Today in Relief Society, our lesson was Chapter 44, The Restoration of All Things: The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, taught by Angie Maggard. There was much participation, and we learned more about our beloved prophet, Joseph Smith. “Previous to his death, the Prophet Joseph Smith manifested great anxiety to see the {Nauvoo temple} completed, as most of you who were with the Church during his day, well know. “Hurry up the work, brethren,” he used to say—“let us finish the temple; the lord has a great endowment in store for you, and I am anxious that the brethren should have their endowments and receive the fullness of the priesthood.” He urged the Saints forward continually, preaching unto them the importance and of completing that building, so that therein the ordinances of life and salvation might be administered to the whole people, but especially to the quorums of the holy priesthood; “then,” said he, “the Kingdom will be established, and I do not care what shall become of me.” He died before its completion.
Sister Maggard proposed the question, “Why was the temple so important?” Many comments from our dear sisters were given. Among those were, “Satan would have power over the people…with the endowment, the saints would have power over him…they needed the endowment before they started the trek west…” “The restoration had to come through the temple”… and “This dispensation will not end in apostasy, but will usher in the Lord’s coming.” Mention of a book worth reading, “The Window Maker,” gives insight to the Nauvoo temple.
There was emphasis on the importance of our callings in the church as we are all ordained for a purpose and to be a part of this dispensation. Our callings are often more for those who hold the callings than for those we are serving. We often find our callings are there to help pull something out of us as we learn and grow through our service. We never know what influence we may be having on individuals as we fulfill our callings. Often we feel inadequate for the work, but the Lord will always sustain us because we are willing to do His work. Sometimes it is hard to accept changes when others step into positions once occupied by another that we had grown accustomed to, yet we are always amazed at what the new leader has to offer, and find that the Lord has called that person for a divine time and purpose.
A story was given of a sculpture of Christ that had been demolished during wartimes. After the war, the people put the figure back together except they could not put together Christ’s hands. It would have been too expensive to repair. The people also became aware of the significance of the statue as they prepared a sign that said, “The only hands that the Lord has to complete His work are ours.” All our energy is required for the Lord’s work as, “Beyond mortal comprehension is the work to do.” We have been saved for this dispensation.
Our testimony of Joseph Smith has increased. He brought forth the restoration of all things. He brought forth the Book of Mormon; the priesthood with all its essential keys; the Church was organized; doctrines, ordinances and covenants were revealed, including the ordinances and covenants of the endowment and the marriage sealing. Joseph Smith’s vision must have been amazing to see, and his vision was not just for his time, but for our time.
We need to grateful for the first generation of saints who knew and loved Joseph Smith and carried forth the work even when he passed on… the faith of our pioneers
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