An Instrument in the Hands of God

2 Nephi 3:24 - "And there shall rise up one mighty among them, who shall do much good, both in word and in deed, being an instrument in the hands of God, with exceeding faith, to work mighty wonders, and do that thing which is great in the sight of God, unto the bringing to pass much restoration unto the house of Israel, and unto the seed of thy brethren."

President Brigham Young - "It was decreed in the counsels of eternity, long before the foundations of the earth were laid, that he, Joseph Smith, should be the man, in the last dispensation of this world, to bring forth the word of God to the people, and receive the fulness of the keys and power of the Priesthood of the Son of God. The Lord had his eyes upon him, and upon his father, and upon his father’s father, and upon their progenitors clear back … to Adam. He has watched that family and that blood as it has circulated from its fountain to the birth of that man. He was fore-ordained in eternity to preside over this last dispensation”

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Transcript

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Welcome to Seek This Jesus, a daily podcast dedicated to drawing closer to the Savior through the powerful truths found in the Book of Mormon. Each episode, we focus on one verse that helps us walk more faithfully in his footsteps. The Book of Mormon contains powerful prophecies that stretch across centuries. The last few days we have been reviewing a prophecy found on the brass plates preserved for us in the Book of Mormon. This great prophecy from Joseph of Egypt would have been lost to the world. In Second Nephi three twenty four we read And there shall rise up one mighty among them, who shall do much good both in word and in deed, being an instrument in the hands of God, with exceeding faith, to work mighty wonders, and do that thing which is great in the sight of God, unto the bringing to pass much restoration unto the house of Israel and to the seed of thy brethren. This prophecy points us directly to the mission of Joseph Smith, the prophet of the restoration, but it also teaches us about what it means to be an instrument in the hands of God. Joseph of Egypt was given a vision that extended far beyond his own life. He saw that in the latter days the Lord would raise up one mighty among his descendants, who would restore truth and blessings to God's covenant people. This was Joseph Smith. President Brigham Young explained the eternal nature of this calling. It was decreed in the councils of eternity long before the foundations of the earth were laid that he, Joseph Smith, should be the man in the last dispensation of this world, to bring forth the word of God to the people, and receive the fullness of the keys and power of the priesthood of the Son of God. The Lord had his eyes upon him and upon his father and upon his father's father, and upon their progenitors clear back to Adam. He has watched that family and that blood as it has circulated from its fountain to the birth of that man. He was foreordained in eternity to preside over this last dispensation. This prophecy and testimony remind us that the restoration of the gospel was not accidental. It was prepared for, foreseen, and brought forth in the Lord's perfect timing. The mighty one was raised up to be an instrument in God's hands to bless the whole world. Let's look at some of the qualities described in that verse. Do much good both in word and in deed. Joseph Smith not only testified of Christ, but also lived with courage and integrity despite immense persecution, exceeding faith. It was by faith that he entered a grove of trees as a fourteen-year-old boy to pray, and it was by faith that he translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. Work mighty wonders. The restoration itself is the greatest wonder. Millions of lives changed, ordinances restored, temples built, and knowledge of Christ increased across the world. When we look at these qualities, we see a pattern for discipleship. To be an instrument in God's hands does not always mean performing miracles for the world to see. Often it means quietly doing good, exercising faith and trusting that God can work his wonders through us. The verse ends with the purpose of Joseph Smith's mission, unto the bringing to pass much restoration unto the house of Israel, and unto the seed of thy brethren. Through him the priesthood was restored, sacred ordinances were reestablished, and the Book of Mormon came forth as another testament of Jesus Christ. The restoration is not a one time event. It is ongoing. Each generation continues the work of gathering Israel and bringing souls to Christ. President Nelson has taught that the gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Brigham Young's witness reminds us that Joseph Smith was foreordained to open this dispensation. But God's work now moves forward through millions of disciples across the earth. Missionaries, temple workers, parents, ministry, and brothers and sisters all play a part in this continuing restoration. So how do we apply this for verse personally? We may not be called to be prophets, but we can still be instruments in the hands of God. We can do much good in word by speaking encouragement, bearing testimony, or simply lifting someone who feels forgotten. We can do much good indeed by serving in our families, magnifying callings or helping someone in need. We can exercise exceeding faith by choosing to trust God's timing even when life is uncertain. And while we may not work mighty wonders on a global scale, to someone struggling silently, our small act of love may be the very wonder they needed. Think about this. Joseph Smith's role was unique, but the principle being an instrument is universal. God can and does use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. A simple prayer each morning Lord, what would you have me do today can transform our perspective. Opportunities may come as quiet impressions, a thought to text someone or courage to share our testimony when the Spirit prompts. Each of these is a way the Lord answers that prayer and lets us participate in his wonders. The prophecy of Joseph of Egypt was fulfilled in Joseph Smith, the mighty prophet raised up in the last days. His mission was forordained and essential for the restoration of Christ's church, but the verse also teaches us about discipleship, doing good in word and deed, exercising faith, and allowing God to work through us. Here is today's challenge. Each day, let's ask God how we can be instruments in His hands, then act on the quiet promptings he gives. As we do, we will find that the Lord magnifies our efforts, turning small deeds into mighty wonders in the lives of others. Thank you for listening to Seek This Jesus. I hope this message helps you draw a little closer to the Savior Jesus Christ. Please, don't let this podcast be your only scripture time today. As we open the scriptures for ourselves, the Spirit will teach us things no podcast ever could. If you are exploring the truths of the Book of Mormon for the first time, you can receive a free copy using the link in the description found in every episode of Seek This Jesus. I invite you to come back tomorrow for another verse and message to help you stay focused on Jesus Christ. Until next time, keep seeking this Jesus.