Dear Sisters,
Thank you Lila McCleery for teaching a wonderful lesson on the Spirit of Revelation. Here is a brief summary:
TFOT Lesson: The Spirit of Revelation by David A. Bednar
Revelation is communication from God to His children on the earth and one of the great blessings associated with the gift and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The Holy Ghost is a revelator,” and “no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations”
Elder Bednar’s talk describes 2 patterns for receiving Revelation.
Immediate and Intense – “A light turned on in a dark room is like receiving a message from God quickly, completely, and all at once. Many of us have experienced this pattern of revelation as we have been given answers to sincere prayers or been provided with needed direction or protection, according to God’s will and timing. Descriptions of such immediate and intense manifestations are found in the scriptures, recounted in Church history, and evidenced in our own lives. Indeed, these mighty miracles do occur. However, this pattern of revelation tends to be more rare than common.”
Subtle and Gradual – “The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept”. Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communication from Heavenly Father gradually and gently “distil upon our souls as the dews from heaven”. This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare.”
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery gained valuable experience with the spirit of revelation as they translated the Book of Mormon. These brethren learned they could receive whatever knowledge was necessary to complete their work if they asked in faith, with an honest heart, believing they would receive. And over time they increasingly understood the spirit of revelation typically functions as thoughts and feelings that come into our minds and hearts by the Power of the Holy Ghost. As the Lord instructed them: “Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. Therefore this is thy gift; apply unto it.”
Next weeks lesson:
July 31: "As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten" by Elder Christofferson
