All Things Shall Be Revealed

By Laurel Rohlfing

We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God (A of F 1:9).

The child Samuel was Eli’s helper in the temple. One night while Samuel slept, the Lord called to him. Samuel thought that it was Eli calling, but he returned to his bed when Eli said that it wasn’t he who called. The Lord called Samuel’s name a second time, and again Samuel mistakenly thought that it was Eli. The Lord called Samuel a third time.

This time when the child went to Eli, the priest understood that it was the Lord who called. He told Samuel to lie down again, and if he heard a voice, to say, “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. …”

“And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.” (See 1 Sam. 3:4–10.)

The Lord told Samuel about important things that would happen to Israel. “And all Israel … knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord” (1 Sam. 3:20).

Just as the Lord spoke to Samuel through revelation, God speaks in the same way to His prophets today. Some revelations come by dreams or visions. Some come by a voice or the appearance of heavenly visitors. But most revelations come in quiet ways through the Holy Ghost by thoughts and feelings in the mind and heart. (See Friend, September 1989, page 44; June 1990, IFC.)

Continuous revelation is an important principle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Without it, we wouldn’t know what things are important for us to do to return to Heaven or what things are necessary to keep us safe and happy on earth. We wouldn’t know who Jesus wants to serve in His Church or how He wants it organized. Men, women, and children can also receive personal revelation to guide and direct their lives. (See Alma 32:23.) We are blessed when we obey revelations from the Lord.

Instructions

Here are eight three-piece puzzles telling about some revelations that God’s servants have received. Carefully remove this page and mount it on heavy paper. Read each story from the scriptures or conference address in the first column, then cut out the puzzle pieces and fit them together.

WHO Received the Revelation?	WHAT Was the Revelation?	HOW Was the Revelation Received?
Enos (See Enos 1:1–6.)	His sins were forgiven.	VOICE
Jonah (See Jonah 1:1–2.)	He was to go to the people of Nineveh and cry repentance.	VOICE of the LORD
Lehi (See 1 Ne. 8.)	His family see the tree of life, the iron rod, and more.	VISION
Mary (See Luke 1:26–35.)	She was to be the mother of the Son of God.	VISIT from an ANGEL
Joseph F. Smith (See D&C 138.)	Christ teaches the righteous dead in paradise.	VISION
Noah (See Gen. 6:12–22.)	He was to build an ark and gather two of every kind of animal.	VOICE of the LORD
Joseph Smith (See JS—H 1:5–20.)	He was not to join any church on the earth at that time.	VISIT from HEAVENLY FATHER and JESUS
Ezra Taft Benson (See Ensign, May 1989, pages 4–7.)	He was to tell the people to rid themselves of pride.	PROMPTINGS

Sharing Time Ideas

Enlarge the puzzle pieces, put a question about revelation on the back of each piece, and display the pieces facedown in mixed order on the chalkboard rail. If a question is answered correctly, the puzzle pieces can be turned over and matched whenever possible.

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Puzzle

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Puzzle

Illustrated by Beth M. Whittaker
Divide the children into groups, and have them search for examples in the scriptures of people who had visions, dreams, or visitations. (See Topical Guide—Visions, Dreams, Angels.) Have the groups share their findings with each other. Their examples could be dramatized or presented as a reader’s theater. (See Primary Sharing Time Resource Manual, pages 12, 20.)
Liken revelation from God (“celestial transmitting station”) to radio transmissions. Tune in to several different programs on a radio. Discuss what the children can do to “tune in” to Heavenly Father to receive personal revelation (have faith, read the scriptures, pray, keep the commandments, etc.). Remind the children how many times the Lord spoke to Samuel before he was “tuned in” to listen.
Discuss revelations to modern prophets and how they have affected the Church: Examples: Joseph Smith’s revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants, Brigham Young leading the Saints to Utah, Spencer W. Kimball’s revelation that all worthy males can receive the priesthood, etc.
To explain the ninth article of faith, let the younger children determine which revelations were revealed in the past (Old and New Testaments) and which were revealed in the present (Joseph Smith to the present). They might put their hands on their heads when past revelations are mentioned and on their knees when present-day revelations are mentioned.
Sing songs about revelation, such as “The Ninth Article of Faith” (Children’s Songbook, page 128), “Search, Ponder and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, page 109), “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, page 106), “The Priesthood is Restored” (Children’s Songbook, page 89), and “ ’Twas Witnessed in the Morning Sky” (Hymns, page 12). The children could also illustrate the songs.