During December, our thoughts may turn to a wintry day in a small farmhouse in Vermont where Joseph Smith Jr. drew his first breath in 1805. Or we may ponder a hot, muggy Thursday afternoon in June 1844 when the Prophet drew his final breath.

 

During his lifetime, Joseph Smith was many things—a dutiful son, a loving father, a kind neighbor, a visionary community leader. In addition, he was a prophet of God.

 

From the beginning, prophets have had specific duties.  Noah built an ark. Moses led the children of Israel out of bondage. Joshua let the Israelites into the promised land. Lehi and Jeremiah warned the inhabitants of Jerusalem about an impending exile. Peter and Paul took the gospel to the nations of the earth. No matter what specific assignments they have, all prophets stand as witnesses of the Lord.

 

Joseph Smith was no different. He received numerous assignments from the Lord. Nevertheless, his greatest and most important role as a prophet was to be a modern witness for Jesus Christ. In 1820, Joseph Smith recorded, “It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith—History 1:17).

 

In 1832, Joseph and Sidney Rigdon testified, “For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:23).

 

In 1836, Joseph and Oliver Cowdery testified, “We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah” (Doctrine and Covenants 110:2-3).

 

Joseph Smith’s prophetic ministry can easily be divided into two separate but related duties.

 

First, the Prophet was called to testify of Jesus as Savior and Redeemer. He did this primarily through bringing forth the Book of Mormon and establishing the Church of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon and the Church focus on the Atonement of Christ, repentance, salvation, and eternal life. This first assignment saw its culmination in the restoration of the first principles and ordinances of the gospel, which allow us to enter the celestial kingdom. This is called the “fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

 

Second, the Prophet was called to testify of Jesus as the “maker and finisher of our faith.” He did this primarily through the revelations he received, beginning in 1832, regarding exaltation and eternal lives (see Doctrine and Covenants 76, 84, 88, and 93). This last assignment saw its culmination in the temple, in which Latter-day Saints receive the ordinances of the Church of the Firstborn that allow them to come unto the presence of Elohim.

 

All the blessings and promises we announce to the inhabitants of the earth come through and by Jesus Christ—God’s own son. Certainly, it is all “good news.” Without Jesus Christ, we have nothing. Joseph Smith said on May 12, 1844, just a few weeks before he was murdered, “The Savior has the words of eternal life—nothing else can profit us” (Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook, eds., Words of Joseph Smith [Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1980], 365).

 

As we listen to Joseph’s witness of Jesus Christ, we hear the voice of Jesus because “Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer” (William W. Phelps, “Praise to the Man,” Hymns [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985), no. 27).

9 Comments »

1. 

   Richard, great tribute to Joseph on this special day. And thanks for the insight on the two duties that Joseph performed while on earth. It helps to keep me focused on all that is good.

   Comment by Deila — December 23, 2008 @ 11:20 pm

2. 

   Dr. Holzapfel,

   Thanks for the entry. I used it for a talk this past sacrament meeting as the theme based on Joseph’s birthday! I’ve wanted to thank you for that christmas card you sent us but I don’t think I ever said anything in class -it was such a pleasant surprise! Those small things make a difference. Also I am not sure if you are involved in the project or if it would be appropriate to add to your blog the Joseph Smith Papers website put up by the church. http://josephsmithpapers.org It is very well put together.

   Have a great new year! Hope to see you on campus next semester.

   Regards,

   Miguel G. Teixeira

   Comment by Miguel Teixeira — December 29, 2008 @ 8:57 pm

3. 

   great tribute to Joseph Smith and all his lessons!

   Comment by Franchesco — February 7, 2009 @ 12:48 pm

4. 

   The Bible is very clear about: God, the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit…three in one! Ye, shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free!
   False prophets are what they are: false..yes, there are plenty of them out there in this world..causing great harm to others..and leading people astray..very sad..follow God’s teachings..not man’s.

   Comment by Henry — March 16, 2009 @ 2:52 am

5. 

   I rarely comment on blogs but yours I had to stop and say Great Blog!!

   Comment by mark — April 14, 2009 @ 5:27 pm

6. 

   I enjoyed reading your article. Thanks!

   Comment by Motorcycle Lift — June 24, 2009 @ 10:58 pm

7. 

   Folks,

   I have been reading about Joseph Smith and all his lessons and would love to say that I am in some way or the other attached to his lessons, my hearty tribute to him.

   Thanks
   Sam Tylor

   Comment by Sam Tylor — August 30, 2009 @ 1:44 am

8. 

   Nice article and greeting from croatia.

   Comment by Gogo — September 29, 2009 @ 12:23 pm

9. 

   I love Jesus.

   Comment by maugi — September 29, 2009 @ 12:23 pm

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