In the Ogden Regional Family History Center foyer we have a painting hanging that was donated to the center. It was painted by a local artist, now deceased, and it depicts the sacred grove with the young Joseph Smith kneeling and looking up at the vision of the Father and the Son. Interestingly, the Father is shown with His arm around the shoulder of the Son while introducing Him to Joseph. Even though there are possibly hundreds of paintings by various artists of this historical site and event, I
believe this painting is very unique. This morning before church I was reading the account of the first vision and as I did so I had such a powerful feeling come over me that it drew tears to my eyes. I could see in my mind’s eye the scene; the Father and the Son, in all their glory, standing before Joseph. The event was not altogether unique because, I believe, a similar vision preceded each and every dispensation since the time of Adam. In many cases it was probably only Jehovah who ushered in previous dis- pensations, but this is the last dispensation when all things will be gathered in one. I believe it was important that the Father be present with Jehovah to usher in this final dispensation before the Millennial Reign.
Joseph spoke of how he, as a young boy of fourteen, was persecuted for saying that he had seen a vision and he wondered why they even paid him any mind at all. The Angel Moroni, in speaking to Joseph, told him that, “…my name ( Joseph’s) should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.” ( J.S. History 1:33) Probably millions of people, around the world today, know of Joseph Smith and in fulfillment of prophesy, use his name in both good and evil terms.
Through the years I have heard of people who would be members of the church except that they cannot accept the Joseph Smith story. In other words, they may believe the Book of Mormon and feel a strong attraction to the church and its members, but Joseph’s vision is a problem for them.
Maybe I was fortunate, because I knew little, if anything, of Joseph Smith before I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I read the Book of Mormon and knew it was true, and because I knew the book was true, it was then natural for me to accept Joseph Smith as a Prophet.
When I think of Joseph today, after having been a member of the church for over fifty years, I still marvel daily at the things that he did in his short life time. He was but thirty eight years old when he was martyred, and his works, inspired of God, fill volumes. They are philosophically and theologically sound and make more sense than most all of the great religionists writings from all through the centuries.
“I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description.”(J.S.History1:17) Yes, he did, and because he did, the truth has, again, been restored to the earth. We, who are members and who have had the Holy Ghost bear witness to us, know without a doubt that this work is true. Joseph saw that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would grow and be found in all the earth. “The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which was cut out of the mountain without hands would roll forth, until it had filled the whole earth.” (D&C 65:2) From just a handful of people, he could see the destiny of the church because he knew the source of its divine origin. “Wherefore, be not weary in well doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” (D&C 64:33)
The work of ‘Redeeming the Dead’ makes it possible to fulfill the promises made to the fathers, that through Abraham’s seed, all the families of the earth will be blessed, even with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Eternal Life. There is no other way that promise can be fulfilled except as revealed to the Prophet Joseph—the work of redeeming the dead. May God bless all members of His church to comprehend this charge and allow Elijah to plant in their hearts a love for their fathers and the promises that were made to them. If not, the whole earth will be wasted at His coming.