January 20–26: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”: Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65
“January 20–26: ‘The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers’: Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 (2025)
“Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: 2025
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Joseph Smith receiving a vision of the angel Moroni
Detail from He Called Me by Name, by Michael Malm
January 20–26: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”
It had been three years since God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith in the grove, and Joseph hadn’t received any additional revelations since then. He began to wonder whether the Lord was displeased with him. Like all of us, he had made mistakes, and he felt condemned by them. Yet God still had a work for him to do. And the work Joseph was called to do is connected to what God asks of us. Joseph would bring forth the Book of Mormon; we are invited to share its message. Joseph would receive priesthood keys to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers; we can now receive ordinances for our ancestors in temples. Joseph was told of prophecies that would soon be fulfilled; we are called to help fulfill these prophecies. As we take part in God’s work, we can expect to face opposition and even persecution, just as the Prophet did. But we can also have faith that the Lord will make us instruments in His hands, just as He did for Joseph.
It’s one thing to believe that God had a work for Joseph Smith to do—we can look back on his life and clearly see what he accomplished. But have you ever considered that God has a work for you too? As you read Joseph Smith—History 1:27–33, think about what that work might be. How does it contribute to the ongoing Restoration of the Savior’s gospel?
Elder Gary E. Stevenson taught: “As we come unto Christ and help others do the same, we participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation, which focuses on divinely appointed responsibilities. … These responsibilities are simple, inspirational, motivating, and doable. Here they are:
Ponder the experiences you’ve had participating in each of these divinely appointed responsibilities. What would the Savior have you do next? There is a Topics and Questions page for each of these responsibilities (see “Our Role in God’s Work of Salvation and Exaltation,” Gospel Library). You might explore these pages to help you answer this question.
You may sometimes feel like the Lord can’t use you because of mistakes you’ve made. What do you learn from Joseph Smith’s experience in Joseph Smith—History 1:28–29? How can you know your “standing before [God]”?
Ask questions that encourage meaningful discussion. Questions that have more than one right answer invite learners to respond based on their personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The questions in this outline are examples of this.
By restoring His gospel, the Savior fulfilled ancient prophecies.
When Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith, he quoted several Old and New Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 11; Acts 3:22–23; and Joel 2:28–32. As you read Joseph Smith—History 1:34–47, think about why these prophecies might have been important for Joseph to know. Why are they important for you to know?
You could also read what Elder David A. Bednar taught about Moroni’s first visit to Joseph Smith in “With the Power of God in Great Glory” (Liahona, Nov. 2021, 28).
Joseph was only 17 years old when he first saw the gold plates. They weren’t entrusted to his care, however, until four years later. Read Joseph Smith—History 1:48–60, looking for what happened in Joseph’s life during that time. How do you think these events prepared him for the work God called him to do? What experiences have you had that have prepared you to serve God and others? What are you currently experiencing that can help you prepare for future service?
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a painting of the Hill Cumorah, near Manchester, New York
The Lord sent Elijah to turn my heart to my ancestors.
What do words like “plant,” “hearts,” and “turn” in this section teach you about the mission of Elijah and the blessings of the priesthood keys he restored? How have you felt your heart turn toward your ancestors? Think of ways you can experience such feelings more often. Seeking your ancestors and performing ordinances for them in the temple is one way (see FamilySearch.org). What others can you think of?
We all sometimes feel “condemned for [our] weakness and imperfections,” as Joseph Smith did. You and your children could study Joseph Smith—History 1:29 together, looking for what Joseph did when he felt that way. What can we learn from his example that can help us when we make mistakes? Why is it important to know that Joseph was called by God even though he was not perfect?
Heavenly Father called Joseph Smith to help Him do His work.
Your children might have fun pretending to be Joseph Smith as you tell the account of Moroni’s visits in Joseph Smith—History 1:27–54 or “Chapter 3: The Angel Moroni and the Gold Plates” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 13–17, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). For example, they could fold their arms like they are praying or pretend to climb the Hill Cumorah, and so on. Then you could ask them to talk about what God called Joseph Smith to do and how we are blessed as a result. For example, how have we been blessed because Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon? How has his work helped us come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
Heavenly Father wants families to be sealed in the temple.
Perhaps you and your children would enjoy looking at some pictures of your family, possibly including a picture of your family at a temple (or see Gospel Art Book, no. 120). You could then read Doctrine and Covenants 2 and share with each other your thoughts about why we have temples and why Heavenly Father wants families to be together forever. Consider singing together “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188). What does this song say we can do to be with our family forever?
Children can become excited about and feel the joy of family history. To help them, you could share stories or pictures of your ancestors. Talk with your children about what life was like for their ancestors when they were children. Your children could also enjoy some of the family history activities on FamilySearch.org/discovery.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
