Get Out of the Steamboat – Joseph Smith’s Last Dream
🛥️ Get Out of the Steamboat – Joseph Smith’s Last Dream
Joseph’s Last Dream
“I dreamed that myself and my brother Hyrum went on board a large steamboat lying in a small bay, near the great ocean. Shortly after we went on board there was an alarm of fire… but, as delay was folly, [we] jumped overboard, and tried our faith at walking upon the water. At first we sank nearly to our knees, but as our faith increased, we soon began to walk upon the water and went on our way rejoicing. We met my brother Samuel H., and soon after we came to a great and beautiful city, with gold and silver steeples, shining brighter than anything I had ever seen. A boat came out to meet us, and we felt great joy as we approached the shore.”
(Source: Joseph Smith Papers, W.W. Phelps account, June 1844)
🔥 A Warning for All of Us
Joseph’s dream wasn’t just a nice story. It feels like a picture of the last days—a loving warning.
The scriptures say judgment begins at the Lord’s own house (Doctrine & Covenants 112:25).
Mormon warned that some would “pollute the holy church of God” (Mormon 8:38).
Isaiah saw a people who “draw near me with their mouth… but their hearts are far from me” (Isaiah 29:13).
The Nemenhah Records echo the same thought:
“A goodly, industrious people will build much but will not hear the Lord’s voice; their priests will teach precepts of men.” (Tsihohnayah Ahkehkthihm 14:4)
This isn’t about pointing fingers or accusing anyone.
It’s an invitation for all of us—myself included—to ask:
“Am I clinging to something that’s safe-looking but already losing the Spirit?”
🚶♂️ Stepping Off the Boat
"…as delay was folly, [we] jumped overboard, and tried our faith at walking upon the water."
The Savior often asks us to step away from comfort zones—sometimes even from things that look good on the outside but no longer bring us to Him.
Peter had to do the same:
“And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” (Matthew 14:29)
At first, Joseph sank to his knees. We might too.
But the promise is sure:
“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” (Doctrine & Covenants 6:36)
The water is only dangerous when we take our eyes off Him.
⚠️ Don’t Follow the Wrong Guide
Lehi warned us in his dream:
“And it came to pass that he saw a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and he… led [my father] into a dark and dreary waste.” (1 Nephi 8:5–7)
Not every “white robe” leads us to Christ.
Titles, appearances, and traditions can be wonderful—but only if they bring us closer to the Savior’s voice.
The safest guide is always Him.
👬 Family on the Water
Joseph met Samuel after he jumped:
"We met my brother Samuel H."
The Lord’s sheep gather the same way:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
The Nemenhah Records describe it perfectly:
“A small flock will hear His voice; He will be in their midst, even without many members.” (Mohrhohnahyah 4:12)
You’ll find true brothers and sisters—the ones walking with Him—after you step out in faith.
🏙️ The City of Light
"…a great and beautiful city, with gold and silver steeples, shining brighter than anything I had ever seen."
That’s where He’s leading us—Zion.
Not just Heaven someday, but the beginnings of it now:
“Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments.” (Doctrine & Covenants 82:14)
🕊️ What the Savior Is Whispering
"Step out.
Don’t follow the white robe in Lehi’s dream.
Follow My Voice.
The boat’s on fire, but I will not let you sink if you keep your eyes on Me."
🙏 A Short Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Open my ears to Your voice, even if it means letting go of things that feel safe.
Give me courage to step out and trust You.
Lead me to the City of Light with those who truly love You.
Amen.
Your Turn
⚡ What is He asking you to let go of?
⚡ Where might He be asking you to trust Him more fully?
The invitation is the same for every one of us.
The safest place isn’t the boat—it’s wherever He is.
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