I've fallen far behind with keeping this blog updated. So, in the interest of time I will pick out just one principle from each chapter and try to get this caught up. I'm not sure if anyone is reading this at all, but it is good for me to be focused on my reading. Trying to share what I have learned with others helps me to really understand the principles and how they apply to MY life.
Chapter 11
The thing that stood out the most to me in this chapter is in the first verse. Nephi is taken by the Spirit up to an exceedingly high mountain, where he is shown the vision that his father had. This verse stands out to me because I was recently on a rather high mountain and felt the sacredness of that place. I took my family up Farmington Canyon a few weeks ago. We got off to a later start than I thought we would and by the time we reached a point that overlooked the Great Salt Lake and the surrounding area it was quite nearly dark. All that remained of the sunset was a deep red hue that hung to the horizon. Because it was so clear and we were so high it almost seemed like we could peek over the curve of the earth. It was an astonishing sight. It was also so very quiet. It was easy to see why Nephi was taken up on a mountain, which was comparable to a temple in holiness, to be shown such sacred things.
Chapter 12
Verse 17 stands out to me in this chapter. It talks about the mist of darkness, that it is the temptations of the devil. What stands out to me most is that Satan seeks to blind not only our eyes, but also to harden our hearts. Many of us live with impaired sight. I have worn glasses or contacts since I was ten years old. This is not how Satan seeks to blind our eyes. He seeks to pervert our view of what is right, or what is important. If he can distract us from what is right, he can get a little flaxen cord around us and slowly start to bind us. If he can harden our hearts he cuts us off from the Spirit. We lose the guidance that we need to stay on the path, and wander off into broad roads. While the importance of "holding to the rod" is easy to see in this visual form, it is also easy to overlook the importance of the scriptures and words of the prophets.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
In other words, a Savior of the world.
Chapter 9
This is a short chapter, just six verses, but there is some good insight here.
Verse 3: Nephi is keeping the commandment from the Lord to make a record of the ministry of his people. I like how this fits in nicely with what he says in verse 5, that these plates are made for a purpose but he doesn't know what it is. He's making two sets of plates, which might have seemed redundant, but it was for a wise purpose that was known by the Lord. We also are given commandments or promptings from the Spirit that we don't completely understand or that may seem redundant or unnecessary. When we follow, we are blessed.
Verse 6: This verse points out that the Lord knows it all and prepares a way for his designs to be accomplished. I believe that is true even in our own lives. The Lord has a plan for each of us, which also fits into the "big plan" of happiness. The Lord prepares us and circumstances in our lives in order for His purposes to be accomplished.
Chapter 10
Chapter 10 is where we really start getting into the doctrine of a savior, or a redeemer. Lehi testifies of the Savior and of His earthly ministry.
Verse 4: Lehi gets very specific and prophesies of the exact time when the Savior shall come. In just two verses (4-5), Jesus Christ is given three titles: Messiah, Savior, Redeemer. I think all of these titles work together to convey who He is and what He has done for us.
Verse 6: Without the Savior we are all lost and fallen, and will remain as such unless we rely on Him.
Verse 11: Lehi prophesies of the Savior's death and resurrection. How much faith this would have taken to believe in Him. This is 600 years before Christ is even born. It'd be like looking forward to someone that would be born around 2608 and knowing that this person would have an eternal impact on you. I think we almost have it a bit easier today. Jesus Christ's life is generally accepted as historical fact, though many people argue who and what He was. It may not be hard to agree that He existed, but it still takes great faith for us today to follow the path that He showed us.
Verse 17: Nephi hears his father testify of these things and he "was desirous also that I might...know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him." Nephi's example here is great. He hears his father's testimony, feels the Spirit, wants to know these things for himself. What an awesome example of how the Spirit can touch each of us and give us that desire to know that things are true for ourselves. It's not enough for us just to feel the Spirit and not put forth the effort required to gain our own testimonies. Each time we feel the Spirit it does strengthen our testimonies, but it also takes our own effort to grow closer to the Lord. Laman and Lemuel heard these same things but don't seem to have done anything further about it.
Verse 18: The plan has been from "the foundation of the world" that if we repent and come unto the Savior we will receive exaltation. We knew the rules and came to earth to follow the plan. It's not always easy going through this mortal life, but I am certain that at the end of it if we have followed the Savior it will be more than worth it. We cannot even imagination what lies beyond this life if we will but follow the plan and do those things that will bring us home to our Father in heaven and his son, Jesus Christ.
This is a short chapter, just six verses, but there is some good insight here.
Verse 3: Nephi is keeping the commandment from the Lord to make a record of the ministry of his people. I like how this fits in nicely with what he says in verse 5, that these plates are made for a purpose but he doesn't know what it is. He's making two sets of plates, which might have seemed redundant, but it was for a wise purpose that was known by the Lord. We also are given commandments or promptings from the Spirit that we don't completely understand or that may seem redundant or unnecessary. When we follow, we are blessed.
Verse 6: This verse points out that the Lord knows it all and prepares a way for his designs to be accomplished. I believe that is true even in our own lives. The Lord has a plan for each of us, which also fits into the "big plan" of happiness. The Lord prepares us and circumstances in our lives in order for His purposes to be accomplished.
Chapter 10
Chapter 10 is where we really start getting into the doctrine of a savior, or a redeemer. Lehi testifies of the Savior and of His earthly ministry.
Verse 4: Lehi gets very specific and prophesies of the exact time when the Savior shall come. In just two verses (4-5), Jesus Christ is given three titles: Messiah, Savior, Redeemer. I think all of these titles work together to convey who He is and what He has done for us.
Verse 6: Without the Savior we are all lost and fallen, and will remain as such unless we rely on Him.
Verse 11: Lehi prophesies of the Savior's death and resurrection. How much faith this would have taken to believe in Him. This is 600 years before Christ is even born. It'd be like looking forward to someone that would be born around 2608 and knowing that this person would have an eternal impact on you. I think we almost have it a bit easier today. Jesus Christ's life is generally accepted as historical fact, though many people argue who and what He was. It may not be hard to agree that He existed, but it still takes great faith for us today to follow the path that He showed us.
Verse 17: Nephi hears his father testify of these things and he "was desirous also that I might...know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him." Nephi's example here is great. He hears his father's testimony, feels the Spirit, wants to know these things for himself. What an awesome example of how the Spirit can touch each of us and give us that desire to know that things are true for ourselves. It's not enough for us just to feel the Spirit and not put forth the effort required to gain our own testimonies. Each time we feel the Spirit it does strengthen our testimonies, but it also takes our own effort to grow closer to the Lord. Laman and Lemuel heard these same things but don't seem to have done anything further about it.
Verse 18: The plan has been from "the foundation of the world" that if we repent and come unto the Savior we will receive exaltation. We knew the rules and came to earth to follow the plan. It's not always easy going through this mortal life, but I am certain that at the end of it if we have followed the Savior it will be more than worth it. We cannot even imagination what lies beyond this life if we will but follow the plan and do those things that will bring us home to our Father in heaven and his son, Jesus Christ.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Tree of Life
I promise I'll get this caught up at some point. This weekend has been rather crazy, but good. Let's jump right into chapter 8 and see what it has to teach us. This is Lehi's version of the tree of life vision. The reason I say it is Lehi's version is because this is how Lehi tells it. Nephi has the same vision in a later chapter but it is a bit expanded and we learn a few more things from Nephi's account. Lehi has many insights though, so let us learn from him.
Verses 3-4: Lehi has great reason to rejoice because of Sam and Nephi, but great reason to fear for Laman and Lemuel. I can just imagine Laman and Lemuel rolling their eyes, thinking "here goes dad again."
Verse 5: Lehi describes a man in a white robe comes to meet him and guide him. I find it interesting that this is the only way that Lehi describes him. Nephi describes his "guide" in his version of the vision as the Holy Ghost.
Verse 8: I love this verse. Lehi's been traveling in darkness for hours and begins to pray to the Lord for mercy. I think it is often the way in our own lives. We may persist in things that leave us "traveling in darkness" until we finally get to the point that we realize we need light in our lives. Who better to provide us that light than He who is the light of the world?
Verse 9: Immediately Lehi prays, he begins to see. The Lord loves us and does not want us to wander in darkness. The Lord will guide us, if we will but ask for that guidance.
Verse 10-12: Lehi sees the tree of life, goes and partakes of its fruit and has his soul filled with joy. What is his first thought after experiencing such joy? He wants his family to receive it also. When we find something great don't we want to share it?
Verses 15: Lehi sees his wife Sariah and Sam and Nephi standing by a river of water and they don't seem to know where to go. I really like the symbolism here. They don't know where to go, and Lehi calls to them and tells them to come partake of the fruit. We all need some encouragement or (more frequently) a guide to lead us.
Verses 16-17: After Sariah, Sam and Nephi have partaken of the fruit Lehi also desires that Laman and Lemuel will come and eat the fruit. He looks around, finds them and invites them to come and eat but they won't. This must have made Lehi quite sad.
Verses 19-22: Lehi sees the rod of iron and the strait and narrow path which leads to the tree. He sees numberless crowds of people starting on the path. I like these verses because we see the desire of all these people to come and partake of the fruit of the tree. They start out just great. Maybe I should make it more personal and liken it to us. We start out just great, knowing that we want to return to our Father in heaven. But the next part of the vision explains some of the obstacles that stand in the way.
Verses 23-24: Lehi sees an "exceedingly great mist of darkness" that leads many people astray. They wander off and get lost. Lehi then sees more people who cling to the rod of iron and make it safely to the tree. These symbols are not explained yet, but just imagine going through something like this in real life. You have to get through this horrible mist of darkness and can't see anything. But all you've got to do to get through it is to keep holding onto that rod. The way is simple. You just have to have the faith that holding onto the rod will get you safely through.
Verses 26-28: Now we see the famous great and spacious building. I like the description of its inhabitants. They are old and young, male and female, dressed in "exceedingly fine" clothes. Satan takes anyone on his team. And he presents the illusion that by joining him you get those things that "really matter." The big nice building, the clothes, the very attitude of the people all illustrate what the world thinks is important. But as we will see it only brings destruction to those that choose that way.
Verses 33-34: The people in the building continue to scorn those who have made it to the tree and have partaken of the fruit. I love the response though: we heeded them not. People like to deride those who stick to their values. But if we do not listen to them we are safe. I like the warning that Lehi gives also. He explains that those who heeded the scorn and mocking fell away. Unfortunately it happens all too often.
Verse 37: I love the feeling that this verse conveys. Lehi tries to teach them with "all the feeling of a tender parent" to follow the gospel. As we all have agency, that's all we can do. We can teach and plead and pray and fast for others to do what is right. Ultimately the choice is theirs. It is up to all of us to do the best we can to help everyone live the gospel, but in the end it is their choice. Having three sons of my own, I know that Lehi loved each of them and wanted the best for them. How painful it must have been for him to see them reject it and turn away from the Lord.
Verses 3-4: Lehi has great reason to rejoice because of Sam and Nephi, but great reason to fear for Laman and Lemuel. I can just imagine Laman and Lemuel rolling their eyes, thinking "here goes dad again."
Verse 5: Lehi describes a man in a white robe comes to meet him and guide him. I find it interesting that this is the only way that Lehi describes him. Nephi describes his "guide" in his version of the vision as the Holy Ghost.
Verse 8: I love this verse. Lehi's been traveling in darkness for hours and begins to pray to the Lord for mercy. I think it is often the way in our own lives. We may persist in things that leave us "traveling in darkness" until we finally get to the point that we realize we need light in our lives. Who better to provide us that light than He who is the light of the world?
Verse 9: Immediately Lehi prays, he begins to see. The Lord loves us and does not want us to wander in darkness. The Lord will guide us, if we will but ask for that guidance.
Verse 10-12: Lehi sees the tree of life, goes and partakes of its fruit and has his soul filled with joy. What is his first thought after experiencing such joy? He wants his family to receive it also. When we find something great don't we want to share it?
Verses 15: Lehi sees his wife Sariah and Sam and Nephi standing by a river of water and they don't seem to know where to go. I really like the symbolism here. They don't know where to go, and Lehi calls to them and tells them to come partake of the fruit. We all need some encouragement or (more frequently) a guide to lead us.
Verses 16-17: After Sariah, Sam and Nephi have partaken of the fruit Lehi also desires that Laman and Lemuel will come and eat the fruit. He looks around, finds them and invites them to come and eat but they won't. This must have made Lehi quite sad.
Verses 19-22: Lehi sees the rod of iron and the strait and narrow path which leads to the tree. He sees numberless crowds of people starting on the path. I like these verses because we see the desire of all these people to come and partake of the fruit of the tree. They start out just great. Maybe I should make it more personal and liken it to us. We start out just great, knowing that we want to return to our Father in heaven. But the next part of the vision explains some of the obstacles that stand in the way.
Verses 23-24: Lehi sees an "exceedingly great mist of darkness" that leads many people astray. They wander off and get lost. Lehi then sees more people who cling to the rod of iron and make it safely to the tree. These symbols are not explained yet, but just imagine going through something like this in real life. You have to get through this horrible mist of darkness and can't see anything. But all you've got to do to get through it is to keep holding onto that rod. The way is simple. You just have to have the faith that holding onto the rod will get you safely through.
Verses 26-28: Now we see the famous great and spacious building. I like the description of its inhabitants. They are old and young, male and female, dressed in "exceedingly fine" clothes. Satan takes anyone on his team. And he presents the illusion that by joining him you get those things that "really matter." The big nice building, the clothes, the very attitude of the people all illustrate what the world thinks is important. But as we will see it only brings destruction to those that choose that way.
Verses 33-34: The people in the building continue to scorn those who have made it to the tree and have partaken of the fruit. I love the response though: we heeded them not. People like to deride those who stick to their values. But if we do not listen to them we are safe. I like the warning that Lehi gives also. He explains that those who heeded the scorn and mocking fell away. Unfortunately it happens all too often.
Verse 37: I love the feeling that this verse conveys. Lehi tries to teach them with "all the feeling of a tender parent" to follow the gospel. As we all have agency, that's all we can do. We can teach and plead and pray and fast for others to do what is right. Ultimately the choice is theirs. It is up to all of us to do the best we can to help everyone live the gospel, but in the end it is their choice. Having three sons of my own, I know that Lehi loved each of them and wanted the best for them. How painful it must have been for him to see them reject it and turn away from the Lord.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Computer Crashed
Well, my computer died last week and I wasn't able to update my blog. I've got things running well again and I've got some serious catch up to do. So let's get to it. I'll try to post as much as I can on this entry, but I might have to split it up.
Chapter 7
We left off with Lehi's sons returning from Jerusalem. In this chapter, the Lord sends them right back to Jerusalem again. This time Laman and Lemuel aren't murmuring as much on this trip. They're being sent back to obtain wives. Sounds like a good deal to me. Here are the things that stood out to me.
Verse 4: "We did gain favor in the sight of Ishmael, insomuch that we did speak unto him the words of the Lord." Even though the Lord told them who to go to to bring into the wilderness, I think it is interesting that they had to "gain favor" with Ishmael before telling him the plan. Whenever we are trying to do the Lord's will with our brothers and sisters, we must be their friend first, or "gain favor" in their sight.
Verses 6-7: Back to the rebelling. Laman and Lemuel and some of Ishmael's family rebel and want to go back.
Verses 8-15: Nephi is grieved because of his brethren's desires to return. Having felt some of the pain that comes from watching others make choices that are not in line with God's, I know somewhat how Nephi felt. I think most of us know that, to some degree. With all the love of a younger brother, Nephi really gives it to them. He spells it out, saying they've seen angels and they've heard the voice of the Lord and still they want to go back. It is interesting to me that Laman and Lemuel choose to rebel when their old lives are within reach. Meaning that they get back to Jerusalem and want to stay there. When we repent, we sometimes have a hard time letting go of what we used to do, or who we used to be. If we return to places or situations that remind us of our old ways, it becomes much more tempting to return to such things. That is why repentance is a true change of heart and (as much as possible) a change in those things we associate with or spend time with. If an alcoholic wants to truly repent and change, he cannot keep alcohol in his home or visit the bar on a regular basis. It is up to us to not just eliminate a sin from our life, but to remove ourselves from those things that triggered those sins.
Verses 16-19: Laman and Lemuel are angry with Nephi, tie him up and leave him to die. Not very nice, I think. Nephi turns to the Lord, asking for strength to break his bands. He does and gets up. I love Laman and Lemuel's reactions. Instead of realizing that it is the Lord that helped Nephi, they are so narrowly focused on their anger that they become more angry and determined to tie him up again. They don't see the Lord's hand in this at all.
Verses 19-22: Some of Ishmael's family plead with Laman and Lemuel. They realize they are acting badly and apologize to Nephi. Nephi forgives them and tells them to pray to the Lord for forgiveness. I love how Nephi just forgives them. They just tried to kill him, but he's ok as long as they learn and pray. Very good example of turning the other cheek. They all continue down into the wilderness.
Ok, I would type more but my left pointer finger is out of commission and typing this much has been rather difficult. But I will catch this up and keep things posted more regularly. Thanks.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
A visionary man
Here in chapter 5 we cut back to Lehi and Sariah, who have remained in the wilderness while their sons returned to Jerusalem. Sariah is especially glad to see that her sons are safe and unharmed. This is one of those chapters that shows just how much people are the same, whether they live now or 2600 years ago. Here we have a mother who is rather stressed out about her sons going to attempt such a difficult task (not to mention crossing the desert). Her love for her sons is very apparent as they make it safely home.
Chapter 5
Verse 2: Sariah gets after Lehi for being a visionary man. It's fairly easy to understand her point of view. She's just been led out into the wilderness, away from her comfortable home and friends, all because her husband has "dreams". Add to that her sons have been sent back to face a very wicked man and try to get some valuable scriptures from him. Most of us might get a bit snappy under such circumstances as well.
Verse 5: Lehi voices his absolute faith that the Lord will deliver them and bring them safely home. He's right.
Verse 8: Sariah receives the great joy of having her sons return, after the "trial of her faith". She knows that the Lord delivered them and gave them power to accomplish what they were sent to do. Things have worked out in the end after all. At least in this short adventure.
Verse 10: Lehi takes the scriptures and searches them. I really like how it says that. He doesn't just read them starting at the beginning. He searches them.
Verses 14-15: Lehi discovers that he is a descendant of Joseph who was sold into Egypt. He also reads of the children of Israel being delivered from the Egyptians. I think that Lehi and his family may have felt a certain connection or closeness with those people of old, facing similar circumstances. Both sets of people were delivered from destruction by the Lord, but they were also led through a wilderness to obtain that deliverance. Even when the Lord delivers us from trials, it still takes work to make it happen.
Verse 22: I like the short part of this verse that says "it was wisdom in the Lord" for them to have the brass plates. It's not always easy to see the "big picture" of what the Lord has in store for us. Sometimes we are asked to do things that we don't quite understand or agree with. But if we obey the things that we receive from the Spirit we can't go wrong.
Chapter 6
Verse 4: Nephi's purpose with his writing is to bring others unto Christ that they might be saved. What better purpose could their be?
Verse 5: Nephi writes those things that are pleasing unto the Lord and to those who are not of the world. Do the scriptures bring us joy? Do we seek to learn from them as often as possible? This doesn't mean we have to be perfect in reading a set amount of chapters or pages each day or spend every spare moment reading them. Would we return, through the desert, to face a tyrant to obtain them? Just something to ponder, for all of us.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
I will go and do...
Today we reach the chapter containing the famous "I will go and do" scripture. Primary songs have been written about it. Though the song may be a bit cheesy, Nephi's attitude is not. Let's explore this chapter and chapter 4.
Chapter 3
Verse 3: What are they being sent for? A record of the Jews, and a genealogy of their forefathers. They are being sent back for the scriptures and their family history. Does this verse show the importance of these things? I think so.
Verse 6: Nephi is told by Lehi that he will be favored because he has not complained. I thought that was great. It's not just how we do things, but more importantly our attitude about it.
Verse 7: The famous verse. Nephi's attitude is important, but I like the last part of the verse even more. There is nothing that the Lord commands us to do that we cannot obey. It's as simple as that. If we are given a commandment, we can obey it. It will take work, but it can be done.
Verses 14-15: Laman and Lemuel want to give up after having failed to obtain the plates by simply asking for them. Not a bad first attempt, but they are ready to give up after the first try. Nephi says they're not leaving until they get those plates.
Verses 16-21: Nephi persuades his brethren to keep trying by explaining how important these scriptures are. Do we have to be persuaded to appreciate the scriptures, or do we see them as the valuable treasure that they are?
Verses 22-29: They go back to their home, gather up their riches, take them to Laban and offer to trade him their money for the plates. Laban kicks them out and sends his guards to kill them, while also keeping their stuff for himself. Laman and Lemuel have had it by now and start beating Nephi and Sam with a stick (probably a big one). An angel comes to their rescue and promises that the Lord will deliver the plates into their hands. Even after seeing an angel Laman and Lemuel STILL have to complain and whine and say "Laban is power and can command fifty, yeah even slay fifty." They just don't get it.
Chapter 4
Verses 1-3: Nephi explains that the Lord is mightier than anyone. They don't need to fear, just trust in what the angel told them and go do it. Laman and Lemuel reluctantly go along.
Verse 6: Another famous scripture. Nephi is led by the Spirit, not knowing exactly what he's going to do. There are so many situations in life that we may not know exactly what to do, but I can certainly testify that the Spirit will guide us if we will pray for such guidance.
Verses 15-17: Nephi thinks about how important it is for him to obtain the scriptures for the sake of his descendants. He realizes that the Lord has delivered Laban into his hands, and obeys the command to kill him. I really like that Nephi is hesitant to kill Laban. Laban had tried to kill them twice and stolen all of their riches. Nephi could be angry with Laban and even feel a bit justified in killing him. But Nephi again shows his true character in being reluctant to take another person's life, even when it was the will of the Lord.
Verse 33: Zoram is promised not only that Nephi and his brethren will not kill him, but he is also promised freedom. To those of us who have always been free and have not been made to live a life of compulsory service to others this may not seem like much at first glance. But the promise of freedom to a man who had served a cruel master was very appealing. This verse helps me appreciate the freedom that I have and that all men should have.
There are many things to gather out of these two chapters. These are just a few things that stood out to me as I read them this time. There is so much to learn from the scriptures, and it is amazing how we can read the same words over and over but the Spirit can teach us different things each time. May the Spirit be with each of you as you read and ponder the scriptures.
Chapter 3
Verse 3: What are they being sent for? A record of the Jews, and a genealogy of their forefathers. They are being sent back for the scriptures and their family history. Does this verse show the importance of these things? I think so.
Verse 6: Nephi is told by Lehi that he will be favored because he has not complained. I thought that was great. It's not just how we do things, but more importantly our attitude about it.
Verse 7: The famous verse. Nephi's attitude is important, but I like the last part of the verse even more. There is nothing that the Lord commands us to do that we cannot obey. It's as simple as that. If we are given a commandment, we can obey it. It will take work, but it can be done.
Verses 14-15: Laman and Lemuel want to give up after having failed to obtain the plates by simply asking for them. Not a bad first attempt, but they are ready to give up after the first try. Nephi says they're not leaving until they get those plates.
Verses 16-21: Nephi persuades his brethren to keep trying by explaining how important these scriptures are. Do we have to be persuaded to appreciate the scriptures, or do we see them as the valuable treasure that they are?
Verses 22-29: They go back to their home, gather up their riches, take them to Laban and offer to trade him their money for the plates. Laban kicks them out and sends his guards to kill them, while also keeping their stuff for himself. Laman and Lemuel have had it by now and start beating Nephi and Sam with a stick (probably a big one). An angel comes to their rescue and promises that the Lord will deliver the plates into their hands. Even after seeing an angel Laman and Lemuel STILL have to complain and whine and say "Laban is power and can command fifty, yeah even slay fifty." They just don't get it.
Chapter 4
Verses 1-3: Nephi explains that the Lord is mightier than anyone. They don't need to fear, just trust in what the angel told them and go do it. Laman and Lemuel reluctantly go along.
Verse 6: Another famous scripture. Nephi is led by the Spirit, not knowing exactly what he's going to do. There are so many situations in life that we may not know exactly what to do, but I can certainly testify that the Spirit will guide us if we will pray for such guidance.
Verses 15-17: Nephi thinks about how important it is for him to obtain the scriptures for the sake of his descendants. He realizes that the Lord has delivered Laban into his hands, and obeys the command to kill him. I really like that Nephi is hesitant to kill Laban. Laban had tried to kill them twice and stolen all of their riches. Nephi could be angry with Laban and even feel a bit justified in killing him. But Nephi again shows his true character in being reluctant to take another person's life, even when it was the will of the Lord.
Verse 33: Zoram is promised not only that Nephi and his brethren will not kill him, but he is also promised freedom. To those of us who have always been free and have not been made to live a life of compulsory service to others this may not seem like much at first glance. But the promise of freedom to a man who had served a cruel master was very appealing. This verse helps me appreciate the freedom that I have and that all men should have.
There are many things to gather out of these two chapters. These are just a few things that stood out to me as I read them this time. There is so much to learn from the scriptures, and it is amazing how we can read the same words over and over but the Spirit can teach us different things each time. May the Spirit be with each of you as you read and ponder the scriptures.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
It begins...
Today begins the challenge to read the Book of Mormon before the end of 2008. To reach this goal, I divided the total chapters in the Book of Mormon (239, if you're curious) by the number of days left in this year (120, as of today). That means I have to read 2 chapters a day in order to complete it by December 31. I should probably leave some more wiggle room for myself, but I'm not. If I give myself some slack I'll probably take it and that would not be good.
Now, on to the purpose of this blog. To discuss what we've learned. My plan is to list the things that I've either learned or liked or just felt something about. These things may or may not be the same things you've learned or felt. The Spirit teaches us those things we need to know in our own lives, so I wouldn't be surprised at all if you learned different things or had different things catch your attention. The goal of this entire experience is to a) read the scriptures regularly and b) apply them to our lives. With that said, let's see what I learned from the first two chapters of 1st Nephi.
1 Nephi 1
Verse 5: Lehi prays with all his heart on behalf of his people. We see throughout the scriptures many prophets, as well as the Savior, do this. Parents, friends, siblings, etc also do this for those they love. They pour out their hearts in behalf of their people. This just struck me reading it this time.
Verse 9: Lehi sees One descending out of the midst of heaven. We're nine verses into the Book of Mormon and its already testifying of Christ. He is not called Christ for several more chapters, but it's great that the testament begins so quickly.
Verse 12: Lehi reads the book that he is given to read, and as he reads he is filled with the Spirit of the Lord. This is exactly why we read the scriptures today, so that we might have the Spirit with us.
Verse 14-15: Lehi is just swept away with joy. He's incredibly excited about what he has been shown and can't stop praising the Lord. I especially like in verse 15 where it says his whole heart was filled, because of the things the Lord had shown unto him. When we read the scriptures, the Spirit reveals (or shows) things to us.
Verse 18: Lehi begins to go forth and prophesy and warn the people of Jerusalem to repent. Lehi knows what is going to happen to them if they don't, because it has been shown unto him. He cannot sit still. When the Spirit teaches us things, it moves us to action.
Verse 19: The Jews make fun of him and mock him. Lehi testifies that he knows the Messiah will come. Again we see the direct testament that the Book of Mormon offers of Jesus Christ. That's twice (directly) in the first chapter.
Verse 20: I very much like the last sentence of this verse, where it talks about the tender mercies of the Lord and how we can be delivered from those things that threaten us. Lehi faced death for his actions. We all face danger, usually spiritual but not always, in this world. But the Lord looks after his own, "because of their faith", and will never abandon us. That is sure.
1 Nephi 2
Verses 1-4: Lehi is told to flee and he does. Just like that. He gets up and walks out on his land, his home, his hard earned riches. All he takes with him is his family and those things they will need to survive. When this mortal life comes to a close, family is all we have left.
Verses 6-7: They travel three days into the wilderness and then Lehi builds an alter and offers thanks. After traveling for three days in the wilderness for the pioneer trek last summer, I don't know that many of us were in a state to offer thanks for the difficulty of it. Lehi shows his devotion to the Lord by keeping his commandments, even as they are leaving their home and comfortable lives behind. As we face our own trials, do we stop to offer thanks for the goodness that is shown to us?
Verse 11: Laman and Lemuel murmur and complain because they are leaving the easy life behind. They think they are being led to "perish in the wilderness". They do not realize that they would have faced destruction in Jerusalem if the Lord had not led them away.
Verse 14: Lehi speaks to Laman and Lemuel with such power that their frames shake before him. This becomes a bit of a trend for them. =) I really like how it says they "durst not utter agaisnt him".
Verse 16: Nephi prays and has his heart softened by the Spirit. I'm sure Nephi was confused or a bit unsure about things as they went out into the wilderness. It wouldn't be easy to leave everything behind. Instead of complaining about it, Nephi prays and earnestly seeks to know the "mysteries of God". There are times in our lives when we don't know why things are happening the way they are. If we pray and seek for the Spirit, our hearts will be softened and it will be easier to see the big picture, not just the trial that looms in our view.
Verse 17: Nephi testifies to his brother Sam and he believes him. I love how Nephi shares the things he's learned with Sam.
Verse 18: Nephi tries to testify to Laman and Lemuel as well but they will not listen. Acknowledging their agency, he prays for them and is sorrowed by the hardness of their hearts.
Verses 19-24: Nephi is promised by the Lord that, if he keeps the commandments, he will be blessed and led to a promised land. He will become a ruler and teacher. He is also promised that his rebellious brothers (and their seed) will have no power over him or his seed if they do not rebel against the Lord also. Pretty good promise. Are we not given the same promise? Obey and be blessed? Indeed we have received the same promise. It works. Try it if you don't think so. =)
That's our two chapters for today. Please feel free to comment either here or in person. I'd love to learn from each of you as you study the scriptures for yourself.
Now, on to the purpose of this blog. To discuss what we've learned. My plan is to list the things that I've either learned or liked or just felt something about. These things may or may not be the same things you've learned or felt. The Spirit teaches us those things we need to know in our own lives, so I wouldn't be surprised at all if you learned different things or had different things catch your attention. The goal of this entire experience is to a) read the scriptures regularly and b) apply them to our lives. With that said, let's see what I learned from the first two chapters of 1st Nephi.
1 Nephi 1
Verse 5: Lehi prays with all his heart on behalf of his people. We see throughout the scriptures many prophets, as well as the Savior, do this. Parents, friends, siblings, etc also do this for those they love. They pour out their hearts in behalf of their people. This just struck me reading it this time.
Verse 9: Lehi sees One descending out of the midst of heaven. We're nine verses into the Book of Mormon and its already testifying of Christ. He is not called Christ for several more chapters, but it's great that the testament begins so quickly.
Verse 12: Lehi reads the book that he is given to read, and as he reads he is filled with the Spirit of the Lord. This is exactly why we read the scriptures today, so that we might have the Spirit with us.
Verse 14-15: Lehi is just swept away with joy. He's incredibly excited about what he has been shown and can't stop praising the Lord. I especially like in verse 15 where it says his whole heart was filled, because of the things the Lord had shown unto him. When we read the scriptures, the Spirit reveals (or shows) things to us.
Verse 18: Lehi begins to go forth and prophesy and warn the people of Jerusalem to repent. Lehi knows what is going to happen to them if they don't, because it has been shown unto him. He cannot sit still. When the Spirit teaches us things, it moves us to action.
Verse 19: The Jews make fun of him and mock him. Lehi testifies that he knows the Messiah will come. Again we see the direct testament that the Book of Mormon offers of Jesus Christ. That's twice (directly) in the first chapter.
Verse 20: I very much like the last sentence of this verse, where it talks about the tender mercies of the Lord and how we can be delivered from those things that threaten us. Lehi faced death for his actions. We all face danger, usually spiritual but not always, in this world. But the Lord looks after his own, "because of their faith", and will never abandon us. That is sure.
1 Nephi 2
Verses 1-4: Lehi is told to flee and he does. Just like that. He gets up and walks out on his land, his home, his hard earned riches. All he takes with him is his family and those things they will need to survive. When this mortal life comes to a close, family is all we have left.
Verses 6-7: They travel three days into the wilderness and then Lehi builds an alter and offers thanks. After traveling for three days in the wilderness for the pioneer trek last summer, I don't know that many of us were in a state to offer thanks for the difficulty of it. Lehi shows his devotion to the Lord by keeping his commandments, even as they are leaving their home and comfortable lives behind. As we face our own trials, do we stop to offer thanks for the goodness that is shown to us?
Verse 11: Laman and Lemuel murmur and complain because they are leaving the easy life behind. They think they are being led to "perish in the wilderness". They do not realize that they would have faced destruction in Jerusalem if the Lord had not led them away.
Verse 14: Lehi speaks to Laman and Lemuel with such power that their frames shake before him. This becomes a bit of a trend for them. =) I really like how it says they "durst not utter agaisnt him".
Verse 16: Nephi prays and has his heart softened by the Spirit. I'm sure Nephi was confused or a bit unsure about things as they went out into the wilderness. It wouldn't be easy to leave everything behind. Instead of complaining about it, Nephi prays and earnestly seeks to know the "mysteries of God". There are times in our lives when we don't know why things are happening the way they are. If we pray and seek for the Spirit, our hearts will be softened and it will be easier to see the big picture, not just the trial that looms in our view.
Verse 17: Nephi testifies to his brother Sam and he believes him. I love how Nephi shares the things he's learned with Sam.
Verse 18: Nephi tries to testify to Laman and Lemuel as well but they will not listen. Acknowledging their agency, he prays for them and is sorrowed by the hardness of their hearts.
Verses 19-24: Nephi is promised by the Lord that, if he keeps the commandments, he will be blessed and led to a promised land. He will become a ruler and teacher. He is also promised that his rebellious brothers (and their seed) will have no power over him or his seed if they do not rebel against the Lord also. Pretty good promise. Are we not given the same promise? Obey and be blessed? Indeed we have received the same promise. It works. Try it if you don't think so. =)
That's our two chapters for today. Please feel free to comment either here or in person. I'd love to learn from each of you as you study the scriptures for yourself.
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