As I post this, the headlines are full of urgent coronavirus updates, so it may seem off-target to write now. But the history matters and applies now as much as ever.
This spring 2020 marks the 200th anniversary of what we call the First Vision. In 1820, a 14-year-old farm boy in New York went into a grove of trees near his home to pray. Joseph Smith wanted to be forgiven for mistakes in his life, and know which one of the religious groups he should follow.
There was a lot of religious conversation going on in his area and in his family. He had become worried about his own standing with God and troubled by conflicting messages from different preachers.
During months of searching, he had been reading the Bible and had come accross these directions from James: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously without criticizing, and it shall be given him. Be sure to ask in faith, not wavering.” Joseph said when he read this it came with great power into his heart. He thought about it again and again, feeling that it was a message for him: He either had to ask God, or he would remain uncertain.
So he went to a secluded spot on his parents’ farm, where he had left his axe from working the previous day, and made the attempt to ask God in a personal prayer.
I don’t think Joseph could have anticipated what would happen, but he had confidence he would receive some answer.
Joseph later recounted that as he started to pray he heard someone walking toward him but could see no one. A powerful force suddenly seized upon him and tried to stop him from speaking. He said this unseen enemy was so strong, he felt it was going to kill him. It filled his mind with doubts and inappropriate images. In this moment of shock, he exerted all his strength to call on God for help.
Joseph said “I saw a pillar of light, exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. As soon as it appeared, I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Persons, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spoke to me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other— This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”
Jesus Christ was introduced by our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ told Joseph that he was forgiven of his past mistakes. He asked which of the churches of his time he should join, and received the answer that none of them were the authorized Church of Jesus Christ, as Jesus had established it originally. He told Joseph that that if he was faithful, the truth in its fullness would be given to him in the future. You can find Joseph’s accounts of this event, here.
After the vision, Joseph said he was exhausted, but he was filled with exquisite joy and felt the love of God for several days. He had learned that the promise of James in the Bible was true: God really does answer prayers! He learned that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, still living today. Joseph learned that Jesus Christ is actively preparing the world for His second coming and has a part for us to fill and help in His plan.
Joseph told his experience to a few trusted friends. It’s notable that his family believed him. One preacher who Joseph felt was his friend surprised him by responding that he was wrong or lying; that God doesn’t work by visions or revelations anymore– those had ended with the new Testament prophets and there would never be any more. Many people rejected and pressured Joseph him for saying he had seen a vision, and trials followed him throughout life. But Joseph said “I really had seen a vision. I knew it, and I knew God knew it, and I dared not deny it.”
Millions of people have responded to Joseph’s story, because it is relatable. It can apply to all of us. The message that God lives and hears our prayers— the message that simple faith in Him and intense seeking for his help will bring a response from heaven, is something so many people feel and hope is true.
The idea that God is the Father of us all, and answers the prayers of troubled teenagers, is earth-shaking!
We believe it.
I have felt His answers. They have come on His terms, in His time table. I may not need a vision like Joseph to give me the directions needed in my life. But God really is our Father, and really wants to speak to us in His personal ways. I have learned answers come after I have paid a price of searching. But answers come!
In uncertain times, in pandemics, and recessions, and our own times of trouble, we can turn to heaven, and hope for answers and help.
I thank God for the story of the trouble teenager, and the answered prayer.
On the Path of Life... 