1 Nephi 2:5-12

After traveling for three days, Lehi and his family set up camp near a river. The first thing he does is build an “altar of stones” and makes an “offering” to the Lord, and gives thanks to God. (See 1 Nephi 2:6-7).  The footnotes in these verses are worth reading, they refer to several scriptures where other prophets built altars. The most interesting to me, however, are two scriptures that tell us how to build this type of altar:

5 And there shalt thou build an altar unto the Lord thy God, an altar of ^astones: thou shalt not lift up any ^biron tool upon them. 6 Thou shalt build the ^aaltar of the Lord thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord thy God: 7 And thou shalt offer peace ^aofferings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the Lord thy God. 8 And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly. Deut. 27:5-8

30 ¶Then Joshua built an altar unto the Lord God of Israel in mount Ebal, 31 As Moses the servant of the Lord commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an ^aaltar of whole ^bstones, over which no man hath lift up any ^ciron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the Lord, and sacrificed peace offerings. Joshua 8:30-31

It appears altars are to be built from natural stones.

If I hadn’t actually lived through the past few years of my life, and experienced children that  “knew not the dealings of that God that created them”, then I couldn’t really understand how Laman and Lemuel became who they were. I feel Lehi’s pain as he pleads with Laman, saying: “O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness.” And to Lemuel: “O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!”

Much has been written on this blog about trials I have endured due to my sons’ choices. All of it shows my limited understanding of the love our Savior has for all of us. I have indeed murmured in the past about the stress of wayward children. Today, however, I thank the Lord for the wonderful teachers he has given me in my sons’; I am convinced they are old, wise souls that have condescended to come to be my sons. Their mission is to teach a stubborn, proud man how to love unconditionally. How can I do anything other than love and serve them?

1 Nephi 2:1-5

Once again we learn that Lehi has another dream where the Lord speaks to him. In this dream the Lord blesses Lehi for being obedient to the things the Lord asked him to do. Doing what the Lord asked him to do made him very unpopular and hated amongst the people of Jerusalem… to the point that they wanted to kill him. I ask again, how would we respond as members of the church today by someone other than THE prophet coming to us and telling us to repent; especially if it was based on his claiming revelation? If the Book of Mormon is written for our day, and I believe it is, why did the Lord include this? Will it happen again in our day?

Lehi is commanded in a dream to take his family into the wilderness. How do we respond when we receive dreams? What if Lehi had simply said “Sariah, I had the weirdest dream last night. I dreamed that I was supposed to leave all of our stuff and go into the wilderness. How weird is that?” I think it is significant that this story differs from the one found in the New Testament known as the Rich Young Man. In that story, the young man comes to the Savior and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life, where the Savior tells him to keep the commandments. The boy boasts that he has done that all his life. The savior then says “sell all you have, and give it to the poor and come follow me.” The boy went away sorrowfully because he was at that time unwilling to do that. (see Matthew 19;16-22).

Lehi isn’t asked to “sell all he has” but leave it all behind. This becomes evident when Nephi and his brothers go back to get their possessions for a trade of the Brass Plates. How would each of us respond to a dream to leave all we have and depart… especially when the directive didn’t come from church leadership or the living prophet? Would we have enough faith to do it? Do we have enough faith in our own ability to get revelation for us and our families?

Lehi was obedient to the Lord. He was indeed willing to sacrifice all that he had to be obedient.

And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness. 1 Nephi 2:4

Verse 5 tells us that he took with him his family which consisted of “my mother Sariah, and my elder brothers Laman, Lemuel, and Sam.  Later, in 2 Nephi 5:6, as Nephi and those that will follow him separate themselves from the Lamanites, we read about Nephi’s sisters.

6 Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all those who would go with me.       

It makes me wonder how old Lehi and Sariah were when they left Jerusalem? We know they had at least four children in the wilderness since we know of two additional sons, Jacob and Joseph and since “sisters” is plural. How old were Laman, Lemuel, Sam and Nephi? Interesting points to ponder.

1 Nephi 1:16-20

As I ponder this morning, prior to writing today’s post, I can’t help but feel awestruck by everything that has happened in the past 1000 years. It seems overwhelming to consider the many interactions God has had with his children since the year 1013. If I had access to the many spiritual interactions people have had with God in the past 1000 years, and was asked to abridge the most important ones into a single volume, how could I possibly pick the right ones? What about 100 years? What about just my lifetime? How was Mormon able to do it? Why did he choose to include the stories he did? Of importance in today’s post, why did Nephi include the stories of his father’s life that he did? What made them stand out over the others? In his own words he wrote:

16 And now I, Nephi, do not make a full account of the things which my father hath written, for he hath written many things which he saw in visions and in dreams; and he also hath written many things which he prophesied and spake unto his children, of which I shall not make a full account. 17 But I shall make an account of my proceedings in my days. Behold, I make an abridgment of the record of my father, upon plates which I have made with mine own hands; wherefore, after I have abridged the record of my father then will I make an account of mine own life.

We know that the Lord knew and prepared for the lost 116 pages, so why was Nephi inspired to write the things he did about his father’s life? This is a topic I will be discussing multiple times throughout the coming months.

Verse 18 seems to be where Lehi is called to be a prophet. It is here that he begins to go among the people and tell them of the pending destruction of their city. He testifies of the things that he has “seen and heard.” The people are angry with him and “mocked him” because of the things he had seen and heard. Verse 19 states that they were angry with him “yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain.”

I want to point out here that Jeremiah was THE prophet in Jerusalem at this time. The people Lehi was prophesying to were members of “the church.” They thought they were righteous, they thought they were obeying the law of Moses. Why did the Lord send another prophet? Were the people not listening to THE prophet? How would this happen today… among members of our church? Would we listen to someone who wasn’t THE prophet? Would we mock the things they said they “saw and heard?”  Would we be like the Jews and say “we’re fine!!! We’re righteous and doing all the things we’re supposed to. I have 100% home teaching after all. I’m the Elders quorum president… the Lord wouldn’t have called me to this calling if I wasn’t righteous! Of course all is well in Zion?”

Nephi  concludes his thoughts here by stating something at the beginning of the book that is found at the end… that he will “show us the tender mercies of the Lord.” Both the first and last chapters of the Book of Mormon comment on the tender mercies of the Lord.

“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,” Moroni 10:3

May we all remember the tender mercy of our Father!

1 Nephi 1:9-15

Lehi’s vision continues and he sees “God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God.” 1 Nephi 1:8

He then sees “One” descending out of heaven and his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day. The footnote in this verse refers to the first vision in Joseph Smith-History in the Pearl of Great Price. Verse 16 of Joseph Smith-History rehearses Joseph’s experience with the “thick darkness” that surrounded him prior to the Father and the Son appearing.

Please excuse my digression for a few minutes at this point. One of the great blessings of regular temple attendance, and serious inquiry of the Lord on the meaning of the Endowment, has been an understanding that the temple experience has many meanings. One that has become apparent to me is that the endowment is not only an allegory of Adam and Eve, but is also an allegory of our own existence: From the pre-existence, to this life, to returning to our Heavenly Father. I don’t think it is a mere coincidence that Lucifer is in the act of trying to destroy Adam and Eve just prior to the Father and the Son coming to meet Adam and Eve. I think it is a very similar circumstance to the power of darkness that overcame Joseph Smith prior to his vision. I haven’t yet concluded what the meaning of this is, but I don’t think it is a coincidence.

Lehi then appears to have seen the twelve apostles. I’m not sure of the significance of their brightness exceeding that of the stars. We all know the sun, moon, and stars are often compared to the Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial kingdoms. I welcome thoughts on this idea.

Next Lehi is given a book. I’ve tried to do some research into what this book was but have been unable to find much. I did however, find the following at the Maxwell Institute:

Preserved in the Book of Mormon are seven of Lehi's inspired dreams and visions. Nephi mentions Lehi's dreams and visions being in his record: "[Lehi] hath written many things which he saw in visions and in dreams" (1 Nephi 1:16). Lehi himself considered that he was "a visionary man" (1 Nephi 5:4).

The earliest vision recorded in the Book of Mormon is the one that probably began Lehi's own record. Nephi describes it briefly: "As [Lehi] prayed unto the Lord, there came a pillar of fire and dwelt upon a rock before him; and he saw and heard much; and because of the things which he saw and heard he did quake and tremble exceedingly. And it came to pass that he returned to his own house at Jerusalem; and he cast himself upon his bed, being overcome with the Spirit and the things which he had seen" (1 Nephi 1:6-7). Nephi gives nothing more of the vision's content, but it may have included Lehi's call to the role of prophet, for soon afterward Lehi began to preach to the people (see v. 18; also 1 Nephi 2:1).

Nephi begins his summary of Lehi's second vision, the vision wherein he sees a book, by emphasizing that "being thus overcome with the Spirit, [Lehi] was carried away in a vision, even that he saw the heavens open, and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God" (1 Nephi 1:8). Lehi then saw "One descending out of the midst of heaven" and "twelve others following him" (1 Nephi 1:9-10).

Nephi continues: "The first came and stood before my father, and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read" (1:11). Lehi then read of Jerusalem's wickedness and of its impending destruction. This same warning was the core message of other prophets in Lehi's time at Jerusalem (see 1 Nephi 1:4). Although Nephi does not mention it here, at some point in the vision Lehi also learned that the Messiah would come and save humankind: Lehi "testified that the things which he saw and heard, and also the things which he read in the book, manifested plainly of the coming of a Messiah, and also the redemption of the world" (1 Nephi 1:19). Nephi also includes two apparent direct quotations from Lehi's record—his warning to Jerusalem (1 Nephi 1:13) and his psalm rejoicing in God's power and goodness (1 Nephi 1:14).

Much of what he read in the book was concerning the pending destruction of Jerusalem.

What is most impressive to me is the prayer that Lehi offers in verses 14-15.

14 And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord; such as: Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish! 15 And after this manner was the language of my father in the praising of his God; for his soul did rejoice, and his whole heart was filled, because of the things which he had seen, yea, which the Lord had shown unto him.

It is my prayer that I can love and praise God as Lehi did. This only comes by honoring God and keeping his commandments. Only He can change my heart.

Mosiah 8:13

I’m going to divert from 1 Nephi 1 for today’s post simply so I don’t forget something I read yesterday during my personal scripture study that I thought was quite profound. I’m going to write instead about Mosiah 8:13.

I have to admit that I am sometimes a bit dense when it comes to understanding certain gospel topics. I often have to read the same thing over and over again before I begin to comprehend what it is saying. This verse led me on a journey yesterday that was unexpected yet wonderful.

In the Book of Mormon we have record of at least two, and likely three records of the Jaredites that were found by the Nephites. The first one we read about is found in Omni 1:20 where we read about a large stone that had engravings on it. It is here we learn of Coriantumr living with them for “nine moons.” Several centuries later 24 gold plates were found by the people of Limhi (Mosiah 8:9). These are referred to as plates of ore in Mosiah 21:27.

I have never really paid attention to the fact that there were these two different records found and I never really paid attention to how significant they are in the Book of Ether. Yesterday I simply did a Google search on these two records and stumbled across one of the most interesting papers I have read in recent times. The article is titled “A Third Jaredite Record: The Sealed Portion of the Gold Plates.” The entire article can be found at: http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=11&num=1&id=281

I highly recommend reading the article in its entirety but the author argues a very compelling argument that the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon was written in full by the brother of Jared prior to his death and remained sealed up until at least the time of Nephi (AD 35) and then was inserted, still sealed, in the Book of Mormon by Moroni.

Below is a small portion of the article:

From the time of Nephi (ca. AD 35), there were two copies of the record of the great vision of the brother of Jared: the original, "in a language that . . . cannot be read" (Ether 3:22), and "the interpretation thereof" by Nephi in the Nephite language (Ether 4:5; see vv. 1–2). Moroni possessed both records and added a third copy by writing or copying the words of the vision upon "these plates" (Ether 4:4), that is, the gold plates. He most likely used Nephi's translation as his master copy because he was familiar with that language and not with the language of the brother of Jared. For the same reason, Moroni probably also turned to Mosiah's translation of the book of Ether to make his abridgment.
Moroni does remark on the wondrous power of the sealed account from the brother of Jared and, in comparison, on his own modest ability. Moroni's words offer a sense of the extraordinary character of the sealed record:

Thou [the Lord] hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them. Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words. (Ether 12:24–25)

 The sealed portion of the Book of Mormon contains the entire history of the earth from the beginning to the end. In Moroni’s words it contains:

25 And when the Lord had said these words, he showed unto the brother of Jared all the inhabitants of the earth which had been, and also all that would be; and he withheld them not from his sight, even unto the ends of the earth. 26 For he had said unto him in times before, that if he would believe in him that he could show unto him all things—it should be shown unto him; therefore the Lord could not withhold anything from him, for he knew that the Lord could show him all things. Ether 3:25-26

When the world is ready to receive “all things”, the Lord will give us the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon. This includes but is not limited to members of the church. As a people, we have much repenting to do.

1 Nephi 1:6-8

In yesterday’s post I mentioned that I thought the pillar of fire spoken of in verse 6 was actually a visit by the Lord. I’m going to be so bold as to say that the message of the Book of Mormon (and other standard works) is that we can have a personal visit by the Lord Jesus Christ. I think by the end of First and Second Nephi you will agree with me.  Let’s take a look at the scriptures the footnotes verses 6,7, and 8 refer us to:

1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 ¶Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. 6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: 7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Isaiah 6:1-7

5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: 6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. 10 ¶And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. 12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. Daniel 10:5-12

So these footnotes tell us that both Isaiah and Daniel saw the Lord. It is further confirmed in Alma 36:22-23:

22 Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there. 23 But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again, and I stood upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I had been born of God.

This one is Alma speaking of his conversion and seeing the Lord, confirming that Lehi saw the Lord.

Ezekiel

1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. Ezekiel 1:1

Stephen

 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7:55-56

 Joseph Smith

1 The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell. 2 I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire; 3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son. D&C 137:1-3

As we read the Book of Mormon together we will discover that Lehi saw him, Nephi saw him, Jacob saw him, Enos saw him, King Benjamin saw him, Alma saw him, the brother of Jared saw him, the other Nephi saw him, Mormon saw him and Moroni saw him. This is the reoccurring theme of the Book of Mormon. It is the whole point of the endowment… to converse with the Lord through the veil. There are people today that testify they have seen him. Two have written books on the topic, I recommend both of them: “The Second Comforter, Conversing with the Lord through the Veil” by Denver Snuffer, and “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence” by John Pontius. Both books changed my life forever.

1 Nephi 1:6-7

I find the next few verses of 1 Nephi quite interesting. Lehi went forth and “prayed unto the Lord… with all his heart.” And what was the subject of his prayer? “In behalf of his people.”  I think a great lesson is taught here. I have found myself at various times of my life spending a lot of time praying about myself and my family, but until a few years ago, very little praying for “my people.” Who were Lehi’s people and who exactly are my people?

I’ve determined that I have spent a lot of time in my life praying for myself. I’ve justified much of it because I have included “help me to keep the commandments better” and “help me to serve others” and “help me to be a better example;” probably all good things, but none the less selfish. I’ve learned from this scripture that I need to spend more time praying for others.

I am assuming that the state of the Jews in Jerusalem became a real concern to Lehi.  As mentioned in yesterday’s post, several years prior to him departing Jerusalem with his family, a puppet king was into place by Nebuchadnezzar. Jerusalem was already beginning to feel the pains of disobedience to God’s commandments.

What sins were the people guilty of?

¶Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 36:14

7 For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods, 8 And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made. 9 And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city. 10 And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree: 11 And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the Lord carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the Lord to anger: 12 For they served idols, whereof the Lord had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing. 13 Yet the Lord testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. 14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the Lord their God. 15 And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the Lord had charged them, that they should not do like them. 16 And they left all the commandments of the Lord their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal. 17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. 2 Kings 17:7-17

In what ways are we as individuals, as couple, as families, as wards and stakes, as nations, and as a church guilty of the same things? Something to ponder! If I am to pray for others, what would I pray for? Should we pray for the church as a whole, and all the way down to our own families that we will keep the covenants we have made, that we will put away our pride and vanity, that we will stop worshiping false gods (money, fame, celebrities, even church leaders, etc.)?  Do I care about others enough to pray with “all my heart” on their behalf?

What are the benefits or result of this type of prayer for others? We find the answer in 1 Nephi 1:6.

“And it came to pass as he prayed unto the Lord, there came a pillar of fire and dwelt upon a rock before him; and he saw and heard much; and because of the things which he saw and heard he did quake and tremble exceedingly.”

Using the footnotes again follow the footnotes to “pillar.” Every time a pillar of fire is used in the scriptures it is the Lord. Did the Lord appear to him here? I think he did.

As he was praying earnestly on behalf of others he received a revelation. Was Lehi a prophet yet? The scriptures give us no indication he was anything other than a normal man. This revelation was intended for nobody other than Lehi and his family.

We learn an important piece from verse 7; “And it came to pass that he returned to his own house at Jerusalem.”

Where did he return from? Where had he been praying? Was it at the temple? Was he on a mountain somewhere? We don’t really know other than it didn’t take place in his own home.

He lies down to rest on his bed, and as he does so a vision opens to him. We will talk about that vision in my next post.

I welcome your comments.

1 Nephi 1:3-4

 

As I mentioned yesterday in my post, I think that most Latter-Day-Saints use the words “I know” in their testimonies more by tradition rather than actually “knowing.” Nephi on the other hand has experiences to back up his “knowing”. In 1 Nephi 1:3 he writes: “And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge. (emphasis mine).

Reading the footnotes of verse 4 we can learn many things about the downfall of Jerusalem.  The footnotes lead us to three sources of the same information: 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Jeremiah. Let’s take a quick look at the history that led up to Zedekiah being king; obviously a wicked king that would lead to the destruction of Jerusalem.

Zedekiah was a puppet king who was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar after Babylon invaded Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles claims Zedekiah is Nebuchadnezzar’s uncle (2 Chron. 36:17), but  2 Chronicles 36:10 claims they are brothers. In 589 BC Zedekiah revolted against the Babylonian overlords and for the second time, Nebuchadnezzar advanced on Jerusalem with a large army. In 587, the northern wall of the then starving city was breached and Zedekiah, while fleeing, was taken captive on the Jericho Plain. He was brought before Nebuchadnezzar where he was force to watch the slaying of his children.

A few curious things are brought to light during this reading. Zedekiah was 21 years old when he was appointed king; rather young to have children by today’s standards but perhaps he did. He was captured after reigning nine years, thus making him about 30 years old. Of course it is possible he had several children by the age of 30. Most curious of all is found in the book of Helaman in the Book of Mormon.

“Now the land south was called Lehi, and the land north was called Mulek, which was after the son of Zedekiah; for the Lord did bring Mulek into the land north, and Lehi into the land south.” Helaman 6:10

Here we learn that Mulek was the son of Zedekiah. The heading of the new 2013 version of the Book of Omni reads “The descendants of Mulek at Zarahemla had discovered Coriantumr, the last of the Jaredites…”  Reading this text has always made me think Mulek was their leader. Of course we don’t know the time frame of any of this but on the surface it appears Mulek was a child when in some fashion was swept out of Jerusalem and preserved from the murder of Zedekiahs’s other children.

Nephi states that “many prophets” came that year, prophesying unto the people to repent or be destroyed. Let’s discover some of those other prophets. Of course we know that Jeremiah was THE prophet of the day, but who were some of the others? Once again the footnotes help us. Jeremiah 26 tells us of two others.

18 Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.

And

20 And there was also a man that prophesied in the name of the Lord, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjath-jearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah:

Urijah was hunted down and killed.

We also learn from The Book of Daniel that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (the latter three betterknow as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) were all taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar at this time.

I realize this is a bit of a tangent, and probably fits better a little later in 1 Nephi,  but I want to take a minute to discuss this story and compare it to us in the Latter-Day church.

We learn from the Book of Daniel that there are few stories of faith that would compare to the stories of Daniel and Meshach, Shadrach, and Abed-Nego. All were taken captive by the wicked Nebuchadnezzar and were taken into slavery. All were ultimately thrown into prison and/or condemned to die because of their unwillingness to break certain commandments. All were miraculously spared by the power of God.  At the same time, Lehi and his family were warned to “get out” prior to the captivity. I ask myself why would the Lord lead some away (while still undergoing great tribulation), and allow others to be taken captive and obviously suffer great trials?

It’s obvious in hind sight, that Lehi and his family was no more righteous than Daniel and his group. The Lord allowed both to suffer, and both to be blessed. From the outside, however, if Daniel knew Lehi and his family, and knew they were led away prior to the captivity, would Daniel have wondered why he was captured while Lehi was free to do as he pleases? Are we guilty of similar thinking in the church today? Do we look around and wonder why our trials seem greater than others in our ward? If we put on our eternal perspective glasses will we see that the Lord is leading is on a path that is for our benefit? I hope so.

Next post we will discover what Lehi does to prepare himself for meeting the Lord.

I welcome your comments.

My Road to Emmaus

A few weeks ago I had an experience that has taught me a profound lesson, but in a manner I am not proud of. I wish I had the opportunity of living the whole thing over. I hope we can each learn from my mistake.

Early one morning in December, I was in South Jordan and stopped by a Maverik store for a drink. When I came out, I noticed a young man sitting on the picnic table, drinking a coffee. He had a backpack at his feet. It was cold outside and he was bundled up. He had the type of wool gloves that covered his hands but left the fingers bare. I got in my car and prepared to leave, but the Spirit prompted me to approach him. I put my car back in Park and went to talk to him.

Many months ago while reading a variety of books, I kept coming upon the theme of King Benjamin’s address; particularly the part in Chapter 4 where he states:

“16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.
17 Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—
18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.
19 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?
20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.
21 And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.
22 And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your condemnation for withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you but to God, to whom also your life belongeth; and yet ye put up no petition, nor repent of the thing which thou hast done.
23 I say unto you, wo be unto that man, for his substance shall perish with him; and now, I say these things unto those who are rich as pertaining to the things of this world.”

I couldn’t get these verses out of my mind. I knew that I needed to be somebody different. At that point I began to give money to beggars in almost every instance. Not only would I give money, but I try to take the time to talk to each one and get to know them a little. I tried to learn of their real needs and what I could do to help them. My life has been greatly blessed by this decision and I feel I have developed at least one real friendship out of this, or at least I have made a real difference in the life of one of God’s children.

When I approached the young man at the Maverik store, I simply asked him “how can I help you?” He was skeptical of course and wanted to know if I was a cop. I responded that I was simply someone who wanted to help him. He told me a story of how he was kicked out of his house where his wife (or girlfriend) lived with his young son because he didn’t have a job. He had tried to reach them by telephone in the Maverik but was unable to. I asked him what I could do to help him. He responded “what I really need is to go to a motel where I can have a shower and get cleaned up.” He continued “I won’t trash it or anything.”

At this point many things ran through my mind: How much is this going to cost? Is this guy just lazy and deserves to be kicked out? Will he stay in the hotel longer than one night and keep charging it to my card? Will he steal things that I will be liable for? I shamefully responded “I can’t do that but I can give you five dollars.” I gave him a five and left. As I drove away I justified my actions in many ways: Does this guy know what he is asking? He really needs to just make up with his wife. Does he seriously think I could spend that much on him? Besides, a hotel would be in the middle of check-out, check-in won’t be for a few hours.

My actions have haunted me. Almost immediately the story of The Good Samaritan came to mind where the man helped the wounded, took him to an inn, and told the innkeeper he would pay anything owed on his next visit. Why was I so blind? Why couldn’t I have helped? My personal failure to act has haunted me more as I have pondered the following scriptures and stories:

Paul, when communicating with the Hebrew in chapter 13 wrote:

1 Let brotherly love continue.
2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

Here we learn that angels “minister to us without disclosing their identity!” How chilling is that yet how wonderful?

Most importantly I was moved by the story of the Savior walking with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. The story as found in Luke reads as follows:

16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Here, the Savior Himself appeared to two disciples and remained unrevealed. What if my experience was indeed a test? What if it was indeed the Lord and I denied Him? How can I ever make this up to Him? Will I have another chance? My heart tells me YES, but my heart breaks that I made the choice I did.

May we remember the words of Paul as written to the Corinthians:

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

May I make better choices!

Wheat and Tares

I was really struck by a simple phrase that I read this morning. I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. The sentence is this: “When the wheat is fully ripe, the Lord will return.”(The Second Comforter, Denver Snuffer). I’m not quite sure why this phrase had such impact on me, but it has. I hope to be able to share my thoughts on this topic.

In Matthew 13 we read the parable of the wheat and the tares. It reads as follows:
“24¶Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”

I have obviously read this parable many times in my life. I feel like I have even understood what it says, but I guess I never really understood my role as being the wheat.

I have always known that we live in the last days, and that Christ will soon come. Somehow, however, I have confused the events that would actually lead to the second coming. When we read about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, it came because of the wickedness of these two cities. The Book of Mormon is full of stories where the wicked were destroyed. I have always believed that Christ would come when the world was so wicked that He would destroy it. I think that perhaps I have misunderstood this until now.

The parable tells us wait until the harvest, gather the tares and burn them, then gather the wheat. Obviously the wheat must be ripe before it is gathered. So what do we need to do, as the wheat, in order to become ripe?

We often hear the term “the Stakes of Zion” and that Zion is “ the pure in heart”. Section 97 of the Doctrine and Covenants says the following:
18And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper, and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible.
19And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there;
20And he hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation and her high tower.
21Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn.
22For behold, and lo, vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and who shall escape it?
23The Lord’s scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come;
24For the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works.
25Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her.
26But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire.

If Zion is indeed defined as “the pure in heart” then it seems quite clear what we must do to establish Zion in our own lives: We must become pure in heart! A statement undoubtedly easier said than done. In John Pontius’s book “The Triumph of Zion”, one of the most influential books I have read, he states that Zion is an “individual matter” and can be achieved long before the actual city of Zion is established. Related to this, President Spencer W. Kimball said “When Satan is bound in a single home – when Satan is bound in a single life – the Millennium has already begun in that home, in that life.” Zion must be established before the Second Coming.

The pure in heart (D&C 97:21). Zion also means a place where the pure in heart live. The city built by Enoch and his people that was eventually taken to heaven because of righteousness was named Zion (D&C 38:4; Moses 7:18–21, 69). In the latter-days a city named Zion will be built near Jackson County, Missouri (United States of America), to which the tribes of Israel will gather (D&C 103:11–22; 133:18). The Saints are counseled to build up Zion wherever they are living in the world. A few scriptures on the topic:

• The city of David was called Zion, 1 Kgs. 8:1
• Out of Zion shall go forth the law, Isa. 2:2–3 (Micah 4:2; 2 Ne. 12:2–3).
• The Redeemer shall come to Zion, Isa. 59:20
• I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you
to Zion, Jer. 3:14
• In mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, Joel 2:32 (Obad. 1:17).
• Blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion, 1 Ne. 13:37
• The daughters of Zion are haughty, 2 Ne. 13:16 (Isa. 3:16).
• Wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!, 2 Ne. 28:19–25
• Seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion, D&C 6:6 (D&C 11:6).
• Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good,
D&C 21:7
• The New Jerusalem shall be called Zion, D&C 45:66–67
• Independence, Missouri, is the place for the city of Zion, D&C 57:1–3
• A scourge remaineth upon the children of Zion until they repent, D&C 84:58
• The Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and
one mind, Moses 7:18–19
• Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent,
A of F 1:10

Denver Snuffer also makes the following comments: “The Millennium will happen as people prepare themselves for it.It would do little good to have the Lord return if there were not people prepared for His presence awaiting Him. If that were to occur before people are prepared, the whole earth would be wasted at His coming.”

In my own life, as I have earnestly tried to change my life, and to allow the Spirit to bring about “the mighty change” spoken of in the scriptures, I have been drawn to people with similar interests. From my perspective I see Zion being established in the hearts of people everywhere. I see an increase in spirituality and in people striving to do what is right. At the same time I see the ways of the world going in the opposite direction. I am offended by things I see on television and on the internet.

A dear friend told me he had lunch with a former Bishop and recently released Stake President. The Stake President told him that out of 22 missionaries that went out in recent months, 8 are home prematurely because they lied about their worthiness. This same president said that affairs and immorality were increasing in his stake. I am sure they are in mine and others as well, but righteousness and goodness are as well. It appears the Wheat and the Tares are growing together, even in the church. God’s promises are sure, Zion will prevail. It is our duty to choose which side we will take. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) May we all strive to establish Zion in our own lives!

The Second Comforter

Roughly 14 years ago, while living in Maryland, I had the wonderful experience of being an ordinance worker in the Washington D.C. Temple. For roughly two years I spent Thursdays from 2 pm till closing (10pm) in the temple. This was an experience I will always treasure. It was here that I really began to love the House of the Lord. Spending many hours in the temple at a time increases the rate of personal revelation. I felt great power there and was given strength to choose the right. It is on the topic of personal revelation that I would like to write tonight.

As I fulfilled various responsibilities in the temple, great moments of inspiration would come over me. I would ponder things I see and hear and the “eyes of my understanding” would be open to wonderful things. On afternoon while pondering some of the temple clothing, a light went on in my mind and I suddenly understood the ( one of the)meaning(s) of this particular piece of clothing. It was so clear to me that I felt a desire and excitement to share it with others. When given an opportunity to talk to another brother that I really respected, I told him of my revelation. He responded in a way that through me for a loop. He said “that’s hogwash, it doesn’t mean that at all. It only means exactly what it says it means.” I was really taken back. How could anyone question something I received from personal revelation? I really struggled with this question for a couple of weeks. Then while once again in the temple, and asking the Lord why such an important thing could be so minimized by someone I truly respected, the voice of the Lord into my mind and said “I told this to you, don’t you think I could tell him also?” I was taught an important lesson that minute. The Lord tells us certain things that are simply for us. It is not our job to discuss it to anyone else.

For nearly two years now I have been holding something like this very close to my vest. The Lord told me it was not my place to discuss it with others. Recently, however, this has changed. I have been prompted to write on a topic that is very sacred and very dear to my heart.

I have mentioned in multiple blog posts over the past couple of years that I read a book that changed my life forever. It is called “The Second Comforter: Conversing with the Lord through the Veil” by Denver Snuffer. This wonderful book is the story of Denver Snuffer, his conversion to the church as a young man, and ultimately his declaration that he has received the Second Comforter, or in other words he has had a personal audience with Jesus Christ. I know this sounds perhaps a bit fantastic to some, but I know that it is true. Let me explain my experience of coming to this knowledge.

In January of 2009 I was packing for a business trip to Florida and was looking for something to read while I was gone. I noticed a book on a cabinet in our entryway that I had never seen before. It was “the Second Comforter.” It had about 100 colored tabs attached to the pages by the previous reader. I called out to Ann to ask her where the book had come from. When she told me Yvonne Bent had given it to me I literally rolled my eyes and said to myself “Oh Brother.” I made a quick judgment in my mind. I asked myself “who does she think she is reading a book like this (Yvonne and I have since laughed about this), and who does this Denver Snuffer think he is to write on a topic like this?” I was of the opinion that only “The Brethren” were capable of writing about the gospel and especially on a topic like this. Despite these thoughts, I took the book anyway thinking I would get a good laugh out of it.

Several years ago the church magazine the Ensign had a section titled “I have a question.” Members of the church were allowed or encouraged to write in and ask questions about the gospel and usually a General Authority would write the response. I remember reading a particular question about 15 years ago that formed my opinion on this topic. The question was written by a bishop and went something like this; “In my first interview with a recently returned missionary I asked him about his goals for the future. He told me he had a goal of having his calling and election made sure by the time he was 30. How should I respond to this young man?” The person responding to the question went on to give an answer that made me believe that “Calling and Election made sure” simply doesn’t happen; or if it does, very rarely: Maybe the Prophet and maybe the Apostles. For the next 13 years or so I believed this.

As I began to read “The Second Comforter” I became enthralled. I couldn’t put it down. I read the entire flight. I also read every spare minute on my busy trip. I finished it on the return flight. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Actually I could believe it… but how could it be? Christ does appear to just regular people today. How could I get this blessing in my own life?

I read “The Second Comforter” four times that year. I read as many other books on the topic that I could find as well. Come to find out there are multiple books on the topic. Another great one is “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence” by John Pontius. The greatest books on the topic however (besides the scriptures) are the Messiah series by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. Without a doubt I learned more from these books than I can express in words. He makes it very clear that seeking a personal audience with the Savior is something we can all strive for.

So what does it mean to me and how has it affected my life?

The past two years have been a whirlwind and my life has been turned upside down… in a remarkably good way. I have learned so much by the whisperings of the Spirit. I feel like every part of my world has changed. I have been prompted not only to forgive others, but to pray for my enemies. Although not really having any enemies I have had amazing experiences by praying for those I don’t particularly care for. I posted a blog on one of these experiences a couple of years ago.

I have had many experiences that have taught me about humility. I’ve learned what kind of husband and father the Lord wants me to be. I’ve learned these from very difficult experiences. I’ve learned much about charity and kindness. I’ve learned that material things mean nothing. I’ve learned about the Law of Consecration and I’ve learned volumes about the House of the Lord.

Very importantly I have learned that I am nobody. In the beginning this was very difficult for me to accept. For most of my life I felt I had an important mission to accomplish. My pride made me believe that this mission would put me in the spotlight. I have learned over time that this simply just is not meant to be. I justified my actions in many ways by doing the right thing, but making sure that others knew I did the right thing. I have learned how convoluted this thinking is. I am learning that the Lord wants me to draw no attention to myself. This should have been a no-brainer but is something I had to be taught through experience.

I now know that I do indeed have a mission: This mission is to build faith in Christ in others. I have learned to do this without any thought for recognition. I simply want others to feel the love of the Savior that I feel. One way of filling this mission is by sharing this blog, and by sharing this important topic with others.
I’ve not yet received the Second Comforter in my life but I know I will one day. Conversing with the Lord through the veil is the thought that guides nearly every decision in my life. It should have been obvious all along that conversing with the Lord through the veil is the very purpose of the temple. When I read the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, I recognize that the only message is to lead us to Christ. Lehi saw Him, Nephi saw Him, Jacob saw Him, Enos, Alma, the sons of Mosiah, The Brother of Jared, Mormon, Moroni and others all saw Him. They all testify of Him. I am striving to add my name to this amazing list.

I want to end this post by quoting the prophet Joseph Smith "The other Comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest, and perhaps understood by few of this generation. After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the saints. . . .

"Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even he will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; and this is the state and place the ancient saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions—Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn." (TPJS 149-151)

Since first reading Denver Snuffer’s book “The Second Comforter” I have given away roughly 30 copies. Everyone who has read it has been moved by its message; some of them profoundly. One dear friend put it this way “I am now on a path that I didn’t know existed. I have stepped through a door by which there is no turning back.” Another friend said “It has become the handbook of my life.” I encourage all who are reading this, and are ready to truly follow the Savior, read this wonderful book. I know it is available on Amazon but it is also available at Benchmark books in Salt Lake City. Or, if you feel inspired, call me and I will get you a copy myself.... this is one way I can lead others to Christ.