D&C 23

This morning I read a brief revelation given to several members of the Church who desired to know their respective duties. What seemed to catch my attention was that portion directed to Hyrum Smith -

"...I speak unto you, Hyrum, a few words; for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy heart is opened, and thy tongue loosed; and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church continually. Wherefore thy duty is unto the church forever, and this because of thy family." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 23:3)

What caught my attention was the words "thy duty is unto the church forever, and this because of thy family". With all the duties given to the over members, to him was specifically given the words "because of thy family". I'm sure the general opinion of the purpose of these words may have been in regards to the office of patriarch that his father held and of which Hyrum would eventually hold, and many of his posterity.

But my thoughts seemed to go beyond that. I personally know and love a descendant of Hyrum Smith, Hoyt W. Brewster, Jr., a grandson of President Joseph Fielding Smith. President Smith was a descendant of President Joseph F. Smith. And there were many more. I had feelings this morning that the Lord knew that Hyrum would have a great posterity of righteous and valiant individuals. The Prophet Joseph Smith and Hyrum may have never realized the prophecy of these great words.