Who Saw the Finger of God?

The Brother of Jared was the individual who saw the finger of God. This profound event, chronicled in ancient scripture, represents a unique and significant encounter between a mortal and the divine.

The Vision of the Brother of Jared

The Brother of Jared, a devoted prophet and leader of a righteous people, experienced this extraordinary divine manifestation during a critical phase of their journey. As his community prepared to embark on a transatlantic voyage in sealed barges, he earnestly sought divine guidance to ensure light within their enclosed vessels.

Circumstances Leading to the Revelation

The deep faith and sincere prayers of the Brother of Jared paved the way for this remarkable vision. He presented sixteen molten, clear stones to the Lord, humbly requesting that they be touched by the divine hand to provide illumination. It was in this moment of unwavering faith and profound humility that the vision unfolded.

• Preparations for a Great Journey: His people were poised to cross vast oceans in airtight barges, necessitating a reliable light source.
• Essential Need for Light: The dark, sealed conditions within the barges made internal light indispensable for survival and comfort.
• Exercising Extraordinary Faith: The Brother of Jared approached the Lord with absolute conviction, trusting in His power to illuminate the stones.

As he presented the stones, the Lord responded directly to his faith. The scriptural account details that "the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his finger." It was precisely at this instance that the Brother of Jared saw the finger of the Lord. This was not merely a physical sighting; his spiritual understanding was opened, allowing him to perceive a part of God's pre-mortal, spirit body. His faith was so immense that the veil that typically separates mortals from the divine was drawn back, enabling him to see beyond the initial manifestation. He subsequently beheld the entire body of Jesus Christ, who revealed Himself, saying, "Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people... even as I appear unto thee."

Significance of the Event

This divine encounter serves as a powerful testament to the principle that through profound faith, individuals can come to know and even perceive God. The Brother of Jared's experience is particularly noteworthy because he saw the pre-mortal spirit body of Jesus Christ and comprehended His identity as the Redeemer. This event underscores several vital spiritual principles:

• The Transformative Power of Faith: His unparalleled faith enabled him to pierce the spiritual veil and enter the presence of the Lord.
• Divine Responsiveness to Sincerity: God reveals Himself to those who earnestly seek Him and exercise profound, unyielding faith.
• Witness of Christ's Pre-mortal Form: It provided a clear and undeniable witness that Jesus Christ possesses a distinct physical form, even in His pre-mortal state, affirming that humanity is created in His image.

This profound vision, where the Brother of Jared sees the finger of the Lord, stands as a pivotal narrative illustrating the direct and personal interaction between God and His faithful children. Further details regarding this miraculous event can be found in the Book of Mormon, specifically in Ether 3.

Summary of Key Details Surrounding the Vision: