“The words of God, which he spoke unto Moses at a time when Moses was caught up into an exceedingly high mountain… and he talked with him, and the glory of God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure his presence. And God spoke unto Moses saying; “Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty…” P of GP 1:1-2
How would it be to have had an experience such as Moses? Throughout history few men have experienced what Moses described as being in the presence of God, the Father. Joseph Smith was one of them, and he described his experience this way: “… I saw a pillar of light over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. …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 spoke unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other- “This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him!” … Is there anyone who would not like to hear the Father, the God of the whole universe, call him by name???
The Nephites, in the Book of Mormon, after the period of great destruction, heard a voice as if it came from heaven…the voice which they heard… did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; Yea it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn. …The voice said unto them: “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, In whom I have glorified my name- hear ye him.” …they cast their eyes toward heaven; and behold, they saw a man descending out of heaven.” That short period of time that the Savior spent with the Nephite people was a very special spiritual time. The effect and affect on them, made them a productive and peace loving people for several hundred years.
We have to rely on those voices and the knowledge of those who have seen and heard and experienced God in all His glory. That is why scripture reading is so important. Moses called upon God and asked Him, concerning the earth, it’s purpose and the inhabitants thereof. ‘And behold the glory of the Lord was upon Moses…and he talked with Him face to face. …and God said unto Moses, For mine own purpose have I made these things. …By the word of my power, have I created them, which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth.’
The Son is the intermediary between the Father and mankind. He, like the Father, is all powerful and therefore whatsoever He commands shall come to pass. That is why, when the Father says; “This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him!”, all mortals should listen. When we have questions about life and our purpose for being, there is only one that has the answers, Jesus Christ. Unless you are worthy and are called as was Moses, Abraham, Elias and Joseph Smith, and others, it is unlikely that you will talk to the Father or to Jesus Christ, personally. But by reading the scriptures, at least those that we know that have been translated correctly, and especially latter day scriptures, you will probably be able to find your answer. That is the purpose of scriptures: to enlighten, to inform and to increase our spiritual nature and our love of God.
Many of His son’s and daughter’s may open the scriptures and feel they are: too hard to understand, too complicated, too boring. In truth, they are not a study that is simple from the start. If you stick with them and read the explanations of other spiritual leaders, you will begin to understand. They will then become easier and easier to understand as you make them a part of your routine.
Listen to the Father who said; “This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him!” the only way we can hear Him in truth, is by reading the scriptures.