Gospel Message Day 256

Prophets of God, Part 2

While looking up the definition of prophet, I found two fabulous items:

The first was a brief blurb of why we need prophets:

Members of the Church across the world bear testimony of living prophets and apostles and speak of the blessings of peace and hope that arise from that knowledge. In the accompanying video, Church members re-tell experiences in which their faith in prophets was strengthened and then bear witness of the reality of modern-day prophets and apostles.

“Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He has not left them to walk through this mortal life without direction and guidance,” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said. “That is why He pleads so earnestly with us through His prophets. Just as we want what is best for our loved ones, Heavenly Father wants what is best for us.”

Prophets and apostles who speak today represent and carry out the Lord’s will as they lead His children in this dispensation. President Uchtdorf said, “Our fate and the fate of our world hinge on our hearing and heeding the revealed word of God to His children.” President Uchtdorf made his comments in the First Presidency Message published in Church magazines and in many languages throughout the world during March 2012.

I also found a wonderful part of the lds.org website has easy access to
*bios of our current prophets
*news about what they are doing
*how they are serving
*what they are saying

I highly recommend going to this site if you are wondering what these men are doing as part of their duty to witness of Christ and give a voice of warning. History shows that often people want to be comfortable in doing what they want to and not what they ought to, and they aren't generally happy to hear about what they are doing wrong or what the consequences will be if they don't fix those actions. Those trying to live right come to love these prophets dearly, as manifested by the sorrow we are feeling at losing such a great man and servant of God in L. Tom Perry. We look forward to the Lord calling a new apostle and prophet, but we will miss whom we have had.

Those who are comfortable living contrary to the Lord's commandments aren't generally pleased to hear the prophets speak against their actions. This is throughout history, too. In scripture we read how they were scorned, spit upon, mocked, and some stoned and killed. It is not a new thing for people to scorn and yell and rage. It is still being done today. It saddens the hearts of those trying to live righteously, but with the Lord on our side as well as the prophets, we have nothing to fear no matter what the consequences of the others' actions may be. I still feel sorrow for the martyrdom of our Prophet Joseph Smith so many years ago. But like Stephen in the New Testament, his work was done on this earth and he went on to a better, happier, more peaceful existence with his Father and his Brother.