What Are the Blessings of the Priesthood?

My Come Follow Me Studies for this week took me to Doctrine and Covenants 12-17 and Joseph Smith – History 1:66-75 in a lesson titled “Upon You My Fellow Servants.” The lesson was introduced by the following information. 

Most people around the world have probably never heard of Harmony, Pennsylvania. The Lord often chooses humble places for the most significant events in His kingdom. In a wooded area near Harmony on May 15, 1829, John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. He placed his hands on their heads and conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon them, calling them “my fellow servants” (Doctrine and Covenants 13:1).

John the Baptist was the trusted servant of God who baptized the Savior and prepared the way for His coming (see Matthew 3:1-6, 13-17). To these two young men in their twenties, it must have been humbling, perhaps even overwhelming, to be called John’s fellow servants. At the time, Joseph and Oliver were relatively unknown, much as Harmony was. But service in God’s work has always been about how we serve, not about who notices. However small or unseen your contribution may seem at times, you too are a fellow servant in the Lord’s “great and marvelous work” (Doctrine and Covenants 14:1).

This scripture block contained several principles: (1) I can participate in God’s “great and marvelous work” (Doctrine and Covenants 12; 14), (2) Jesus Christ sent John the Baptist to restore the Aaronic Priesthood (Doctrine and Covenants 13), (3) Ordinances give me access to God’s power (Joseph Smith – History 1:66-75), (4) Bringing souls unto Christ is of great worth (Doctrine and Covenants 15-16), and (5) The Lord uses witnesses to establish His word (Doctrine and Covenants 17). This essay will discuss principle #3, Ordinances give me access to God’s power.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be with Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery as they experienced the major events of the Restoration? They received great blessings when John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood and gave them authority to baptize each other. Later, Peter, James, and John restored the Melchizedek Priesthood.

I have received great blessings because the Aaronic Priesthood and the Melchizedek Priesthood have been restored. Every single Sunday, I have the opportunity to partake of the bread and water of the sacrament to renew my baptismal covenant with God and to make a new covenant with Him. These blessings come to me through the Aaronic Priesthood held by the young men in my ward (congregation).

I have received many priesthood blessings under the hands of men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, blessings of healing and comfort as well as help to provide service in the Church of Jesus Christ. I received the greatest of priesthood blessings in holy temples when I received an endowment and was later sealed to my husband. This sealing seals my family together for eternity if we prove worthy of such a blessing. Also, I can return to the temple as often as I desire to do proxy work under the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, work that blesses me as well as the person for whom I do proxy work.