In our study of the Old Testament this week, we look at Exodus chapters 14 through 17 and the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt.

But as we do, we take a close look at our own relationship with our prophetic leaders.

I want to read something that Elder Gary E. Stevenson shared in the General Conference

right after President Nelson was sustained in solemn assembly.

He says this.

As I sought guidance to know the topic the Lord would have me addressed today, my mind was

directed to a recent conversation with the newly called First Presidency.

In this discussion, one of the counselors shared words to this effect.

I deeply hope that the membership of the church can comprehend the magnitude of what has taken place with the calling of our new prophet, President Russell and Nelson, and the significance

and sacredness of the solemn assembly that will take place at general conference.

Then Elder Stevenson continues. This caused me to reflect on experiences I have had. The first

prophet I remember is President David O. McKay. I was 14 years old when he passed away. I remember

a sense of loss that accompanied his passing, the tears in my mother's

eyes, and the sorrow felt by our whole family. I remember how the words, please bless President

David O. McKay, fell out of my lips so naturally in my prayers that if I wasn't mindful, even following

his passing, I would find myself using some of those same words. I wondered if my heart and mind would transition to the

same feeling and conviction for the prophet succeeding him. But almost like parents who love each

of their children, I found a love for connection with and testimony of President Joseph Fielding

Smith, who followed President McKay, and for each prophet thereafter, Harold B. Lee, Spencer

W. Kimball, Ezra Taff Benson, Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinkley, Thomas S. Monson, and

today President Russell M. Nelson. I fully sustained each profit with uplifted hand and uplifted

heart.

...