“This Is The Testimony, Last of All, Which We Give of Him: That He Lives!” (D&C 76:22)

Perhaps no other man is more deserving to be called by the scriptural title of “a visionary man” than the prophet Joseph Smith. The heavenly feast bestowed upon this man, a modern Moses as he would later be called, began on a quiet spring morning in an unassuming grove of trees as a simple farmhand took to his knees in solitude to pour out his soul to his Father. That morning the voice of God the Father calling this boy by name and introducing His Beloved Son would break the long night of divine silence and testify to all that God speaks, not spake. Following this wondrous morning the life of young Joseph Smith would find no shortage of heavenly visitors and divine manifestations. Just a few short years later the prophet Moroni would turn a darkened cabin on a brisk fall night into a proverbial temple radiating physical and spiritual light as he stood at the bedside of young Joseph and announced that “the trump had sounded” and the time had finally come for the “marvelous work and a wonder to begin.” The very next morning Joseph and Moroni would begin a four-year tutelage of sorts in preparation for Moroni to grant Joseph stewardship over the sacred record which would serve as the proof and second witness of this modern-day work. In time Joseph would find himself in the presence of Moses, Elias and Elijah. The Savior’s face would never become unfamiliar to Joseph and his voice would prove to be something of a regularity to this man of God.

Given all Joseph Smith would be privileged to witness and the absolutely essential work he would commence it should come as no surprise that the adversary never rested from his assault on the work. Joseph’s life would be laced with scenes of brutality, mockery and hatred. His skin would be scared, his bones broken and his honor defiled. His newborn son would become a martyr in his own right as he shivered in the cold while his father was beaten in the street. Some friends would become enemies and others would live the reality that “greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Truly today we may sing “Praise to the Man” who spoke with Jehovah, did more than all men save Jesus only for the salvation of mankind and now sits clothed in power among all the martyrs in the cause of Christ.

Following a miraculous vision Joseph and Sidney Rigdon were privileged to experience during their translation of the scriptures Joseph would write: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!” That witness of the resurrected Christ is the motivating force behind every person who has ever, is now or will yet lose their own life in the service of the Savior. The reality of an empty tomb is the irrefutable proof, the insatiable hunger, the irreplaceable hope and the utmost reality of all eternity. Proof of love, hunger to spread this message to all, hope for glorious sunrises and joyful tomorrows and the reality that you and I are in the service of an all-powerful God.

As you and I begin a new journey and embark on all this “Will Ye Also” adventure may ultimately entail, I wish to take a moment to offer one overarching and unchanging testimony which will stand as the foundation for all that is to come and the light guiding the way forward. To adapt Joseph’s words to this situation I say “This is the testimony, [first] of all, which [I] give of him: That he lives!” That fact and all the astounding implications it bears with it leave me in complete awe. His life, not only in the distant past but also, perhaps especially, His life being lived at this very moment take my breath away. As I look upon Him I am left with nothing to say but “Who is this man?” who stands beside us “at all times and in all things and in all places.” In moments of joy he is the reason. In moments of sorrow he is the hand wiping away our tears. In moments of fear he is our strength. In despair he is peace. He is our Shepherd, Friend, Master, King, Counselor, Hope, Light, Mediator, Advocate, Judge, Savior, Redeemer and so much more. That is the Savior I testify of. That is the Master I ask each of us to be anxious and impatient to serve. The Redeemer who beckons to us with nail-scarred hands. The Lamb suffering alone in a garden to pay the price of a transgression made in a different garden many years ago. The Light shining in the soul of the repentant sinner. The Voice declaring to us “come unto me ye blessed.” That is the Lord Jesus Christ. My Savior, my Redeemer and the reason for the hope which is in me.

That each of us will choose to love and know Him more deeply is my prayer.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.