Purpose of Prophets

Prophets

Today my comments come from studying Preach my Gospel.  It was a search through the scriptures on the things of prophets.

1. First and foremost is the scripture from Amos 3:7 in the Old Testament.  “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” 
2. Jacob 4:4-6, The calling of a prophet is to testify of the reality of Christ and our hope in him.  This assignment is the same for those prophets who came before the Savior’s birth as well as after and today.
3. A prophet has all the gifts afforded to the children of men. D&C 107:91-92
4. A prophet testifies of the Savior Jesus Christ. Mosiah 13:33-35
5. The true church is built upon the foundation of prophets and apostles. Ephesians 2:19-20
6. 1 Nephi 22:2  All things are made known to prophets by the voice of the Spirit. 
7. 1 Nephi 19:20 The things shown to prophets keep them from perishing as well as the rest of us.

 In these troubled times, it is no wonder we have been told to listen carefully to the words of our prophet.  What can I learn from watching Pres. Monson, who is a prophet of the Lord? 

The voice of the spirit is speaking to him.  I was listening to a podcast – it may have been conference.  The speaker said he sees the prophet daily and there is no doubt in his mind he is conversing with the Lord. 

All gifts afforded to the children of men are Pres. Monson’s.  I think the best place to find out what gifts we are talking about would be in the scriptures.  These gifts are for the profit of men.  Moroni 10:9-15:

• To teach the word of wisdom
• Teach the word of knowledge
• Great faith
• Gift of healing
• Work mighty miracles
• Prophesy concerning all things
• Behold angels and ministering spirits.
• All kinds of tongues
• Interpretation of languages

Pres. Monson testifies of Christ at every turn.  The things he is shown by the spirit are to keep us from perishing.

I’m grateful for the knowledge I have of a prophet.  I’m also grateful to be able to say I know Pres. Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of our God.  I know he speaks with him, that angels attend him, and that I will be served/saved by obeying his counsel.  I know he speaks for God, and the things he says are as if the Lord himself were speaking them to me.  I love this man and am so grateful for this knowledge that comes to me by the Spirit. 

So my marching orders for today?  Seek the prophet's current counsel.  I received my Ensign this week.  So I’ll read (or listen) to at least one talk.