The Unbroken Line: Instrumentality and the Ever-Present Anointing

We often speak of the Restoration as a moment – April 6, 1830, the plates being delivered, the First Vision itself. And rightly so; these are landmark events, epochs in the unfolding of God’s plan. Yet, to view the Restoration solely as a series of discrete occurrences risks obscuring a vital truth: the heavens remain open. The witness is ongoing, a continuous stream of divine guidance flowing through a living prophet.

The speaker’s emphasis on the unbroken line of revelation, beginning with Joseph Smith Jr.'s experience in 1820, is profoundly important. It is not merely that Joseph received keys and authority; it is that *since* that experience, there has been an “anointed” present on Earth, acting as a conduit for God’s word. This isn’t a matter of mere succession; it speaks to a fundamental principle of God’s governance – the constant availability of revelation for those who seek it with a sincere heart.

Think of the implications. We are not left to our own devices, adrift in a sea of uncertainty. The promise of Isaiah, “And the Lord shall set forth a lamp for thy feet, and a candle to light thy way” (Isaiah 42:16), isn’t a nostalgic memory of a bygone era, but a living reality. The Lord provides light, direction, and counsel, not just for the presiding brethren, but for each of us, if we are willing to heed His voice.

Consider Joseph's own humility in accepting his calling. He was a boy, untrained, unprepared, yet he was chosen to play a pivotal role in the restoration of the gospel. He understood himself as an instrument in God’s hands, a vessel through which divine power could flow. This understanding should humble us, reminding us that our own worthiness is not the measure of our potential contribution. It is our willingness to be used, to be obedient, that unlocks the blessings God desires to bestow.

The restoration of priesthood authority and the organization outlined in Ephesians 4 – apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists – wasn't simply a return to a historical pattern. It was a restoration for our day, a re-establishment of the very structure necessary for the building up of Zion. This is not a matter of historical curiosity; it is the framework within which we live, the scaffolding upon which our covenants are built. D&C 43 outlines the duties and responsibilities inherent in these offices, a call to service and a profound accountability before God.

The Brethren consistently teach of the importance of personal revelation and the responsibility to discern the voice of the Lord. This discernment is aided, not hindered, by our diligent study of scripture, our adherence to the teachings of the prophets, and our unwavering commitment to the covenants we have made. To claim the promise of open heavens while simultaneously rejecting the established channels of revelation is a dangerous contradiction, a betrayal of the very principles we profess to uphold.

Let us not merely acknowledge the Restoration as a historical event, but embrace it as a living, breathing reality. Let us strive to be as Joseph, willing to be instruments in God’s hands, and ever watchful for the light He provides. The ongoing revelation is a testament to His love and a challenge to our faithfulness.

What covenants have you made that would better align you with the principle of being an instrument in God’s hands?