obeyed.” To me, those are profound words. I want to be as simple, as trusting, and as faithful as Joseph in my obedience. What an example of obedience Joseph is to me…and how greatly I have been blessed because of his obedience!

Questions to Ponder

How might my own obedience bless my family and others? Could it be said of me simply that, “she obeyed”…without any qualifiers…unless the qualifier is “quickly”. Abraham is a favorite prophet of mine and an example of obeying quickly as well...and I love him for it! But that is another story...