Brief summary
Having living prophets and apostles on the earth is an extraordinary blessing. We should never take their guidance for granted, but recognise the importance of revelation, priesthood authority and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Key quotes and questions to ponder and discuss
‘Joseph helped restore the Savior’s Church with prophets, seers, and revelators who held priesthood keys that would one day bind them together as a family forever.’ (Paragraph 10)
Why is the restoration of priesthood keys so important to Heavenly Father’s plan?
‘For the Wolfgramms, burying their infant child was akin to the pioneers who buried their children on the trail to Zion. Like the early pioneers, they yearned to hear and be in the presence of an Apostle. Grieving with empty arms, my grandparents got back on the boat, their mission not yet complete.’ (Paragraphs 7 and 8)
Why were Elder Sikahema’s grandparents prepared to undertake such an extraordinary journey to hear an Apostle? (Paragraphs 9-10)
‘Reformers in the Middle Ages sought and yearned for prophetic voices but could not find them.’ (Paragraph 17)
What is the difference between a reformation and a restoration?
‘I suspect the Lord knew that even when we would have these devices (cell phones) to easily see and hear His anointed servants, many of us would still take them for granted.’ (Paragraph 20)
Do we sometimes take the messages of General Conference for granted because they are so easily available?
‘In a general conference address over 20 years ago, President Jeffrey R. Holland asked: “Are the heavens open? Does God reveal His will to prophets and apostles as in days of old? That they are and that He does is the unflinching declaration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to all the world. And in that declaration lies the significance of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, for nearly 200 years now” (“Prophets, Seers, and Revelators,” Liahona, Nov. 2004, 8).’ (Paragraph 21)
How would our lives be different if we had no living prophets to guide us?
’What a blessing it is to live in a time when apostles and prophets are on the earth…let us not be guilty of “holding the oracles of God …as a light thing” (Doctrine and Covenants 90:5) (Paragraph 26)
Do we truly recognise what a remarkable blessing it is to have living apostles and prophets on the earth?
Invitations
- Recognise that having authorised servants of the Lord on the earth is a remarkable blessing.
- Make time to listen, study and reflect rather than simply allowing conference messages to become background information.
- Recognise the importance of the Restoration.
- Help children and grandchildren understand the blessings of the restored gospel and living prophets.
Application
We should never allow the convenience of modern revelation to diminish our appreciation of it. Living prophets and apostles are a precious gift from Heavenly Father, helping us understand Jesus Christ, receive His guidance and enjoy the eternal blessings of His restored gospel.
