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.