For centuries, watchmen have been posted in towers so they can detect threats before they are visible from the ground. Associate dean and professor in the J. Reuben Clark Law School David Moore first saw towers like this in Jerusalem. At the Devotional on Tuesday, Moore talked about how he could see that the view from a tower enabled a person to detect threats that could harm olive, fig and grape vineyards.
Years later, Moore, impressed with the implications this lesson can have on following modern-day prophets, reenacted this scene with his family in a family home evening and found that prophets not only warn of harm, but also foretell blessings.
“Members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are prophets, seers and revelators,” said Moore. “In each of these related roles, they, like watchmen on a tower, expand our vision of things of eternal significance.”
Prophets carry out a number of responsibilities, said Moore. They enlarge our understanding of the Savior, Jesus Christ, while bearing testimony of Him through both their actions in serving as revelators and seers. In doing so, prophets can guide us and positively change us.
“Exercising faith in the words of the prophets can work a mighty change in our hearts,” Moore said.
By way of warning, Moore also reminded the audience that while heeding the words of the prophets will contribute to conversion, we cannot be truly converted until we have a testimony of the divine calling and role of prophets. According to Moore, scriptural history provides us with numerous examples of people who were blessed because of their testimony of the prophets, along with those who received no such blessings because they rejected the prophets.
“The only rock upon which we can build to have a sure foundation is the Savior Jesus Christ,” Moore said. “We will not find that foundation if we are not watchful; nor can we build upon the foundation of the Savior if we reject or neglect his servants the prophets. As I work to prepare for the Second Coming, I cast my lot with the watchmen on the tower.”
If you missed Moore's remarks, the Devotional can be streamed on BYUtv.org and will be archived on speeches.byu.edu.
Next Devotional: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The next BYU Devotional address will be given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Tuesday, August 16, at 11:05 a.m., in the Marriott Center. Registration for Education Week is not required to attend the Education Week Devotional.
His remarks will be broadcast live on BYUtv and BYUtv.org, KBYU-TV 11, Classical 89 FM and BYU Radio.
Writer: Beau Jones
