Joseph Smith and the Savior

Recently, I've been reading and studying a lot of personal accounts of people who knew or had met the prophet Joseph Smith. It's helped me to come to know the prophet in a more personal way and to love him even more. Now when I hear the song "Praise to the Man" it has an even greater meaning to me.

Some of the things that appear to be a pattern in these personal accounts and experiences are Joseph glowing and turning white and translucent when receiving visions, revelation or in the presence of the Savior. Countless people record this happening and their description of it is remarkable and beautiful.

Another common experience are the countless times that the mob was planning to capture or kill Joseph and he was led away at the last minute through the Holy Ghost or from strangers, away from the mob and into safety.

A favorite of mine are the experiences in which the disbelievers would come to Joseph to call him a liar or to tell him he had been deceived by the devil and upon meeting him they sense something different and wonderful about him. By the end of the conversation they believe him and want to be baptized.

Many describe him as loving, humble and almost "god-like" in his appearance and countenance. Many said that when they saw him for the first time not knowing who he truly was, they knew he was a prophet of God at first glance. They said he was gentle yet joyful. He was always positive, encouraging and uplifting. Joseph was born into humble circumstances. He always wore a smile on his face and went out of his way to talk to everyone. He played with the children, loved them very much and cheered up the downtrodden. People said that when he looked at you it felt as though he knew everything about you. People traveled from far distances just to hear him speak. He was described as a very strong man with beautiful blue eyes. He healed the sick and raised the dead. Sadly, he was betrayed by some of his closest friends and given to the mob. He was hunted down and spat upon. People shouted "blasphemy" at him. He was persecuted and martyred.

I couldn't help but notice the many striking similarities to the Savior and truly believe that as we are all taught to be Christ-like and to know the Savior, Joseph really knew the Savior as he emulated him in so many ways. He sacrificed all he had for the gospel and sealed his testimony with his blood. I imagine that Joseph and the Savior continue to have a very close relationship and I testify that there was no greater man to have been chosen to restore Christ's church in these latter days.

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen.