Amos; Obadiah; Jonah: Lesson 149
Amos 3; 7
The Lord Reveals Truth through His Prophets
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
In a world with many persuasive voices, it can be difficult to know which voices to trust. Fortunately, our loving Father in Heaven and Savior, Jesus Christ, reveal Their plans to us through Their living prophets. This lesson can help you understand that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reveal counsel and truth through Their prophets.
Study the Scriptures
On December 26, 2004, a huge earthquake near Indonesia caused a deadly tsunami, killing over 200,000 people. The Moken people, living on islands near Thailand and Myanmar, didn’t lose anyone. Their ancestors had taught them that when the ocean pulls back, a big wave is coming. The village elders saw the signs and told everyone to run to higher ground (see Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Journey to Higher Ground,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 16).
Just as the Moken people trusted their elders and found safety, you can find guidance and protection by listening to the Lord’s prophets today.
Take a moment to reflect on your view of the Lord’s prophet on the earth today. You could consider your answers to the following questions:
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How do I feel about the prophet’s counsel? Do my feelings change depending on what counsel he gives?
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What reasons might I give for following prophetic counsel? Are there any ways I struggle to follow prophetic counsel?
As you study in the book of Amos today, the Holy Ghost can help you learn more about the importance of following God’s prophets.
By Amos’s time, many of God’s covenant people had forsaken Him and followed the wicked ways of neighboring nations (see Amos 2:6–12). The people rejected Amos and wanted him to prophesy somewhere else (see Amos 7:12). Why do you think God’s prophets continue to teach—even when some people see them as unpopular, out of touch, or not needed?
President Russell M. Nelson added these insights:
Sometimes we as leaders of the Church are criticized for holding firm to the laws of God, defending the Savior’s doctrine, and resisting the social pressures of our day. But our commission as ordained apostles is “to go into all the world to preach [His] gospel unto every creature.” That means we are commanded to teach truth.
In doing so, sometimes we are accused of being uncaring as we teach the Father’s requirements for exaltation in the celestial kingdom. But wouldn’t it be far more uncaring for us not to tell the truth—not to teach what God has revealed? (“The Love and Laws of God,” [Brigham Young University devotional, Sept. 17, 2019], 3, speeches.byu.edu)
A few chapters earlier, the Lord revealed a powerful truth about Himself and His prophets through Amos.
Read Amos 3:7–8. Mark what the Lord will always do through His prophets. Note: Other terms for secret include counsel or plan.
Amos 3:7 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider tagging doctrinal mastery passages with the topic they teach so you can find them easily later. Memorize the reference and key scripture phrase “The Lord God … revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” On a piece of paper or digitally, record the reference and key phrase three times. Then stand up or walk around for a minute while repeating the reference and key phrase.
In a note next to Amos 3:7, answer the following question:
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How does this truth show that God loves us?
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
How can I respond when others are critical of the prophet?
Imagine seeing the following as responses to a social media post from the prophet:
“He has no business talking about this. He doesn’t understand.”
“He’s out of touch with what’s really happening.”
“With everything else I need to do, I don’t see how I could possibly apply this counsel to my very busy life.”
Reread Amos 3:7 and ponder how it may help the person who made that comment. Also read the following doctrinal mastery passages, looking for how they may help. Link these scriptures with Amos 3:7.
Record in your notebook a response to the social media posts. Include at least two blessings that can come when you listen to God’s prophet. You can find examples in the scriptures, stories from Church history, or teachings from prophets today. Try to share one example where a prophet’s words made a positive difference in your life.
Option B
What can I do to follow the prophet when I may struggle with a teaching?
A youth asked Elder Ronald A. Rasband and Sister Melanie Rasband how to handle such situations. Watch “Face to Face with Elder and Sister Rasband” from time code 18:25 to 21:34.
Interview someone you know who has a testimony that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reveal counsel and truth through Their prophets. Ask them two or more of the following questions.
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How did you gain a testimony that prophets are called of God?
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When have you been blessed by God’s guidance through His prophets?
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What do you think it looks like to listen to a prophet with “patience and faith”?
In your notebook, write down something you want to remember to help you and others follow the Lord’s prophet.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you understand that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reveal counsel and truth through Their prophets.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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Your response to the social media posts.
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What you learned about following the Lord’s prophet during challenging times.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?