1 Nephi 6
Vs 4
“For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.”
I am impressed that Nephi is always a missionary. His mission is always to bring others to Christ. This attribute is one of the primary reasons I admire Nephi and want to be like him; he is always trying to do the right thing.
1 Nephi 7
Vs 1
The Lord speaks to Lehi again. Is this face to face, in a dream, vision, or the still small voice? Once again the revelation comes to the presiding authority- Lehi. Although Nephi had received many revelations, this one didn’t come to him.
This verse is a great example of when we are obedient to one commandment… we will receive more.
Vs 2
Lehi once again sends his sons to fulfill a mission. How is this similar to the creation of the world where the Father commanded the Son(s) to go and fulfill a task?
Vs 4
Can you imagine this conversation between Lehi’s sons and the family of Ishmael? What could you say to persuade an entire family to leave all they have and follow a “dreamer?”
Vs 5-6
I’ve never understood why Laman and Lemuel just didn’t stay behind. If they didn’t want to go, why did they; especially when they now had a larger group to fuel their rebellion?
Vs. 12
“Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.”
This is a very powerful verse that we would be wise to follow.
Vs 13
If we are faithful, we too will obtain a land of promise! I know this is true, blessings come to those who are faithful. I have experienced this in my own life. Although I continue to make many mistakes, I am truly trying to be faithful. I feel once again like the “tree by the river” as spoken of in Jeremiah 17:7-8.
“7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
Vs. 17-18
I always have found it interesting that Nephi prays for the strength to burst the bands, however, the Lord sees fit to simply loosen them. Would giving Nephi the strength have boosted his pride and encouraged him to rely on his own strength? Loosing the bands made Nephi remember it was the Lord’s doing.
How can I apply this to my own life? How often do I ask the Lord for something that is righteous… but will make me “look good” rather than making people turn to Christ?
Vs. 19
Was the daughter that settled down those who were angry with Nephi the one he ultimately married? The fact that her mother also was part of the peace making points to the faithfulness of the mother. She was in support of going into the wilderness to be with Lehi.
Vs 21
I have always been impressed that Nephi “did frankly forgive them and all they had done.” He was willing to forget it and move on. This is a great example of forgiveness.
Vs 22
Once again they offer sacrifice as thanks to the Lord. How do we offer sacrifice in thanks? The Lord asks us to sacrifice our will to His!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
1 Nephi 5
1 Nephi 5
Vs 1-3
I wonder how long this trip took Nephi and his brothers. We know that the family was three days in the wilderness before commanded to return. It apparently took longer than Sariah had anticipated because she really began to complain to Lehi. I can imagine the tension between them prior to the boys returning.
Vs. 4-7
Lehi defends his position and tries to comfort his wife. He testifies of his calling and exercises great faith.
Vs. 8
When the sons arrive, Sariah gains a witness that her husband is following the Lord.
Vs. 9
To rejoice, they offer sacrifices to the Lord. What would be an equivalent today? Perhaps attending the temple or making a bigger commitment to obeying the commandments.
Vs. 10
Lehi delves in to studying the record. It is obviously the first time he has seen it. I ask the same question that I did a few days ago… how did Lehi know about the record? We know that Laban and Lehi were related… but how? Why wouldn’t it have been easier for Lehi to get the plates than for the sons?
Lehi was obviously already well acquainted with the scriptures. He probably had his own copy he had been studying over his lifetime. It was typical for the scriptures in that day to be written on scrolls. Did they need the brass plates simply because they were brass that would endure?
Vs 12
The brass plates were a current record… meaning they contained the history all the way up to the current king. They contained writings of Jeremiah who was still alive! Was Laban the record keeper?? He did seem to be some kind of official.
Vs 14
There is a fantastic book called The Hidden Christ by James Ferrell that goes into detail about Lehi being a descendant of Joseph is key to the fulfilling of Joseph’s dream of the sun, and moon, and stars bowing to him (see Genesis 37). I encourage all to read it. It is one of my favorite books of all time.
Through Patriarchal blessings we learn that most of us are descendants of Joseph as well. This may be by blood or adoption.
Vs 18
Again, a key element to Joseph of Egypt being an ancestor of Lehi. Joseph was promised that the gospel would be spread to the world by his seed (see Joseph in the Bible Dictionary to learn more about this).
Vs 1-3
I wonder how long this trip took Nephi and his brothers. We know that the family was three days in the wilderness before commanded to return. It apparently took longer than Sariah had anticipated because she really began to complain to Lehi. I can imagine the tension between them prior to the boys returning.
Vs. 4-7
Lehi defends his position and tries to comfort his wife. He testifies of his calling and exercises great faith.
Vs. 8
When the sons arrive, Sariah gains a witness that her husband is following the Lord.
Vs. 9
To rejoice, they offer sacrifices to the Lord. What would be an equivalent today? Perhaps attending the temple or making a bigger commitment to obeying the commandments.
Vs. 10
Lehi delves in to studying the record. It is obviously the first time he has seen it. I ask the same question that I did a few days ago… how did Lehi know about the record? We know that Laban and Lehi were related… but how? Why wouldn’t it have been easier for Lehi to get the plates than for the sons?
Lehi was obviously already well acquainted with the scriptures. He probably had his own copy he had been studying over his lifetime. It was typical for the scriptures in that day to be written on scrolls. Did they need the brass plates simply because they were brass that would endure?
Vs 12
The brass plates were a current record… meaning they contained the history all the way up to the current king. They contained writings of Jeremiah who was still alive! Was Laban the record keeper?? He did seem to be some kind of official.
Vs 14
There is a fantastic book called The Hidden Christ by James Ferrell that goes into detail about Lehi being a descendant of Joseph is key to the fulfilling of Joseph’s dream of the sun, and moon, and stars bowing to him (see Genesis 37). I encourage all to read it. It is one of my favorite books of all time.
Through Patriarchal blessings we learn that most of us are descendants of Joseph as well. This may be by blood or adoption.
Vs 18
Again, a key element to Joseph of Egypt being an ancestor of Lehi. Joseph was promised that the gospel would be spread to the world by his seed (see Joseph in the Bible Dictionary to learn more about this).
Thursday, August 26, 2010
1 Nephi 4
Vs. 1
It is humbling to me to ponder that everything belongs to our Heavenly Father and we really have and are nothing. The earth is made up of matter. All of this matter belongs to our Heavenly Father. Our homes, our cars, and most importantly our bodies are all made from His matter. When we die, the matter of our bodies simply becomes part of the earth again. It is simply by His goodness that He allows us to borrow anything. Pondering this concept makes me realize that He, and only He, is in charge of all things. This makes 1 Ne 4:1 relevant.
Vs. 3
Nephi tells his brothers “an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt?” This phrase makes me think of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, when he was speaking with Sherem found in Jacob 7:5 which reads:
“And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken.”
For Jacob, seeing an angel helped him have faith that couldn’t be shaken! Such miracles only seem to strengthen the faith of the righteous; the wicked are not phased by it.
Vs. 6
How often do we need to step into the darkness relying on nothing but faith?
Vs. 10
Many times in my life I have felt a prompting to do something or perhaps not to do something and I have second guessed myself; particularly when I was younger and less experienced in following the promptings of the spirit. I have often asked myself “is this really the spirit or just my own feelings?” Did Nephi feel this way or was he experienced enough to know it was of the Lord? It appears that he knew it was a prompting of the Lord but that he didn’t want to do it at first. It was against everything he had ever been taught.
Vs. 11-12
In both these verses Nephi says “the Spirit said unto me.” Only experience can teach us to hear the still small voice of the Spirit!
Vs. 13
We learn from the experience of the Mulekites what the result would have been if they hadn’t taken the plates.
Vs. 14
Nephi writes “when I had heard these words”. Again, was it the still small voice or more literal? He goes on to write “I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness.”
Vs. 18
“I obeyed the voice of the Spirit.”
I have learned from my own experience that if I obey the voice of the Spirit, the voice comes more often and more clearly. If I disobey, the next time is slower in coming.
Vs. 30-38
I have many thoughts and questions about Zoram. It seems apparent that Zoram didn’t actually know Laban very well because Nephi was able to hide his identity. Zoram knew the armor or the clothing of Laban more than he knew the Man.
It appears that Zoram was more of a slave than a servant. There was no discussion of Zoram leaving his family behind. Nephi also promised Zoram that he would be a “free man” if he would go into the wilderness with Nephi.
I am also amazed at what binding attributes are associated with an oath in that day. Nephi writes “when Zoram made an oath with us, our fears did cease concerning him.” This seems unheard of in our day.
Another Thought
I have often pondered on how important it was that Nephi was the one successful in getting the plates from Laban. Later in the story, as the Nephites and Lamanites part ways, Nephi’s group takes the plates with them. I am convinced that if Laman had been successful in getting the Plates from Laban, that when they parted ways that there would have been a fight over the plates and Laman would have ended up with them. Think of the consequences!
It is humbling to me to ponder that everything belongs to our Heavenly Father and we really have and are nothing. The earth is made up of matter. All of this matter belongs to our Heavenly Father. Our homes, our cars, and most importantly our bodies are all made from His matter. When we die, the matter of our bodies simply becomes part of the earth again. It is simply by His goodness that He allows us to borrow anything. Pondering this concept makes me realize that He, and only He, is in charge of all things. This makes 1 Ne 4:1 relevant.
Vs. 3
Nephi tells his brothers “an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt?” This phrase makes me think of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, when he was speaking with Sherem found in Jacob 7:5 which reads:
“And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken.”
For Jacob, seeing an angel helped him have faith that couldn’t be shaken! Such miracles only seem to strengthen the faith of the righteous; the wicked are not phased by it.
Vs. 6
How often do we need to step into the darkness relying on nothing but faith?
Vs. 10
Many times in my life I have felt a prompting to do something or perhaps not to do something and I have second guessed myself; particularly when I was younger and less experienced in following the promptings of the spirit. I have often asked myself “is this really the spirit or just my own feelings?” Did Nephi feel this way or was he experienced enough to know it was of the Lord? It appears that he knew it was a prompting of the Lord but that he didn’t want to do it at first. It was against everything he had ever been taught.
Vs. 11-12
In both these verses Nephi says “the Spirit said unto me.” Only experience can teach us to hear the still small voice of the Spirit!
Vs. 13
We learn from the experience of the Mulekites what the result would have been if they hadn’t taken the plates.
Vs. 14
Nephi writes “when I had heard these words”. Again, was it the still small voice or more literal? He goes on to write “I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness.”
Vs. 18
“I obeyed the voice of the Spirit.”
I have learned from my own experience that if I obey the voice of the Spirit, the voice comes more often and more clearly. If I disobey, the next time is slower in coming.
Vs. 30-38
I have many thoughts and questions about Zoram. It seems apparent that Zoram didn’t actually know Laban very well because Nephi was able to hide his identity. Zoram knew the armor or the clothing of Laban more than he knew the Man.
It appears that Zoram was more of a slave than a servant. There was no discussion of Zoram leaving his family behind. Nephi also promised Zoram that he would be a “free man” if he would go into the wilderness with Nephi.
I am also amazed at what binding attributes are associated with an oath in that day. Nephi writes “when Zoram made an oath with us, our fears did cease concerning him.” This seems unheard of in our day.
Another Thought
I have often pondered on how important it was that Nephi was the one successful in getting the plates from Laban. Later in the story, as the Nephites and Lamanites part ways, Nephi’s group takes the plates with them. I am convinced that if Laman had been successful in getting the Plates from Laban, that when they parted ways that there would have been a fight over the plates and Laman would have ended up with them. Think of the consequences!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
1 Nephi 3
1 Nephi 3
I had a wonderful morning in the Salt Lake Temple this morning. A wonderful spirit was present and it was the perfect way to start a new day. I encourage all to attend as much as possible.
Because I was in the temple this morning, I am late in getting today’s thoughts posted. I welcome your comments.
Vs.1
Nephi returns from speaking with the Lord! Was this simply a prayer or was it a vision? Perhaps he simply heard His voice. Is this experience separate from the previous experience?
Vs 2
Lehi has another dream. He is commanded to have his sons return to Jerusalem. Why wasn’t Lehi commanded to go himself? Was his life in danger because of his previous preaching or was this some kind of lesson for his sons?
Vs. 3
I have heard several times in my life that Lehi and Laban were cousins. Is this something revealed by Joseph Smith or are we simply assuming this because Laban has the record of Lehi’s forefathers?
Vs. 5
This verse implies that Lehi has already spoken to Laman and Lemuel prior to speaking to Nephi. Lehi tells Nephi that they have already complained that it is too hard.
Vs. 7
This is one of the most beloved and quoted scriptures in the entire Book of Mormon. What a manifestation of Nephi’s faith! I have a cross reference of this scripture with Moroni 7:33 which reads; “33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. I hope to be able to develop this type of faith!
Vs. 8
I have experienced this type of joy that comes from my children exercising faith!
Vs. 10
I wonder what the population of Jerusalem was at this time? The current “old city” is about 1 square mile, however, the Bible maps found in our scriptures show the city at the time of Christ much smaller. This was even 600 years prior to Christ’s coming. Was it smaller or larger?
On a side note, some of the walls of the city that would have existed during this time have been excavated in Jerusalem. They are really remarkable to see.
Vs. 11
Why did they cast lots? Why didn’t they all go?
Vs. 14-16
They all became exceedingly sorrowful when their first attempt failed. Laman and Lemuel wanted to give up but Nephi was committed to keeping the commandments… and he considered getting the plates one of them.
Interestingly they go to plan B of their own. They didn’t seem to turn to the Lord to ask Him how to get the plates.
Vs. 19-20
Nephi seemed to really understand the importance of getting the plates. He outlines the consequences of not getting them. Did he receive this by revelation or was it told to him by his father as they were planning the trip?
Vs. 21
Nephi uses his testimony to try to persuade his brothers to keep the commandments.
Vs. 29
As Laman and Lemuel are beating their younger brothers, perhaps for having such “stupid” ideas as giving up all their gold and silver, an angel appears. Why did this not simply floor Laman and Lemuel?
Vs. 31
When the angel leaves, Laman and Lemuel go right back to murmuring. This is difficult for me to comprehend.
I wonder how many days this entire experience took? For most of my life I imagined it all happening in one night but I am now beginning to think that it was over a period of several days. It doesn’t say how long they were in the “cavity of a rock”.
I had a wonderful morning in the Salt Lake Temple this morning. A wonderful spirit was present and it was the perfect way to start a new day. I encourage all to attend as much as possible.
Because I was in the temple this morning, I am late in getting today’s thoughts posted. I welcome your comments.
Vs.1
Nephi returns from speaking with the Lord! Was this simply a prayer or was it a vision? Perhaps he simply heard His voice. Is this experience separate from the previous experience?
Vs 2
Lehi has another dream. He is commanded to have his sons return to Jerusalem. Why wasn’t Lehi commanded to go himself? Was his life in danger because of his previous preaching or was this some kind of lesson for his sons?
Vs. 3
I have heard several times in my life that Lehi and Laban were cousins. Is this something revealed by Joseph Smith or are we simply assuming this because Laban has the record of Lehi’s forefathers?
Vs. 5
This verse implies that Lehi has already spoken to Laman and Lemuel prior to speaking to Nephi. Lehi tells Nephi that they have already complained that it is too hard.
Vs. 7
This is one of the most beloved and quoted scriptures in the entire Book of Mormon. What a manifestation of Nephi’s faith! I have a cross reference of this scripture with Moroni 7:33 which reads; “33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. I hope to be able to develop this type of faith!
Vs. 8
I have experienced this type of joy that comes from my children exercising faith!
Vs. 10
I wonder what the population of Jerusalem was at this time? The current “old city” is about 1 square mile, however, the Bible maps found in our scriptures show the city at the time of Christ much smaller. This was even 600 years prior to Christ’s coming. Was it smaller or larger?
On a side note, some of the walls of the city that would have existed during this time have been excavated in Jerusalem. They are really remarkable to see.
Vs. 11
Why did they cast lots? Why didn’t they all go?
Vs. 14-16
They all became exceedingly sorrowful when their first attempt failed. Laman and Lemuel wanted to give up but Nephi was committed to keeping the commandments… and he considered getting the plates one of them.
Interestingly they go to plan B of their own. They didn’t seem to turn to the Lord to ask Him how to get the plates.
Vs. 19-20
Nephi seemed to really understand the importance of getting the plates. He outlines the consequences of not getting them. Did he receive this by revelation or was it told to him by his father as they were planning the trip?
Vs. 21
Nephi uses his testimony to try to persuade his brothers to keep the commandments.
Vs. 29
As Laman and Lemuel are beating their younger brothers, perhaps for having such “stupid” ideas as giving up all their gold and silver, an angel appears. Why did this not simply floor Laman and Lemuel?
Vs. 31
When the angel leaves, Laman and Lemuel go right back to murmuring. This is difficult for me to comprehend.
I wonder how many days this entire experience took? For most of my life I imagined it all happening in one night but I am now beginning to think that it was over a period of several days. It doesn’t say how long they were in the “cavity of a rock”.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
1 Nephi 2
1 Nephi 2
vs 1
Lehi sees Christ in a dream… or at least hears his voice.
Vs 2
Lehi receives a commandment from the Lord intended for his family only. This is an example of the personal revelation we should be receiving for our own families.
Vs 3
Lehi obeys the prompting. I have had personal experiences where I have obeyed promptings… but I have also had experiences where I have ignored promptings. Think of the consequences of Lehi ignoring this prompting because it was hard or inconvenient.
Vs 4
Lehi shows his willingness to give up the world and to not put his trust in the arm of the flesh. He leaves it all behind to follow the Lord. He only took his family and his provisions… perhaps his “year’s supply.”
Vs 7
Lehi continues to be obedient to the commandments and obeys the law of sacrifice. Think of the difficulty of performing the law of sacrifice in the wilderness without the “comforts of home”. It would be a bloody mess. How willing are we to obey when we are out of convenience? Perhaps when we are on vacation or away on business?
Vs 13
Laman and Lemuel didn’t believe that Jerusalem could be destroyed. I would like to interject a quote from Elder McConkie about Jerusalem here.(The Millennial Messiah; pg 462)
“Jerusalem is the Holy City, the city of David, the city of the Great King. It is the city where Melchizedek, the king of Salem and the prince of peace, reigned in righteousness and with his people served the Lord in spirit and in truth. Jerusalem, captured by David from the Jebusites, became the capital city in Israel and later the capital of the kingdom of Judah.
In her environs the Son of God was born; in her streets the Holy Messiah ministered; and in her temple the witness was borne of his divine Sonship. Outside her walls, in a garden called Gethsemane, suffering in agony beyond compare, he took upon himself the sins of all men on conditions of repentance. Outside her walls at a place called Golgotha, he was nailed to a cross and crucified for the sins of the world. Outside her walls in a quiet garden, he burst the bands of death, arose from the Arimathean's tomb, and brought life and immortality to light.
Jerusalem, in the days of her sorrow, was sacked by Nebuchadnezzar, conquered by Rome, put to the torch by Titus. And now for nearly two millenniums she has been trodden down of the Gentiles, and the end of her sorrow is not yet. In the days ahead some of the faithful will gather again within her walls and shall build the promised temple, a temple whose functions and uses will be patterned after the house of the Lord in Salt Lake City. Thereafter two prophets—valiant, mighty witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ—will teach and testify and prophesy in her streets for three and a half years, at which time they will be slain, resurrected, and caught up to heaven. In the midst of the great war of Armageddon then in progress, Jerusalem will fall, the Lord will come, and the remnant of Judah that remains will accept the Nazarene as their King.
Jerusalem has ascended to the heights and descended to the depths. The Lord Omnipotent, who was and is from everlasting to everlasting, made the dust of her streets holy because the soles of his feet found footing there. The blood of prophets cries from that same dust for vengeance against godless wretches to whom innocent blood was of no more worth than sour wine. Jerusalem has been and yet again will be destroyed for her iniquities. When Nebuchadnezzar pillaged and burned and slew and carried the Jews into Babylon, it was because they had rejected Jeremiah and Lehi and the prophets. It was because they walked in an evil course. When Titus tore her asunder, slew most of her citizens, and made slaves of the rest, it was a just retribution because she had crucified her King. And when she falls again, amid the horror and brimstone and blood and fire of Armageddon, it will be because she has again slain the prophets and chosen to worship Baal and Bel and Merodach and all the idols of the heathen rather than the Lord Jehovah.”
Vs 15
This is not the only place that Nephi points out that his father dwelt in a tent. Dwelling in a tent seems to be a symbol of his sacrifice. In what way am I willing to “dwell in a tent?”
Vs 16
Nephi has “a great desire” to know the mysteries of God. There is a belief among the LDS to leave the mysteries alone. However, Nephi goes on to say that it is because of this great desire of the mysteries that he “did cry unto the Lord: and behold he did visit me.” I can only conclude that seeking these mysteries must be done personally and privately… and not in classes and quorums.
Vs 17
Nephi shares these things with his trusted friend and brother Sam. Sam trusts and believes him.
Vs 19
The Lord speaks to Nephi: Is this separate from verse 16 or part of the same revelation? Was it really the voice of the Lord or was it “the still small voice of the Spirit”? The Lord compliments Nephi for his diligence.
Vs 20
“In as much as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper.” What a promise of the Lord! It reminds me of a scripture I read only a couple of days ago in Jeremiah (a contemporary of Lehi and Nephi).
Jeremiah 7:7-8 “7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
Vs 21-24
The promises of the Lord seem sure. If I obey I will be blessed. If I rebel I will be cursed. I choose obedience!
vs 1
Lehi sees Christ in a dream… or at least hears his voice.
Vs 2
Lehi receives a commandment from the Lord intended for his family only. This is an example of the personal revelation we should be receiving for our own families.
Vs 3
Lehi obeys the prompting. I have had personal experiences where I have obeyed promptings… but I have also had experiences where I have ignored promptings. Think of the consequences of Lehi ignoring this prompting because it was hard or inconvenient.
Vs 4
Lehi shows his willingness to give up the world and to not put his trust in the arm of the flesh. He leaves it all behind to follow the Lord. He only took his family and his provisions… perhaps his “year’s supply.”
Vs 7
Lehi continues to be obedient to the commandments and obeys the law of sacrifice. Think of the difficulty of performing the law of sacrifice in the wilderness without the “comforts of home”. It would be a bloody mess. How willing are we to obey when we are out of convenience? Perhaps when we are on vacation or away on business?
Vs 13
Laman and Lemuel didn’t believe that Jerusalem could be destroyed. I would like to interject a quote from Elder McConkie about Jerusalem here.(The Millennial Messiah; pg 462)
“Jerusalem is the Holy City, the city of David, the city of the Great King. It is the city where Melchizedek, the king of Salem and the prince of peace, reigned in righteousness and with his people served the Lord in spirit and in truth. Jerusalem, captured by David from the Jebusites, became the capital city in Israel and later the capital of the kingdom of Judah.
In her environs the Son of God was born; in her streets the Holy Messiah ministered; and in her temple the witness was borne of his divine Sonship. Outside her walls, in a garden called Gethsemane, suffering in agony beyond compare, he took upon himself the sins of all men on conditions of repentance. Outside her walls at a place called Golgotha, he was nailed to a cross and crucified for the sins of the world. Outside her walls in a quiet garden, he burst the bands of death, arose from the Arimathean's tomb, and brought life and immortality to light.
Jerusalem, in the days of her sorrow, was sacked by Nebuchadnezzar, conquered by Rome, put to the torch by Titus. And now for nearly two millenniums she has been trodden down of the Gentiles, and the end of her sorrow is not yet. In the days ahead some of the faithful will gather again within her walls and shall build the promised temple, a temple whose functions and uses will be patterned after the house of the Lord in Salt Lake City. Thereafter two prophets—valiant, mighty witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ—will teach and testify and prophesy in her streets for three and a half years, at which time they will be slain, resurrected, and caught up to heaven. In the midst of the great war of Armageddon then in progress, Jerusalem will fall, the Lord will come, and the remnant of Judah that remains will accept the Nazarene as their King.
Jerusalem has ascended to the heights and descended to the depths. The Lord Omnipotent, who was and is from everlasting to everlasting, made the dust of her streets holy because the soles of his feet found footing there. The blood of prophets cries from that same dust for vengeance against godless wretches to whom innocent blood was of no more worth than sour wine. Jerusalem has been and yet again will be destroyed for her iniquities. When Nebuchadnezzar pillaged and burned and slew and carried the Jews into Babylon, it was because they had rejected Jeremiah and Lehi and the prophets. It was because they walked in an evil course. When Titus tore her asunder, slew most of her citizens, and made slaves of the rest, it was a just retribution because she had crucified her King. And when she falls again, amid the horror and brimstone and blood and fire of Armageddon, it will be because she has again slain the prophets and chosen to worship Baal and Bel and Merodach and all the idols of the heathen rather than the Lord Jehovah.”
Vs 15
This is not the only place that Nephi points out that his father dwelt in a tent. Dwelling in a tent seems to be a symbol of his sacrifice. In what way am I willing to “dwell in a tent?”
Vs 16
Nephi has “a great desire” to know the mysteries of God. There is a belief among the LDS to leave the mysteries alone. However, Nephi goes on to say that it is because of this great desire of the mysteries that he “did cry unto the Lord: and behold he did visit me.” I can only conclude that seeking these mysteries must be done personally and privately… and not in classes and quorums.
Vs 17
Nephi shares these things with his trusted friend and brother Sam. Sam trusts and believes him.
Vs 19
The Lord speaks to Nephi: Is this separate from verse 16 or part of the same revelation? Was it really the voice of the Lord or was it “the still small voice of the Spirit”? The Lord compliments Nephi for his diligence.
Vs 20
“In as much as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper.” What a promise of the Lord! It reminds me of a scripture I read only a couple of days ago in Jeremiah (a contemporary of Lehi and Nephi).
Jeremiah 7:7-8 “7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
Vs 21-24
The promises of the Lord seem sure. If I obey I will be blessed. If I rebel I will be cursed. I choose obedience!
Monday, August 23, 2010
1 Nephi 1
1 Nephi 1:1
Nephi says that he has had “a great knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God”. I ask myself, What are the mysteries spoken of? Brother John Pontius, the author of two of the most powerful books I have ever read, writes on this topic. (Please follow Brother Pontius at www.followthelight.org )
“There are greater and lesser mysteries. The lesser mysteries are those things which
many mortals understand, which missionaries deliver, and which the scriptures teach withplainness. Most of humanity is exposed to these mysteries throughout their lives, but do not receive what is freely given. The greater mysteries are those truths which are not commonly known, or even spoken of, yet are true. They are held in reverent silence because once obtained, it is generally not allowed for someone so blessed to speak openly of these things.
And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to knowthe mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall notimpart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men,according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. (Alma 12.)
These things remain mysteries only because those who have obtained them through
diligence and righteous obedience, are commanded to give nothing more than the portion which God has ordained. These things are the “Mysteries of God” of which the scriptures speak, and of which the lives and blessings of the faithful bear witness.
They are grand mysteries for now because one must pass a rigorous process of preparation before the greater light of the gospel is even visible to the mortal eye. The fact that they are mysteries in the beginning is the divine order of growth. But, they must not forever remain a mystery. The door must open and the light of revealed glory must be fully received in this life. We have at times heard that we should leave the mysteries alone. Yet, such a statement is not scriptural. The scriptures specifically instruct us to seek the mysteries, and promise that these are the very truths which bring eternal life. In fact, eternal life comes in no other way. This isn’t a way to immortal glory, it is the way.
Consider these scriptures:
7 Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich. (D&C 6:7)
11 And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways. (D&C 6:11)
5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.
6 Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.
7 And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
8 Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations.
9 And their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught.
10 For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will—yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man. (D&C 76:5-10)
61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal. (D&C 42:61)
10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. (Luke 8:10)
(The Triumph of Zion, John M. Pontius, Unpublished manuscript page 104.)
Within the body of Gospel truth there are two distinct levels of understanding, or
portions of the truth. There is the lesser portion and the greater portion. Let us come to understand the terms, the lesser and greater portion, then we will discuss what it has to do with the fullness of the Gospel.”
Nephi 1:2
How were children educated in Lehi’s day? Nephi knew two languages, was this common or were most illiterate? This perhaps makes an important statement about the type of parents that Lehi and Sariah were.
1 Nephi 1:5
What prompted Lehi to pray in behalf of his people? How do I develop this type of love for others that will cause me to pray for others… strangers? Who are my people? Are they my family, my neighbors, all of America, all of the world? Was it this love of others that caused the “pillar of fire” to appear?
1 Nephi 1:7-8
Where was Lehi when he had his vision? He was in his home on his bed. Is my home a place where a visitation like this could occur?
1 Nephi 1:11
“and the first came and stood before my father.” Was Lehi actually standing face to face with the Savior? What was the book?
1 Nephi 1:14
In Moroni’s promise at the end of the Book of Mormon we read (Moroni 10:3)
“Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts”.
Moroni asks us to ponder how merciful the Lord has been. 1 Nephi 1:14 begins to give us an indication of this mercy. See also verse 20 0f this same chapter.
1 Nephi 1:15
Lehi praises God. Do I praise God enough? How do I praise?
1 Nephi 1:18
After Lehi saw these things he began to go among his people. Is this the point that Lehi is actually called as a prophet?
Nephi says that he has had “a great knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God”. I ask myself, What are the mysteries spoken of? Brother John Pontius, the author of two of the most powerful books I have ever read, writes on this topic. (Please follow Brother Pontius at www.followthelight.org )
“There are greater and lesser mysteries. The lesser mysteries are those things which
many mortals understand, which missionaries deliver, and which the scriptures teach withplainness. Most of humanity is exposed to these mysteries throughout their lives, but do not receive what is freely given. The greater mysteries are those truths which are not commonly known, or even spoken of, yet are true. They are held in reverent silence because once obtained, it is generally not allowed for someone so blessed to speak openly of these things.
And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to knowthe mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall notimpart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men,according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. (Alma 12.)
These things remain mysteries only because those who have obtained them through
diligence and righteous obedience, are commanded to give nothing more than the portion which God has ordained. These things are the “Mysteries of God” of which the scriptures speak, and of which the lives and blessings of the faithful bear witness.
They are grand mysteries for now because one must pass a rigorous process of preparation before the greater light of the gospel is even visible to the mortal eye. The fact that they are mysteries in the beginning is the divine order of growth. But, they must not forever remain a mystery. The door must open and the light of revealed glory must be fully received in this life. We have at times heard that we should leave the mysteries alone. Yet, such a statement is not scriptural. The scriptures specifically instruct us to seek the mysteries, and promise that these are the very truths which bring eternal life. In fact, eternal life comes in no other way. This isn’t a way to immortal glory, it is the way.
Consider these scriptures:
7 Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich. (D&C 6:7)
11 And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways. (D&C 6:11)
5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.
6 Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.
7 And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
8 Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations.
9 And their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught.
10 For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will—yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man. (D&C 76:5-10)
61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal. (D&C 42:61)
10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. (Luke 8:10)
(The Triumph of Zion, John M. Pontius, Unpublished manuscript page 104.)
Within the body of Gospel truth there are two distinct levels of understanding, or
portions of the truth. There is the lesser portion and the greater portion. Let us come to understand the terms, the lesser and greater portion, then we will discuss what it has to do with the fullness of the Gospel.”
Nephi 1:2
How were children educated in Lehi’s day? Nephi knew two languages, was this common or were most illiterate? This perhaps makes an important statement about the type of parents that Lehi and Sariah were.
1 Nephi 1:5
What prompted Lehi to pray in behalf of his people? How do I develop this type of love for others that will cause me to pray for others… strangers? Who are my people? Are they my family, my neighbors, all of America, all of the world? Was it this love of others that caused the “pillar of fire” to appear?
1 Nephi 1:7-8
Where was Lehi when he had his vision? He was in his home on his bed. Is my home a place where a visitation like this could occur?
1 Nephi 1:11
“and the first came and stood before my father.” Was Lehi actually standing face to face with the Savior? What was the book?
1 Nephi 1:14
In Moroni’s promise at the end of the Book of Mormon we read (Moroni 10:3)
“Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts”.
Moroni asks us to ponder how merciful the Lord has been. 1 Nephi 1:14 begins to give us an indication of this mercy. See also verse 20 0f this same chapter.
1 Nephi 1:15
Lehi praises God. Do I praise God enough? How do I praise?
1 Nephi 1:18
After Lehi saw these things he began to go among his people. Is this the point that Lehi is actually called as a prophet?
Sunday, August 22, 2010
A new type of Blog.
It has become obvious to all of you that I haven’t been writing in my blog for a long time. I am really sorry. I have continued to read over the past couple of months but I have been reading things that are very difficult to blog about. I have been primarily continuing to read from Elder McConkie’s “Messiah” series and have absolutely been overwhelmed by the greatness of these volumes. I encourage everyone to read them prayerfully and great things will be revealed to you.
In the mean time I felt a strong prompting yesterday to blog in a different way. I am going to start reading the Book of Mormon again tomorrow. I started a month or so ago but feel I need to start over again with you. This is what I am proposing.
Every day I will read from the Book of Mormon. I am hoping that some of you will follow along. Every day I will write the promptings and feeling that come to me. I am hoping you will do the same and that we can edify one another. I promise that I will read every day and never miss. However, there may be days that I am unable to write but I promise to make an effort to write every day.
My dear friend and mentor Denver Snuffer has done something similar. I encourage you to follow his blog as well. He is much further along spiritually than I. I certainly don’t want to compare myself to him or take anything away from him but I feel I have something to offer none the less.
If you feel this would be helpful for you, please follow along. Please post your comments. As we do this, perhaps we can grow together and really help one another become faithful followers of Christ.
With love and appreciation,
Scott
In the mean time I felt a strong prompting yesterday to blog in a different way. I am going to start reading the Book of Mormon again tomorrow. I started a month or so ago but feel I need to start over again with you. This is what I am proposing.
Every day I will read from the Book of Mormon. I am hoping that some of you will follow along. Every day I will write the promptings and feeling that come to me. I am hoping you will do the same and that we can edify one another. I promise that I will read every day and never miss. However, there may be days that I am unable to write but I promise to make an effort to write every day.
My dear friend and mentor Denver Snuffer has done something similar. I encourage you to follow his blog as well. He is much further along spiritually than I. I certainly don’t want to compare myself to him or take anything away from him but I feel I have something to offer none the less.
If you feel this would be helpful for you, please follow along. Please post your comments. As we do this, perhaps we can grow together and really help one another become faithful followers of Christ.
With love and appreciation,
Scott
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