Later in life, the prophet, Joseph Smith, recalled the 1823 death of his oldest brother, Alvin, as “a very solemn and awful time…” Reflecting on the loss of those he loved he stated, “…it has been hard to be reconciled to these things I have sometimes felt…” (Discourse, 9 April 1842 as reported by Wilford Woodruff).
Years after Alvin’s death, as preparations were being made for the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, Joseph had a vision of the celestial kingdom where he saw his brother Alvin and “marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized of sins.”
The Lord then taught him that “All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;” (D&C 137:6-7)
This knowledge came with joy but understanding the process has unfolded over time. It was not until 1840 that the Prophet would teach the doctrine of baptism for the dead and it wouldn’t be until 1842 that he would record the method and procedures for performing and recording those ordinances. It would be 76 years until Joseph’s nephew, President Joseph F. Smith, would see and record a vision of the Spirit World and revelation continues. There is still so much that we do not understand but we trust that understanding will come according to His wisdom and our need.
When we find ourselves in a place when we have experiences and find it “hard to be reconciled to these things [we] have sometimes felt…”, when our understanding is insufficient for the hopes we seek, we can trust in the Savior of the World who knows intimately the feeling of being forsaken and assures us, “…your Father which is in heaven give[s] good things to them that ask him…” (Matthew 7:11) We can rely on His wisdom and give time and space for the tapestry He is weaving in our lives and the lives of those we love. As we follow Him and invite His Spirit to walk with us, clarity and understanding will come piece by piece, bit by bit with assurances and hope in His unfolding plan and purposes, whereby all His promises will be fulfilled.