A recent week’s “Come, Follow Me” lesson on Noah taught about the importance of following the Lord’s prophets.
As a prophet, Noah prophesied, taught the things of God, and preached the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Moses 8:13 says: “Noah and his sons heard the word of the Lord and heeded it, so they were called sons of God.”
This is what all of the Lord’s prophets are called to do. They are called by God to represent God. Most importantly, they bear witness to Christ.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to watch President Dallin H. Oaks dedicate the Burley Idaho Temple. This was President Oaks’ first temple dedication since his installation as prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 14, 2025.
While attending the dedication ceremony, I felt an unexpected sense of love and gratitude for President Oaks. I listened to his words and watched him express his gratitude to those involved in the dedication, including Church News Editor John Ryan Jensen and myself. He shook our hands and thanked us for our role in covering the dedication.
I received confirmation from the Spirit that he was a prophet of the Lord. It was a conviction that came to my mind and heart that God loves me, loves all of His children, and, through President Oaks, guides and directs The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, His Church on earth.
That experience changed me. My desire to live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ increased and I felt hope for the future.
On Tuesday, February 10, at Brigham Young University, President Oaks spoke about the significance of the word “mantle” in relation to the Lord’s prophets.
“In the Bible, the word ‘mantle’ is used to describe the cloak of the prophet Elijah, who descended upon Elisha as a symbol of the transmission of prophetic authority,” he said. “To the observer, it symbolizes the transfer of priesthood authority.”
President Oaks became emotional as he described how he experienced this after the death of President Russell M. Nelson “as a recipient of that authority.”
“Within minutes of learning of the president’s death, I felt the weight of responsibility sink in with an important impression of what I now had to do,” he said.
How can you assure yourself that President Oaks is the Lord’s chosen prophet?
In his address at BYU, President Oaks spoke of how Latter-day Saints quickly received the revelation that the Prophet Joseph Smith’s mission was set upon Brigham Young. The revelation differed from person to person, and some saw the Prophet Joseph in the face of Brigham Young. Many others felt confident in the transfer of priesthood authority.
After President Oaks’ speech at BYU, I observed people’s reactions on social media. Many of my friends told me how they were moved by President Oaks’ words. In one video posted on social media, a woman tearfully says, “I now know that he is a prophet.”
After attending the temple dedication with President Oaks, I felt this way. “I understand now.”
It is clear that listening to the words of the prophets helps us to know.
Moroni teaches another way to know “the truth of all things” in Moroni 10:4.
“And when you receive these things, I urge you to ask God the Eternal Father in the name of Christ, whether these things are not true. And if you believe in Christ and ask with a sincere heart and with a true intention, Christ will reveal the truth to you by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Why is it important to know that the Lord has prophets to guide and guide the church today? Because following the prophets leads us to Christ. As with Noah’s family, following the prophets helps us stay within the safe confines of the ark.
On Sunday, several people in my ward shared how they have been blessed by following the teachings of the Lord’s prophets. They spoke of the comfort the Holy Spirit had come upon them and their families, and of the peace and protection they received during their trials.
I would like to add my own testimony that over the years following the teachings of the Lord’s prophets has brought me closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
— Amy Kobab is a reporter for Church News.
