Liberty Jail: "a temple prison"

Since the moment Joseph saw God and Jesus Christ, extreme opposition came into his life. Satan knew the true gospel was entering its final dispensation and was trying everything possible to stop its progress. Joseph stayed constant—and on the run.

There is no doubt that the five months of 1839 the Prophet Joseph spent in Liberty Jail changed him forever. As mentioned in class, this was the first time he had been “stuck” in a single place. Although a Prophet of God, He still had to answer the “hard questions.” Liberty Jail brought Joseph to his knees in a way he could never have imagined. His body in the worst mortal condition imaginable, his Spirit was strengthened in its connection to God as he listened to reproves from the Lord and learned that all “was for [his] experience…[and] good” (D&C 122:7).

Jeffrey R. Holland spoke in General Conference once of the Atonement and how the Father withdrew so that Christ could feel (for a small moment) how we might feel left alone. To me, this is what Liberty Jail did to Joseph. It brought the average man out of the Prophet. It humbled him and increased his sincerity and love for the saints—(if that was even possible). It was a Prophet-specific Zion’s Camp. As soon as Joseph asks of the Lord “where art thou,” “how long,” “can you avenge my enemies,” the Lord answers him with comfort AND caution. His words of “My son, peace be unto thy soul” is followed by a short “Thou art not yet as Job.” Dr. Holzapfel mentioned loneliness and God-forsakeness as two different things. Perhaps this was a lesson Joseph had to feel personally—what the rest of us would feel like crossing the plains and following the gospel--susceptible and alone. You can tell loneliness was a concern when the Lord specifically addresses, verse 9, “thy friends do stand by thee.” This prophet of God had been pulled from the side of his wife and children, arrested, charged unlawfully, turned on by friends, yet God was over all.

To me, it seems Joseph became a more “reachable” Prophet. He became his own mouthpiece by preaching more (not just recording revelation). Since he was captive in jail, Joseph had plenty of time to communicate with God and articulate His will for the Saints.

Liberty Jail recommitted Joseph to the building of the kingdom. Temples became his life’s mission because he realized their saving power while he himself felt in the grip of death. It seems like events and ordinances following Liberty Jail were attacked with more vigor, speed, and urgency.

One lesson is taught repeatedly throughout D&C 121-123: “Jesus, who suffered no sin, suffered unfairly—so, it is not wrong for humans who do wrong to suffer.” D&C 122:8: The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” Certainly, all things experienced in mortality are for our benefit.