20250126 – The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers

This week, we have journeyed together through the events surrounding Joseph Smith’s early encounters with the angel Moroni and the promises found in Doctrine and Covenants 2. We’ve discovered how God not only prepared Joseph Smith for a pivotal role in the Restoration but also how we, in our own unique ways, are called to do His work. Our hearts have been turned to our ancestors as we’ve seen the fulfillment of prophecies that Elijah would restore the priesthood keys of sealing, and we’ve learned that these keys bless us with the opportunity to bind our families together for eternity.

Lessons Learned

God Has a Work for Each of Us
As we studied Joseph Smith—History 1:27–33, we saw how Joseph’s prayers for forgiveness and guidance were answered with angelic instruction. We, too, have a divine purpose. Even though we may feel inadequate, God can still use us to accomplish His work, just as He used a young Joseph Smith who admitted he was sometimes “guilty of levity” (Joseph Smith—History 1:28). We asked ourselves questions like:

How does Joseph’s experience with repentance and forgiveness reassure us that we can still do great things for the Lord?

In what ways has God made His purposes for us clear?

Turning Hearts to Our Fathers
In Doctrine and Covenants 2, we discovered the promise that Elijah would come to “turn the hearts of the children to their fathers.” This prophecy reminds us how vital it is for us to connect with our ancestors, feel God’s love for them, and gather them into the covenant through temple ordinances. We reflected on activities that bring our hearts closer to family, such as sharing stories, studying family history, and performing sacred ordinances in the temple.

How do we feel our hearts turn to our ancestors through these efforts?

Why is it significant that God wants families sealed for eternity?

Fulfilling Ancient Prophecies
Moroni quoted scriptures like Isaiah 11, Acts 3:22–23, and Joel 2:28–32 (see Joseph Smith—History 1:34–47) to show Joseph that the Restoration of the gospel was part of a grand, divine plan. We recognized that these same prophecies give us hope and direction today. When we see them fulfilled—through the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of priesthood authority, and global temple building—we gain greater faith in God’s promises.

How do we see these prophecies unfolding in our day?

In what ways do they inspire us to participate in the ongoing Restoration?

Preparation Over Time
The narrative of Joseph Smith—History 1:48–60 shows Joseph’s four-year period of annual visits to the Hill Cumorah, where he was taught, tested, and instructed by Moroni. We noticed that God often allows us time and experience to grow spiritually before entrusting us with responsibilities.

How has waiting on the Lord’s timing helped us strengthen our faith?

What challenges right now might be preparing us for a future work?

Repentance and Forgiveness
Reflecting on Joseph Smith—History 1:28–29, we discussed how Joseph felt “condemned for [his] weakness and imperfections.” But he turned to God in humble prayer and received divine assurances. We learned that repentance is not a sign of failure but a gift—an invitation to come closer to our Father in Heaven.

How can we apply Joseph’s example of sincere repentance in our lives?

Why is it comforting to know that God called Joseph Smith despite his imperfections—and that He calls us too?

Blessings of the Restoration
As we explored how Moroni’s visits and the restoration of the gold plates gave the world the Book of Mormon, we pondered the extraordinary blessings that flow from this sacred record. We have received clarity about the Plan of Salvation, the nature of Jesus Christ, and the covenants that unite us with God. This inspires us to share the gospel and partake of the ordinances offered through Christ’s restored Church.

What specific blessings do we cherish because of the Book of Mormon?

In what ways does this sacred book help us come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Summary
In our study, we witnessed how God prepared Joseph Smith to be an instrument in restoring precious truths and priesthood power to the earth. We, too, are part of this marvelous work: He has entrusted us with caring for one another, sharing the gospel message, and drawing our families—past, present, and future—closer to Him. By pondering Joseph’s experiences, turning our hearts to our ancestors, and embracing the covenants of the temple, we can feel the joy of belonging to God’s eternal family. The promises found in Doctrine and Covenants 2 and the accounts in Joseph Smith—History can guide our steps and deepen our faith, as we join in the Lord’s work with hope and gladness.