Sabbathought: The most important passage in the Book of Mormon

You perhaps have a favorite verse or passage or chapter in the Book of Mormon.

Consider this in a sober way:

Always true to the Restoration and to his great-great-great-uncle through whom it came, our friend and mentor Joseph Fielding McConkie some years ago taught us a new and instructive way to view his namesake the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the book translated by him under the power of God, known to us as the Book of Mormon.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, " . . . for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider" (Isaiah 52:15).

When the resurrected Lord quoted this passage (twice) to the surviving Nephites, He added this:

"For in that day [when the Book of Mormon shall come forth as a sign of the Gathering of Israel], for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them" (3 Nephi 21:9, emphasis added).

Who is this "man" who shall declare the great and marvelous work?

The Savior continues: "But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred [martyred] because of them."

His enemies shall not hurt him, although he shall be martyred by them!

"Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil."

(The account by Seth Adam Smith of Joseph's last dream sent out with this Sabbathought makes clear who the man is.)

And then this from the Lord Jesus:

"Therefore it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said) they shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant."

And there we see the most important passage in the Book of Mormon---3 Nephi 21:9--11.

It is a clear endorsement and witness by the Lord Himself of the power and calling given to Joseph Smith.

The Restoration of the gospel proceeded through Joseph Smith, starting with the Vision he had early in the Spring of 1820 wherein he saw the Father and the Son---together, separate and distinct Beings of flesh and bone.

The Book of Mormon plates were next delivered to him to translate by the power of God, which he did in the face of great opposition.

Priesthood keys followed, and line upon line of restored doctrine as he then proceeded by divine command to translate the Bible unto a more perfect testament of Christ. All that is necessary to exalt men and women in the highest heaven followed, precept upon precept: the fullness of the everlasting gospel.

Until today we now see flourishing across the globe this marvelous work and a wonder.

The day after tomorrow's Sabbath---27 June---marks the 167th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph along with his beloved brother Hyrum, the great-great-grandfather of Joseph McConkie. In Hebrew, the name Hyrum carries the meaning, "My brother is noble (exalted)". . . .

And thus we see that the Lord works in this way.

Joseph and Hyrum were true. They sealed their testament with their blood. They were true prophets whose main role, assigned by the Lord Himself, was to reveal the true Christ of the Bible, and to mark the true path to Him. This they did, and continue to do, if we will give close and sober heed to what they have left us.

Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah---and to his brother Hyrum!

Warm regards, everyone!

Steve