The Man In Charge?
Eggs Benedict, Hollandaise Sauce, cinnamon rolls. Because of my wonderful momma's love for tradition, General Conference each year brings smells of wonderful foods wafting into my bedroom twice a year, nearly tempting me to get up early. Nearly. The sweet sound of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir gets louder and louder, until it's not so sweet and I finally give in to my parents and shuffle out to the family room. We settle down together and together in front of the TV and then he comes on. The room instantly is filled with the spirit as we hear our beloved prophet speak to the world. Why though? If you haven't been raised in the church like me, the concept of a man being over the church might seem kind of tyrannical (one point for big word) huh? Why do I need to trust that ONE guy is getting revelation from God for millions of people? Why should I trust a word he says? How do I know he's not just living the high life in Beverly Hills with the church's money? These are all completely valid questions. And trust me, I've asked them before. Well young grasshopper, you needn't wonder anymore! Because I know that President Monson (and the previous presidents of the church) have been and are called of God. That they are special witnesses of Christ's divinity on this earth.
"We thank thee, O God, for a prophet
To guide us in these latter days.
We thank thee for sending the gospel
To lighten our minds with its rays.
We thank thee for every blessing
Bestowed by thy bounteous hand.
We feel it a pleasure to serve thee
And love to obey thy command."
-LDS Hymns
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of god. And are built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone." -Ephesians 2: 19-20 The church MUST be built like it was originally when Christ walked the earth. Prophets of of old (Noah, Moses, Abraham, etc.) did so much good for the world. When the people were obedient and followed their teachings, they were blessed. When they didn't, famines hit, wars started, and floods happened!
So I guess a good question is why do we even need a living prophet? "Surely the Lord will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." -Amos 3:7 We see Moses as the ultimate example of a prophet. He received revelation that he needed to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt and slavery. The Children of Israel were still allowed to pray to God! The fact that they had a prophet didn't diminish their capability of having a personal relationship and even receiving revelation for themselves! Yet Moses was there to HELP the people. He was the person they could look to for direction, for all of them, from God.
The prophet is the only one that is allowed to receive revelation, from God, for the entire church. And what a blessing that is! I'm glad that I don't have to worry about some random person "receiving revelation" that the Lord wants us all to give up chocolate, or something life threatening like that. If I know that the prophet is a man of God, then I can trust that he will only tell us what's best for us.
"And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream." -Numbers 12:6 Sound like a familiar story to anyone? Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ in a vision! You can know that he did by praying and asking. I did that for myself as well.
"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." -Deuteronomy 18: 18-22
I'm sorry that these posts keep getting longer and longer. I just get so excited! I know President Monson is the true prophet of God. I can feel it in my heart when he speaks. I know he is the mouthpiece for the Lord and he will only maintain his calling as long as he is speaking truth. Watch General Conference in October and listen to our wonderful prophet and the apostles. Ask God if these are His men. Or thank goodness for the Internet! Go to lds.org and check out the videos of the prophet speaking. They're incredible and they will give you so much strength. Go do it right now! I double dog dare you!
PS: Here are some amazing resources/revelations that the past prophets and apostles have released. Read them!
Word of Wisdom
Proclamation to the Family
The Living Christ
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