In his October 2011 General Conference talks, Elder Richard G. Scott said,
"those who consistently read the Book of Mormon are blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the divinity of the Son of God."
Amen!
Showing posts with label Obedience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obedience. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
3 Nephi 29 & 30
Spurn
To spurn means to reject or to snub or scorn or despise or to disdain. I imagine what the Lord means when he says "if ye shall spurn at his doings he will cause that it shall soon overtake you" (3 Nephi 29:4) is that we will become obsessed with spurning the Lord's doings that we will lose all reason and fail to see our shortcomings and eventually we will fall.
When the Israelites were bitten by fiery serpents, Moses raised the brazen serpent so that the people, if the looked on it, would be healed. But many spurned this counsel and consequently died.
We must be careful not to ridicule the Savior's teachings, else we become obsessed and begin to kick against the pricks and we are overcome with our own pride.
A Cry to Repentance
"Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel." (3 Nephi 30:2)
To spurn means to reject or to snub or scorn or despise or to disdain. I imagine what the Lord means when he says "if ye shall spurn at his doings he will cause that it shall soon overtake you" (3 Nephi 29:4) is that we will become obsessed with spurning the Lord's doings that we will lose all reason and fail to see our shortcomings and eventually we will fall.
When the Israelites were bitten by fiery serpents, Moses raised the brazen serpent so that the people, if the looked on it, would be healed. But many spurned this counsel and consequently died.
We must be careful not to ridicule the Savior's teachings, else we become obsessed and begin to kick against the pricks and we are overcome with our own pride.
A Cry to Repentance
"Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel." (3 Nephi 30:2)
3 Nephi 27 & 28
The Plain Gospel
In 3 Nephi 27:13-17, Jesus summarizes the Gospel. Christ came into the world to do His father's will. He suffered and died for men. We then have a choice to accept Jesus or reject Him. Those who accept Him and endure to the end are saved, while those who reject Him will not be saved.
Marvin J. Ashton said, "The truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ are plain, precious, and powerful. The lives of the worthy are plain, precious, and powerful." (Marvin J. Ashton, “The Power of Plainness,” Ensign, May 1977, 66)
No Unclean Thing
3 Nephi 27:19 is a very important verse to remember and to read often. “No unclean thing can enter into his (God’s) kingdom…” If we expect to live eternally with God, then we must act as he does and keep his commandments and repent.
Judged By the Scriptures
How will we know what we’ll be judged on? We read the scriptures. For out of the scriptures we find what we’ll be judged by. This life is an open book test. We have the requirements right before us and if we but read what they are and then apply them to our lives, then we’ll be saved (see 3 Nephi 27:25-26).
The Straight and Narrow
Being elite on this earth doesn’t amount to much. The only elite group that really counts is the final one that finds its way to the gate at the end of the straight and narrow path. All other "races" are nothing compared to this one. The only judge that matters is God (see 3 Nephi 27:33).
Wo unto them
3 Nephi 28:34-35 – We read of a great condemnation in these verses. If we do not receive (obey) Jesus or his servants, then it will have been better that we were never born! We will not be able to avoid the justice of an offended God.
Where much is given, much is required. (D&C 82:3)
Translated Beings (Transfigured)
A translated being is a person who is changed so that he does not experience pain or death or even temptation until his resurrection to immortality (see "Guide to the Scriptures" Translated Beings).
3 Nephi 28:39 states, "there was a change wrought upon them, insomuch that Satan could have no power over them … the powers of the earth could not hold them." They were beyond this world, yet in it.
In 3 Nephi 27:13-17, Jesus summarizes the Gospel. Christ came into the world to do His father's will. He suffered and died for men. We then have a choice to accept Jesus or reject Him. Those who accept Him and endure to the end are saved, while those who reject Him will not be saved.
Marvin J. Ashton said, "The truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ are plain, precious, and powerful. The lives of the worthy are plain, precious, and powerful." (Marvin J. Ashton, “The Power of Plainness,” Ensign, May 1977, 66)
No Unclean Thing
3 Nephi 27:19 is a very important verse to remember and to read often. “No unclean thing can enter into his (God’s) kingdom…” If we expect to live eternally with God, then we must act as he does and keep his commandments and repent.
Judged By the Scriptures
How will we know what we’ll be judged on? We read the scriptures. For out of the scriptures we find what we’ll be judged by. This life is an open book test. We have the requirements right before us and if we but read what they are and then apply them to our lives, then we’ll be saved (see 3 Nephi 27:25-26).
The Straight and Narrow
Being elite on this earth doesn’t amount to much. The only elite group that really counts is the final one that finds its way to the gate at the end of the straight and narrow path. All other "races" are nothing compared to this one. The only judge that matters is God (see 3 Nephi 27:33).
Wo unto them
3 Nephi 28:34-35 – We read of a great condemnation in these verses. If we do not receive (obey) Jesus or his servants, then it will have been better that we were never born! We will not be able to avoid the justice of an offended God.
Where much is given, much is required. (D&C 82:3)
Translated Beings (Transfigured)
A translated being is a person who is changed so that he does not experience pain or death or even temptation until his resurrection to immortality (see "Guide to the Scriptures" Translated Beings).
3 Nephi 28:39 states, "there was a change wrought upon them, insomuch that Satan could have no power over them … the powers of the earth could not hold them." They were beyond this world, yet in it.
Monday, February 12, 2007
2 Nephi 28
The False Doctrines
Nephi identifies four doctrines taught by false churches in the last days.
The first one is found in verse 5. This false doctrine teaches men that "there is no God today," that He has "done his work" and that He has given his power to men. Notice the half-truths mixed with lies. I can understand where this notion that there is no God today comes from. The scriptures refer to this as a falling away … where the priesthood and the prophets were taken from the earth and men lived in spiritual darkness for a long time (2 Thes. 2:3). But what this false doctrine fails to understand is that after the Apostasy came the Restoration wherein God restored the priesthood to the earth again. God has conferred the priesthood on man, but He has not given it away to man.
The second false doctrine is found in verse 6 where Nephi warns us false churches will deny that miracles are from God. Notice that this false doctrine does not deny the existence of miracles, but it tries to take God out of the miracles. Even in the days preceding the coming of Christ to the Americas, the people widely viewed and accepted the miracles and signs, but they denied the power from whence they came (see Helaman 16:20-23, 3 Nephi 7:18-20).
The third false doctrine is explained in verse 7. This one is often quoted because it seems to be widely believed and practiced today. Many think that this life is a joyride. The doctrine of "eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us," is a popular false doctrine among the Godless. If a person does not believe in God, then he thinks it will not matter what he does in this life. Sadly, today's "entertainment" news broadcasts are full of examples of this lifestyle. The reality is that it will not be well with these people when they die. They will face their Maker and realize the error of their reasoning. Yes, we can be merry in this life, but that is not the purpose of this life. Are we actively serving others? Do we care for our family? Are we drawing nearer to Christ and His teachings? These are the things we ought to focus on.
The last false doctrine that will be taught in the last days is a variant on the previous. Verse 8 sadly describes the irrational thinking of those who feel that they can live a reckless life while fearing God. The crux of this reasoning is found at the end of the verse. These people think that they will be beaten "with a few stripes, and at last … be saved in the kingdom of God." In verse 23, Nephi correctly describes the condition of those who do not truly repent. "Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment." Those who think that they can sin a little and be given a slap on the hand fail to understand the purpose of the Atonement. They do not have a broken heart and contrite spirit. Until they truly repent, "endless torment" awaits them.
The Humble Followers of Christ
Nephi also warns that “all have gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ” and they too, in many instances are led away by the precepts of men. To me, this means that no one is invincible to the false doctrines of man. We must always be vigilant in reading the scriptures, sincerely praying daily, attending our Church meetings and going to the temple and listening to the counsel of the Prophet and our ecclesiastical leaders. In doing the small and simple things (Alma 37:6, Numbers 21:6-9, 2 Nephi 25:20, Alma 33:19-22), we will become the humble followers of Christ. If we fail to do these simple things, we will become more susceptible to the false doctrines of men.
The Tactics of Satan
In my original Book of Mormon commentary journal, I wrote of three tactics Satan uses to lead the hearts of the children of men away from the straight and narrow path.
In verse 30, the Lord tells us that we will receive line upon line, precept upon precept. This is how we will receive revelation. God will give us a small thought here and there. Once we understand, he will add a little more. This repeats until we have received the full light and knowledge God has prepared for us. The Gospel is wonderful!
The Lord's Mercy
Continuing with the references to the Lord's endless mercy, we read in 2 Nephi 28:32, "I will be merciful unto them, said the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts."Again, the Lord will always forgive those who repent. But Satan will show no mercy. Unless we "speedily repent," (Alma 30:57) Satan will weave his flaxen cords around our necks until they are too strong to break (2 Nephi 26:22) at which point he will "speedily drag [us] down to hell" (Alma 30:60).
Nephi identifies four doctrines taught by false churches in the last days.
The first one is found in verse 5. This false doctrine teaches men that "there is no God today," that He has "done his work" and that He has given his power to men. Notice the half-truths mixed with lies. I can understand where this notion that there is no God today comes from. The scriptures refer to this as a falling away … where the priesthood and the prophets were taken from the earth and men lived in spiritual darkness for a long time (2 Thes. 2:3). But what this false doctrine fails to understand is that after the Apostasy came the Restoration wherein God restored the priesthood to the earth again. God has conferred the priesthood on man, but He has not given it away to man.
The second false doctrine is found in verse 6 where Nephi warns us false churches will deny that miracles are from God. Notice that this false doctrine does not deny the existence of miracles, but it tries to take God out of the miracles. Even in the days preceding the coming of Christ to the Americas, the people widely viewed and accepted the miracles and signs, but they denied the power from whence they came (see Helaman 16:20-23, 3 Nephi 7:18-20).
The third false doctrine is explained in verse 7. This one is often quoted because it seems to be widely believed and practiced today. Many think that this life is a joyride. The doctrine of "eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us," is a popular false doctrine among the Godless. If a person does not believe in God, then he thinks it will not matter what he does in this life. Sadly, today's "entertainment" news broadcasts are full of examples of this lifestyle. The reality is that it will not be well with these people when they die. They will face their Maker and realize the error of their reasoning. Yes, we can be merry in this life, but that is not the purpose of this life. Are we actively serving others? Do we care for our family? Are we drawing nearer to Christ and His teachings? These are the things we ought to focus on.
The last false doctrine that will be taught in the last days is a variant on the previous. Verse 8 sadly describes the irrational thinking of those who feel that they can live a reckless life while fearing God. The crux of this reasoning is found at the end of the verse. These people think that they will be beaten "with a few stripes, and at last … be saved in the kingdom of God." In verse 23, Nephi correctly describes the condition of those who do not truly repent. "Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment." Those who think that they can sin a little and be given a slap on the hand fail to understand the purpose of the Atonement. They do not have a broken heart and contrite spirit. Until they truly repent, "endless torment" awaits them.
The Humble Followers of Christ
Nephi also warns that “all have gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ” and they too, in many instances are led away by the precepts of men. To me, this means that no one is invincible to the false doctrines of man. We must always be vigilant in reading the scriptures, sincerely praying daily, attending our Church meetings and going to the temple and listening to the counsel of the Prophet and our ecclesiastical leaders. In doing the small and simple things (Alma 37:6, Numbers 21:6-9, 2 Nephi 25:20, Alma 33:19-22), we will become the humble followers of Christ. If we fail to do these simple things, we will become more susceptible to the false doctrines of men.
The Tactics of Satan
In my original Book of Mormon commentary journal, I wrote of three tactics Satan uses to lead the hearts of the children of men away from the straight and narrow path.
- Contention (v. 20). Satan will rage in the hearts of men and stir them up to anger against that which is good. And we can take that a step further. Those who are defending good will fall into the trap of getting caught up in contention with others. They will get so caught up; they will forget what they are defending. I never quite understood the desire of some missionaries to "Bible bash." The spirit was hardly ever present in a Bible-bashing contest. "Only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness, and pure knowledge" (D&C 121:41-42) should we convince people of the truth.
- Carnal Security (v. 21). The devil will tell people that “all is well” and that there is no need to be on guard. Later in verse 25, the Lord says, “wo be unto him that crieth: All is well!” I have never really understood why the Lord said that. Perhaps the response to the phrase “all is well” is, “not all is well in Zion! Are we going to sit in our comfortable home while our brothers and sisters (spiritually) perish?” This reminds me of the story of Brigham Young and the saints in Utah. The winter had come and the saints were in a conference in the tabernacle. Brigham Young got up and spoke to the congregation and told them that there was a party of saints stuck in the mountains because of the cold and they needed to be rescued. He told the saints what they needed to do and they did not wait until Monday. They went home that very night and prepared for the rescue and retrieved the stranded group of saints (to read a great article and the complete story, read James E. Faust, "Go Bring Them In from the Plains," Ensign, July 1997, 2). This is what we need to do – be vigilant in Zion. This is why we have home and visiting teachers. There is plenty of work to do in Zion. We need to be careful that we are not lulled into carnal security.
- “I am no devil” (v. 22). Satan will try to persuade men that there is no devil. Once people think there is no devil, they will begin to think there is no evil, no law and no punishment. They will also be lulled away into carnal security. They will think nothing is wrong or amiss and they will let down whatever guard they had.
In verse 30, the Lord tells us that we will receive line upon line, precept upon precept. This is how we will receive revelation. God will give us a small thought here and there. Once we understand, he will add a little more. This repeats until we have received the full light and knowledge God has prepared for us. The Gospel is wonderful!
The Lord's Mercy
Continuing with the references to the Lord's endless mercy, we read in 2 Nephi 28:32, "I will be merciful unto them, said the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts."Again, the Lord will always forgive those who repent. But Satan will show no mercy. Unless we "speedily repent," (Alma 30:57) Satan will weave his flaxen cords around our necks until they are too strong to break (2 Nephi 26:22) at which point he will "speedily drag [us] down to hell" (Alma 30:60).
Friday, February 09, 2007
2 Nephi 27
Drunken with Iniquity
To me, this image of drunken with iniquity evokes a scene of people not able to control their desires. I think of a person who takes a drink of alcohol and then another and another and he has no control and he cannot stop. The world will be similar to this drunken man. The world will delve further and further into iniquity that people will not have any control over their actions.
Is there any question that the world is becoming drunk with iniquity today? All that we have to do to gauge this is to turn on the TV or read the daily headlines in the news. Sadly, in this Information Age, every act of sin gets broadcast over the Internet and unlike the daily newspaper that used to be trashed and sometimes forgotten, today's barrage of news is ever available and can be easily summoned by any search engine. Thus today's outrageous acts of sin are multiplied by tomorrow's media shocks.
Paul sums up today's list of sins:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. (2 Timothy 3:1-9)
His Soul is Empty
I really like the analogy that Nephi borrows from Isaiah in verse 3. He is referring to the enemies of Zion in that all those who fight against Zion will think that they are victorious, but when reality hits them, they will realize that it was all a dream to them.
I think this analogy can also be applied to the world being drunk with iniquity. When we sin, we think we are seeking what will make us happy, but in reality when we "wake up," we realize that we are not truly happy and we find our "soul is empty."
It is very frustrating to see people seek happiness in sin. It is equally frustrating when people attack Christianity claiming that religion seeks to force people to live a certain way. In reality, all that Christianity seeks is true, lasting happiness for everyone. The Father of Lies is the one who deceives us into thinking we can find joy in sin. But instead of finding joy, we find nothing but emptiness when we sin.
The Sealed Book
Verses 9 and 10 concern the prophecy of Moroni giving the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith. Some parts of the gold plates were sealed. What we have today is the unsealed portion of the Book of Mormon. Some day the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon will be revealed and "shall be read upon the house tops and they shall be read by the power of Christ" (v. 11).
The sealed portion of the book contains "all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof" (v. 10). We know that Nephi saw things in his vision that he was not permitted to write about. We also know that the brother of Jared saw the same vision and was commanded to write it and seal it up (Ether 3:25-27).
Show Them unto the Learned
In verse 15 we read, "Take these words which are not sealed and deliver them to another, that he ma show them unto the learned." This is in reference to Martin Harris taking a copy of some of the characters of the gold plates and showing them to Charles Anthon.
Removed Their Hearts Far From Me
In verse 25, the Lord says, “this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men.” We need to be weary of paying lip service to God and not serving him. In other words, the Lord is saying to not be hypocritical. We sometimes get caught up in repeating the Sunday school answers at church, but fail to truly understand what we are saying. If we understood what we were saying or paid attention to what we were saying, we would act the part of a good Christian rather than just paying lip service. As Elder Maxwell put in one time, "So it is that discipleship requires all of us to translate doctrines, covenants, ordinances, and teachings into improved personal behavior. Otherwise we may be doctrinally rich but end up developmentally poor" ("Becoming a Disciple," Ensign, June 1996, 12).
A good example of this principle is the Zoramites in Alma 31. Alma and his brethren witnessed the Zoramites praying in their synagogues only once a week. And when they went to their synagogues to pray, they stood on the Rameumptom and prayed out loud so everyone could hear. The Zoramites were paying lip service to God, but their hearts were far from Him. They did not truly pray to God; they did not serve others or have charity and neither did they keep the statutes and commandments of God. They were wicked, self-righteous, and hypocritical.
We need to be careful that we do not inherit a treasure trove of rich Gospel doctrine but then fail to use what we have learned. The most important lessons we will learn will be the relevant experiences as we live our lives. However, we must always read the scriptures. I am not saying that life’s experiences replace studying the scriptures. What we need to do is study the doctrine and the prophets, pray and then do. The scriptures are our textbooks for life’s class. The prophets are our teachers. Life’s experiences are our tests. We learn from the textbooks and teachers and then we are tested to see if we truly learn the lessons.
To me, this image of drunken with iniquity evokes a scene of people not able to control their desires. I think of a person who takes a drink of alcohol and then another and another and he has no control and he cannot stop. The world will be similar to this drunken man. The world will delve further and further into iniquity that people will not have any control over their actions.
Is there any question that the world is becoming drunk with iniquity today? All that we have to do to gauge this is to turn on the TV or read the daily headlines in the news. Sadly, in this Information Age, every act of sin gets broadcast over the Internet and unlike the daily newspaper that used to be trashed and sometimes forgotten, today's barrage of news is ever available and can be easily summoned by any search engine. Thus today's outrageous acts of sin are multiplied by tomorrow's media shocks.
Paul sums up today's list of sins:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. (2 Timothy 3:1-9)
His Soul is Empty
I really like the analogy that Nephi borrows from Isaiah in verse 3. He is referring to the enemies of Zion in that all those who fight against Zion will think that they are victorious, but when reality hits them, they will realize that it was all a dream to them.
I think this analogy can also be applied to the world being drunk with iniquity. When we sin, we think we are seeking what will make us happy, but in reality when we "wake up," we realize that we are not truly happy and we find our "soul is empty."
It is very frustrating to see people seek happiness in sin. It is equally frustrating when people attack Christianity claiming that religion seeks to force people to live a certain way. In reality, all that Christianity seeks is true, lasting happiness for everyone. The Father of Lies is the one who deceives us into thinking we can find joy in sin. But instead of finding joy, we find nothing but emptiness when we sin.
The Sealed Book
Verses 9 and 10 concern the prophecy of Moroni giving the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith. Some parts of the gold plates were sealed. What we have today is the unsealed portion of the Book of Mormon. Some day the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon will be revealed and "shall be read upon the house tops and they shall be read by the power of Christ" (v. 11).
The sealed portion of the book contains "all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof" (v. 10). We know that Nephi saw things in his vision that he was not permitted to write about. We also know that the brother of Jared saw the same vision and was commanded to write it and seal it up (Ether 3:25-27).
Show Them unto the Learned
In verse 15 we read, "Take these words which are not sealed and deliver them to another, that he ma show them unto the learned." This is in reference to Martin Harris taking a copy of some of the characters of the gold plates and showing them to Charles Anthon.
“I went to the city of New York, and presented the characters which had been translated, with the translation thereof, to Professor Charles Anthon, a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor Anthon stated that the translation was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated from the Egyptian. I then showed him those which were not yet translated, and he said that they were Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyric, and Arabic; and he said they were true characters. He gave me a certificate, certifying to the people of Palmyra that they were true characters, and that the translation of such of them as had been translated was also correct. I took the certificate and put it into my pocket, and was just leaving the house, when Mr. Anthon called me back, and asked me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in the place where he found them. I answered that an angel of God had revealed it unto him.
“He then said to me, ‘Let me see that certificate.’ I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him, when he took it and tore it to pieces, saying, that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him, he would translate them. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. He replied, ‘I cannot read a sealed book.’ I left him and went to Dr. Mitchell, who sanctioned what Professor Anthon had said respecting both the characters and the translation.” (History of the Church, vol. 1, p. 20)
Removed Their Hearts Far From Me
In verse 25, the Lord says, “this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men.” We need to be weary of paying lip service to God and not serving him. In other words, the Lord is saying to not be hypocritical. We sometimes get caught up in repeating the Sunday school answers at church, but fail to truly understand what we are saying. If we understood what we were saying or paid attention to what we were saying, we would act the part of a good Christian rather than just paying lip service. As Elder Maxwell put in one time, "So it is that discipleship requires all of us to translate doctrines, covenants, ordinances, and teachings into improved personal behavior. Otherwise we may be doctrinally rich but end up developmentally poor" ("Becoming a Disciple," Ensign, June 1996, 12).
A good example of this principle is the Zoramites in Alma 31. Alma and his brethren witnessed the Zoramites praying in their synagogues only once a week. And when they went to their synagogues to pray, they stood on the Rameumptom and prayed out loud so everyone could hear. The Zoramites were paying lip service to God, but their hearts were far from Him. They did not truly pray to God; they did not serve others or have charity and neither did they keep the statutes and commandments of God. They were wicked, self-righteous, and hypocritical.
We need to be careful that we do not inherit a treasure trove of rich Gospel doctrine but then fail to use what we have learned. The most important lessons we will learn will be the relevant experiences as we live our lives. However, we must always read the scriptures. I am not saying that life’s experiences replace studying the scriptures. What we need to do is study the doctrine and the prophets, pray and then do. The scriptures are our textbooks for life’s class. The prophets are our teachers. Life’s experiences are our tests. We learn from the textbooks and teachers and then we are tested to see if we truly learn the lessons.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
2 Nephi 25
The Prophecies of Nephi
To begin, here is a list I composed when I was a missionary. This list numbers all of Nephi’s prophesies concerning Christ, the Jews and Gentiles and the Lamanites and Nephites.
Nephi truly understood the purpose of the Law of Moses. He understood that everything they did in the Law of Moses was the typifying of Christ and was to help the people remember Christ. He taught his people the deadness of the law meaning that once Christ would come, the law would no longer be needed. I also like the part where Nephi says, “after the law is fulfilled in Christ, they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away” (v. 27). This was one of the problems in Jerusalem when Christ came. The people still clung to their old traditions (the Law of Moses) and did not accept the teachings of Christ. Nephi and the Book of Mormon prophets were prepared and taught the people to repent and live the higher law, but they still obeyed the lower Law of Moses.
After All We Can Do
In verse 23, Nephi talks about reconciliation again. He writes in order to persuade his children and brethren to “believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” I think this is the source of the saying “we are saved by grace after all we can do.”
A few years ago (around 2004), a co-worker invited me to lunch on a rainy day. At the time, I did not know why he was taking me to lunch, but I had a premonition as to what his purpose was. After beginning our lunch, we began to chat about work. Then he launched into a religious discussion. What he wanted was that I read a prayer from a Billy Graham pamphlet that in essence "saved me." After further discussion, I summarized to him that what he believed was that once a person read aloud this prayer, he would be saved no matter what he did the rest of his life. I could commit sin and still be saved without true repentance … theoretically. To me, this represented a serious flaw in his understanding of the Atonement. As Nephi teaches us, no matter how "good" we are, we still cannot be saved by our actions alone. We need the Atonement in order to be "saved." We must strive to keep the commandments and truly repent and prepare ourselves to be judged of God and Christ. If we choose not to even try to keep the commandments, then the Atonement will be ineffective in our lives.
A Voice from the Dust
Just as a general comment – when I was reading this part of the chapter (beginning in verse 24) I could feel Nephi’s words. In other words, the Spirit was testifying to me the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. What I felt was the love Nephi had for the Savior. And after reading this part of the chapter, I felt an intense desire to study the teachings of Christ, namely the New Testament. Nephi would have loved the New Testament as it contains the teachings of Christ. His heart would have rejoiced in learning the true law of God. Living the law of Christ would not have been difficult for Nephi, however. He was already living the higher law.
(Heart), Might, Mind and Strength
In verse 29, you can especially feel Nephi’s words, “And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out.”
There are several references in the scriptures that include the phrase "might, mind and strength" (Mosiah 2:11, Moroni 10:32, D&C 4:2, D&C 11:20, D&C 33:7, D&C 59:5, D&C 98:47). In essence, Nephi is telling us the first great commandment … to "love the Lord thy God" (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30). And not only should we love the Lord, but we need to love Him with all our heart and mind and might. In other words, we should not hold back any of our love for him. And how do we love him? We love him by keeping his commandments (John 14:15, D&C 124:87) with all our hearts, minds, might and strength.
To begin, here is a list I composed when I was a missionary. This list numbers all of Nephi’s prophesies concerning Christ, the Jews and Gentiles and the Lamanites and Nephites.
- In the Last Days, when Isaiah's prophecies begin to be fulfilled, men will know of a surety when they come to pass (25:7).
- Jews carried away captive by Babylon, then return to Jerusalem and are restored to their lands of inheritance (25:11).
- Jews reject and crucify the Christ and he is resurrected after 3 days (25:12-13).
- Jerusalem is destroyed again after the Messiah (25:14).
- The Jews are scattered among all nations and Babylon is destroyed (25:15).
- Jews are restored and gathered again a 2nd time (25:17).
- Christ will come 600 years after Lehi left Jerusalem (25:19).
- Christ will manifest himself to the Nephites (26:1-9).
- The Nephite destruction (26:10).
- The coming forth of the Book of Mormon (26:16-17).
- The rise of false churches and secret combinations among the Gentiles (26:20).
- Darkness and apostasy in the last days (27:1-5).
- Sealed portion of the Book of Mormon will be read from housetops (27:11).
- Three witnesses of Book of Mormon (27:12).
- Martin Harris takes characters to Dr. Anthon and other professor (27:15-20).
- A marvelous work and a wonder – the restoration of the Gospel (27:26).
Nephi truly understood the purpose of the Law of Moses. He understood that everything they did in the Law of Moses was the typifying of Christ and was to help the people remember Christ. He taught his people the deadness of the law meaning that once Christ would come, the law would no longer be needed. I also like the part where Nephi says, “after the law is fulfilled in Christ, they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away” (v. 27). This was one of the problems in Jerusalem when Christ came. The people still clung to their old traditions (the Law of Moses) and did not accept the teachings of Christ. Nephi and the Book of Mormon prophets were prepared and taught the people to repent and live the higher law, but they still obeyed the lower Law of Moses.
After All We Can Do
In verse 23, Nephi talks about reconciliation again. He writes in order to persuade his children and brethren to “believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” I think this is the source of the saying “we are saved by grace after all we can do.”
A few years ago (around 2004), a co-worker invited me to lunch on a rainy day. At the time, I did not know why he was taking me to lunch, but I had a premonition as to what his purpose was. After beginning our lunch, we began to chat about work. Then he launched into a religious discussion. What he wanted was that I read a prayer from a Billy Graham pamphlet that in essence "saved me." After further discussion, I summarized to him that what he believed was that once a person read aloud this prayer, he would be saved no matter what he did the rest of his life. I could commit sin and still be saved without true repentance … theoretically. To me, this represented a serious flaw in his understanding of the Atonement. As Nephi teaches us, no matter how "good" we are, we still cannot be saved by our actions alone. We need the Atonement in order to be "saved." We must strive to keep the commandments and truly repent and prepare ourselves to be judged of God and Christ. If we choose not to even try to keep the commandments, then the Atonement will be ineffective in our lives.
A Voice from the Dust
Just as a general comment – when I was reading this part of the chapter (beginning in verse 24) I could feel Nephi’s words. In other words, the Spirit was testifying to me the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. What I felt was the love Nephi had for the Savior. And after reading this part of the chapter, I felt an intense desire to study the teachings of Christ, namely the New Testament. Nephi would have loved the New Testament as it contains the teachings of Christ. His heart would have rejoiced in learning the true law of God. Living the law of Christ would not have been difficult for Nephi, however. He was already living the higher law.
(Heart), Might, Mind and Strength
In verse 29, you can especially feel Nephi’s words, “And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out.”
There are several references in the scriptures that include the phrase "might, mind and strength" (Mosiah 2:11, Moroni 10:32, D&C 4:2, D&C 11:20, D&C 33:7, D&C 59:5, D&C 98:47). In essence, Nephi is telling us the first great commandment … to "love the Lord thy God" (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30). And not only should we love the Lord, but we need to love Him with all our heart and mind and might. In other words, we should not hold back any of our love for him. And how do we love him? We love him by keeping his commandments (John 14:15, D&C 124:87) with all our hearts, minds, might and strength.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
2 Nephi 15
Grapes and Olives
This chapter is very similar to Jacob 5. The main differences between Jacob 5 and 2 Nephi 15 is that chapter 15 deals with grapes rather than olives and that Jacob 5 talks about the scattering and gathering of Israel while 2 Nephi 15 discusses why Israel and Judah were left to be destroyed … because of their wickedness.
What Could Have Been Done More?
In verse 4, the Lord laments over the outcome of his vineyard. After all his work, the grapes turn out to be wild and all that work is wasted. In Jacob 5:41, the Lord laments likewise. I will never forget Elder Holland's October 2003 talk in General Conference. He was teaching us of the nature of God and used Jacob 5:41 to illustrate his point. If you really want to feel the Spirit and power of his talk, I suggest you listen to the entire talk. The climax of the talk references Jacob 5:41 and by extension, 2 Nephi 15:4. Elder Holland said,
I think it is in understanding and sympathizing that we desire to be more obedient. There are times when my wife and I are at our wits end in dealing with our children and they don't listen to a word we say … even though we've repeated it many, many times … we simply want to sit down and cry. Sometimes it is too much and we do sit down and put our faces in our hands to try and get a grip. It is then when one of our kids will come up to us and give us a hug and maybe say they are sorry and want to choose to listen to us.
Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil
It is so frustrating to see good and evil turned up-side-down. Satan would have us believe that there are no laws … that there is no good and evil. If he can change that premise in people's minds, then nothing is evil and it can even be called good.
The three biggest problems in our society today are abortion, homosexuality and pornography. Various lawyers, interest groups, politicians and people will go to great lengths to defend these three things. There was a time when these things were considered evil … they were sins and vices. Now, they are socially acceptable and even embraced.
Ensign to the Nations
Thankfully the Gospel has been restored in its fullness to combat the pervasive evil that is filling our world. The Gospel has the power to change people's hearts and minds. As more and more hearts and minds are changed toward Christ, then evil will have less dominion on the earth.
This chapter is very similar to Jacob 5. The main differences between Jacob 5 and 2 Nephi 15 is that chapter 15 deals with grapes rather than olives and that Jacob 5 talks about the scattering and gathering of Israel while 2 Nephi 15 discusses why Israel and Judah were left to be destroyed … because of their wickedness.
What Could Have Been Done More?
In verse 4, the Lord laments over the outcome of his vineyard. After all his work, the grapes turn out to be wild and all that work is wasted. In Jacob 5:41, the Lord laments likewise. I will never forget Elder Holland's October 2003 talk in General Conference. He was teaching us of the nature of God and used Jacob 5:41 to illustrate his point. If you really want to feel the Spirit and power of his talk, I suggest you listen to the entire talk. The climax of the talk references Jacob 5:41 and by extension, 2 Nephi 15:4. Elder Holland said,
"Looking out on the events of almost any day, God replies: 'Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands. … I gave unto them … [a]commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood. … Wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?' (Moses 7:29-33, 37). That single, riveting scene does more to teach the true nature of God than any theological treatise could ever convey. It also helps us understand much more emphatically that vivid moment in the Book of Mormon allegory of the olive tree, when after digging and dunging, watering and weeding, trimming, pruning, transplanting, and grafting, the great Lord of the vineyard throws down his spade and his pruning shears and weeps, crying out to any who would listen, 'What could I have done more for my vineyard?' (Jacob 5:41)."Nothing pleases me more in my home than to see my children happy, loving each other and choosing the right. But there are days when we try and try to get them to listen, to obey and to choose the right. Thankfully, those times of disobedience are not frequent. But can you imagine the anguish of our Heavenly Father when he sees the discord among his children? After all that he has done and is doing for us, we still follow our own hearts rather than His will.
I think it is in understanding and sympathizing that we desire to be more obedient. There are times when my wife and I are at our wits end in dealing with our children and they don't listen to a word we say … even though we've repeated it many, many times … we simply want to sit down and cry. Sometimes it is too much and we do sit down and put our faces in our hands to try and get a grip. It is then when one of our kids will come up to us and give us a hug and maybe say they are sorry and want to choose to listen to us.
Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil
It is so frustrating to see good and evil turned up-side-down. Satan would have us believe that there are no laws … that there is no good and evil. If he can change that premise in people's minds, then nothing is evil and it can even be called good.
The three biggest problems in our society today are abortion, homosexuality and pornography. Various lawyers, interest groups, politicians and people will go to great lengths to defend these three things. There was a time when these things were considered evil … they were sins and vices. Now, they are socially acceptable and even embraced.
Ensign to the Nations
Thankfully the Gospel has been restored in its fullness to combat the pervasive evil that is filling our world. The Gospel has the power to change people's hearts and minds. As more and more hearts and minds are changed toward Christ, then evil will have less dominion on the earth.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
2 Nephi 13
The Lord Doth Take Away
D&C 82:3 says, "For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation." Such is the case with the Jews. They have been given much and much is expected. If they fail, then great shall be their condemnation. Such can be said of anyone who has been given knowledge.
The rest of the chapter deals with the dire circumstances the Jews and the daughters of Zion will find themselves in because of their wickedness. All that they hold dear will be hewn down and they will be humbled.
So it is with individuals. If we keep the commandments, the Lord will bless us and we will prosper by his hand. But if we are prideful and keep not the commandments, all that we hold dear will be taken from us … if not in this life, then in the life to come.
The Show of Their Countenance
In verse 9, it reads, "The show of their countenance doth witness against them, and doth declare their sin to be even as Sodom, and they cannot hide it. Wo unto their souls, for they have rewarded evil unto themselves!"
A countenance is one's facial expression … but it is more than a fleeting smile or frown. It is more of a permanent expression that is more like a person's aura.
Many times I personally have been able to tell how a person is feeling or what a person's attitude is like just by reading their facial expressions and how I feel around them.
In Genesis 4:5-6 (and Moses 5:21-22), Cain's countenance fell because the Lord did not approve of his offering. Later he would murder his brother.
In contrast, the Savior's countenance "did shine" on the Nephites as he ministered to them (3 Nephi 19:25).
If we love the Lord with all our heart, mind and strength, then we can be "spiritually born of God" and have the "image of God engraven upon [our] countenances" (Alma 5:14, 19).
But if our lives are filled with wickedness "even as Sodom" then our fallen countenance cannot be hidden from the Lord and we will fall under condemnation.
You Reap What You Sow
Verses 10 and 11 are beautiful, simple and instructive. If you keep the commandments, you will be blessed. If you fail to keep the commandments, you will suffer. That is what the Gospel is all about.
D&C 82:3 says, "For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation." Such is the case with the Jews. They have been given much and much is expected. If they fail, then great shall be their condemnation. Such can be said of anyone who has been given knowledge.
The rest of the chapter deals with the dire circumstances the Jews and the daughters of Zion will find themselves in because of their wickedness. All that they hold dear will be hewn down and they will be humbled.
So it is with individuals. If we keep the commandments, the Lord will bless us and we will prosper by his hand. But if we are prideful and keep not the commandments, all that we hold dear will be taken from us … if not in this life, then in the life to come.
The Show of Their Countenance
In verse 9, it reads, "The show of their countenance doth witness against them, and doth declare their sin to be even as Sodom, and they cannot hide it. Wo unto their souls, for they have rewarded evil unto themselves!"
A countenance is one's facial expression … but it is more than a fleeting smile or frown. It is more of a permanent expression that is more like a person's aura.
Many times I personally have been able to tell how a person is feeling or what a person's attitude is like just by reading their facial expressions and how I feel around them.
In Genesis 4:5-6 (and Moses 5:21-22), Cain's countenance fell because the Lord did not approve of his offering. Later he would murder his brother.
In contrast, the Savior's countenance "did shine" on the Nephites as he ministered to them (3 Nephi 19:25).
If we love the Lord with all our heart, mind and strength, then we can be "spiritually born of God" and have the "image of God engraven upon [our] countenances" (Alma 5:14, 19).
But if our lives are filled with wickedness "even as Sodom" then our fallen countenance cannot be hidden from the Lord and we will fall under condemnation.
You Reap What You Sow
Verses 10 and 11 are beautiful, simple and instructive. If you keep the commandments, you will be blessed. If you fail to keep the commandments, you will suffer. That is what the Gospel is all about.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
2 Nephi 8
The New Jerusalem and Old Jerusalem
I learned from another Book of Mormon commentator that this chapter is divided into two parts. The first part (verses 1-16) pertains to Zion or the New Jerusalem. The second part (verses 17-23) pertains to the Old Jerusalem.
The Earth Shall Wax Like an Old Garment
Verse 6 talks about the Earth dying. The following quote by Joseph Fielding Smith provides more detail on this subject.
The People in whose Heart I Have Written My Law
Verse 7 refers to having the Lord's law written on our hearts. Obviously this is symbolic. So what does it mean? To me, having the Lord's law written on our hearts means that we no longer have to think about obeying the commandments. Instead, we simply live it … it is a part of our lives. Sometimes we have to force ourselves to obey a commandment. If we are not in the habit of praying every morning and night, then we have to remind ourselves to pray morning and night. Soon our prayers become habit and we automatically say our prayers when it is time to pray. I also tend to think that when we memorize scripture and thoroughly study it, we have the Lord's law written on our hearts.
Thy Sons Have Fainted
Verses 18 and 19 refer to the two prophets who preach in Jerusalem for three and a half years and then are killed and their bodies lay in the streets for three days. Revelation 11:2-12 expands on this prophecy.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
I learned from another Book of Mormon commentator that this chapter is divided into two parts. The first part (verses 1-16) pertains to Zion or the New Jerusalem. The second part (verses 17-23) pertains to the Old Jerusalem.
The Earth Shall Wax Like an Old Garment
Verse 6 talks about the Earth dying. The following quote by Joseph Fielding Smith provides more detail on this subject.
To summarize, the Earth is in a telestial state right now. Soon it will transform into a terestial state (a renewed earth in its paradisiacal glory). Finally the Earth will change to its final state which will be celestial.This earth is filling the measure of its creation. (D&C 88:18-26.) Today
it is passing through its mortal state. The time will come when it shall die and
pass away as do all things upon it. Isaiah says: ‘The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.’(Isaiah
24:4)
“’The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.’ (Isaiah 24: 19-20) Again he declares: ‘Lift up your eyes to the heavens and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens (i.e. the heavens surrounding the earth) shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell, therein shall die in like manner.’ (Isaiah 51:6.) Here we have predictions that the earth shall pass away, die, and all its inhabitants shall also die in like manner. This truth was not generally and correctly understood until the Lord made known in revelations to Joseph Smith that this should be the case. When Isaiah said the earth should ‘fall and not rise again,’ the interpretation is that it should not be restored to the same mortal or temporal condition. When the earth passes away and is dissolved it will pass through a similar condition which the human body does in death….The ‘new heavens and new earth’ referred to in this scripture [Isaiah 65:17], and also in D&C 101:23-31, had reference to the change which shall come to the earth and all upon it, at the beginning of the Millennial reign, as we declare in the tenth article of the Articles of Faith. This is the renewed earth when it shall receive its paradisiacal glory, or be restored as it was before the fall of man. (See Compendium, art, "Millennial Reign," p. 202.) ‘The new heaven and new earth’ we are discussing in D&C 29, is the final change, or resurrection, of the earth, after the ‘little season’ which shall follow the Millennium.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, vol. 1, p. 132)
The People in whose Heart I Have Written My Law
Verse 7 refers to having the Lord's law written on our hearts. Obviously this is symbolic. So what does it mean? To me, having the Lord's law written on our hearts means that we no longer have to think about obeying the commandments. Instead, we simply live it … it is a part of our lives. Sometimes we have to force ourselves to obey a commandment. If we are not in the habit of praying every morning and night, then we have to remind ourselves to pray morning and night. Soon our prayers become habit and we automatically say our prayers when it is time to pray. I also tend to think that when we memorize scripture and thoroughly study it, we have the Lord's law written on our hearts.
Thy Sons Have Fainted
Verses 18 and 19 refer to the two prophets who preach in Jerusalem for three and a half years and then are killed and their bodies lay in the streets for three days. Revelation 11:2-12 expands on this prophecy.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
2 Nephi 7
Like many of the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi, I struggle a bit to find ways to apply the scripture to my life. Most of the verses seem to deal with prophesies regarding Christ. This chapter deals with a few prophecies.
Bill of Divorcement & Shortened Hand
For some understanding of verses 1-3, I suggest reading the explanation found here. It seems to give an adequate explanation of what Isaiah is talking about.
The Tongue of the Learned
Verse 4 refers to Christ's knowledge of the scriptures. John 7:15 talks about how people "marvelled" at how much Jesus knew. Another good cross reference to this is Luke 2:46-47 in which we read how Jesus as a child listened to and asked questions of "doctors" in the temple. Verse 47 says, "And all that heard him were astonished at his understandings and answers."
I Was Not Rebellious
Once Christ's ears and understanding were opened to the Spirit, he knew his calling and chose not to rebel. Contrast this to Jonah, who when the Lord called him, he sought to hide from the Lord (Jonah chapters 1-3).
Do we prayerfully accept callings within the Church or do we seek excuses to avoid callings? Do we live as we ought to so that we are worthy to accept callings or do our un-repented sins keep us from serving? We must check ourselves for rebellion if we are called.
Face Like a Flint
Christ did not shrink before the trials that were placed upon him. He was smitten on the back and spat upon, but he did not flinch.
How do we face our trials? Do we have faith that we will be delivered or do we whine and complain about how hard life is? Do we simply try to get through the trial or do we seek the Lord's will in knowing what he would have us learn?
Sparks in Darkness
I really like the last two verse of this chapter. Verse 10 and 11 say, "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light?
"Behold all ye that kindle fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks, walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks which ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand—ye shall lie down in sorrow."
Verse 10 seems to refer to trusting in the Lord. The Lord asks us to believe in him, to trust in him and to take those steps in the darkness.
But there are some of us who cannot accept this and think that we must have some light so that we see where we are going. And so we try to light our own fire and our own fire is small and cannot show us the complete path. If we decide to tread the path on our own with our own fire, then the Lord warns us that we will suffer.
And so the point of verses 10-11 is that we must trust in the Lord to show us the way if we are to avoid spiritual injury.
Bill of Divorcement & Shortened Hand
For some understanding of verses 1-3, I suggest reading the explanation found here. It seems to give an adequate explanation of what Isaiah is talking about.
The Tongue of the Learned
Verse 4 refers to Christ's knowledge of the scriptures. John 7:15 talks about how people "marvelled" at how much Jesus knew. Another good cross reference to this is Luke 2:46-47 in which we read how Jesus as a child listened to and asked questions of "doctors" in the temple. Verse 47 says, "And all that heard him were astonished at his understandings and answers."
I Was Not Rebellious
Once Christ's ears and understanding were opened to the Spirit, he knew his calling and chose not to rebel. Contrast this to Jonah, who when the Lord called him, he sought to hide from the Lord (Jonah chapters 1-3).
Do we prayerfully accept callings within the Church or do we seek excuses to avoid callings? Do we live as we ought to so that we are worthy to accept callings or do our un-repented sins keep us from serving? We must check ourselves for rebellion if we are called.
Face Like a Flint
Christ did not shrink before the trials that were placed upon him. He was smitten on the back and spat upon, but he did not flinch.
How do we face our trials? Do we have faith that we will be delivered or do we whine and complain about how hard life is? Do we simply try to get through the trial or do we seek the Lord's will in knowing what he would have us learn?
Sparks in Darkness
I really like the last two verse of this chapter. Verse 10 and 11 say, "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light?
"Behold all ye that kindle fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks, walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks which ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand—ye shall lie down in sorrow."
Verse 10 seems to refer to trusting in the Lord. The Lord asks us to believe in him, to trust in him and to take those steps in the darkness.
But there are some of us who cannot accept this and think that we must have some light so that we see where we are going. And so we try to light our own fire and our own fire is small and cannot show us the complete path. If we decide to tread the path on our own with our own fire, then the Lord warns us that we will suffer.
And so the point of verses 10-11 is that we must trust in the Lord to show us the way if we are to avoid spiritual injury.
Monday, November 27, 2006
1 Nephi 21 & 22
On Tuesday September 11th, two passenger jets were flown into the two towers of the World Trade Center. Another plane was crashed into the Pentagon. A forth plane was headed for the White House or some other significant target, but it did not succeed. It crashed in western Pennsylvania. As the events unfolded, many Americans, including me, were shocked, scared and in unbelief. How could this happen in America? All Tuesday and for the next few days, everyone was in fear of another attack. Jill told me that she thought this was it – that the last day was here. That might be the case, but what I told her was that if it is the last day or not, that does not matter. What matters is if it is your last day on Earth or not. The last day will come whether we are ready or not. We will die someday, ready or not. The bottom line is that we are prepared. If we are prepared, then there is no reason to fear. If we die in righteousness, then we will be saved. But if our death is imminent and we have not done righteousness all our days, then we will fear.
Just as Nephi pointed out – the righteous need not fear. The righteous will not perish and will not be confounded. However, the wicked have much to fear for they will face their Judge and will be sentenced to spiritual death.
I think Nephi sums it all up in the final verse of 1 Nephi. “Wherefore, if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day.”
One of the speakers in a recent Sacrament meeting told an interesting story. In his talk he mentioned that members used to write letters to President Kimball and he would respond to many of them. One letter asked President Kimball if the fire in the scripture in Malachi regarding tithing was a "real" fire or if it was symbolic. President Kimball responded that the only fire he knew of was the one that burns! I can't find the source on that quote … but it is interesting if not funny! To relate this back to chapter 22, verse 22 talks about fire.
To summarize my insights from reading chapter 22:
First, it seems to me that many of the things discussed in these chapters are signs. We are given these signs so that we know that God indeed is in charge and knows what He is doing. These signs assure us and strengthen our faith. These signs also show the love of God towards all his children … especially those who love him.
Second, to reiterate again … "the righteous need not fear" (v. 17, 22).
Third, Nephi describes the work and glory of Satan. In verse 23 he tells us that Satan seeks to "get power over the flesh" meaning he desires control over our bodies. Satan and his followers seek the popularity of the World or in another word vanity. Satan and those who belong to his church "seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, and to do all manner of iniquity."
In conclusion, we need to know that there are signs that indicate Christ's 2nd coming and we need to look for them. And not only should we look for those signs, but we should align our lives with the Savior's. If we do, then we need not worry about cataclysmic events that will surly take place.
January 5, 2012 update
Most of this original post discussed my commentary on 1 Nephi 22. There's not much said on 1 Nephi 21 (Isaiah 49). For more insight into 1 Nephi 21 (Isaiah 49), see this post on my Isaiah blog.
Just as Nephi pointed out – the righteous need not fear. The righteous will not perish and will not be confounded. However, the wicked have much to fear for they will face their Judge and will be sentenced to spiritual death.
I think Nephi sums it all up in the final verse of 1 Nephi. “Wherefore, if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day.”
One of the speakers in a recent Sacrament meeting told an interesting story. In his talk he mentioned that members used to write letters to President Kimball and he would respond to many of them. One letter asked President Kimball if the fire in the scripture in Malachi regarding tithing was a "real" fire or if it was symbolic. President Kimball responded that the only fire he knew of was the one that burns! I can't find the source on that quote … but it is interesting if not funny! To relate this back to chapter 22, verse 22 talks about fire.
To summarize my insights from reading chapter 22:
First, it seems to me that many of the things discussed in these chapters are signs. We are given these signs so that we know that God indeed is in charge and knows what He is doing. These signs assure us and strengthen our faith. These signs also show the love of God towards all his children … especially those who love him.
Second, to reiterate again … "the righteous need not fear" (v. 17, 22).
Third, Nephi describes the work and glory of Satan. In verse 23 he tells us that Satan seeks to "get power over the flesh" meaning he desires control over our bodies. Satan and his followers seek the popularity of the World or in another word vanity. Satan and those who belong to his church "seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, and to do all manner of iniquity."
In conclusion, we need to know that there are signs that indicate Christ's 2nd coming and we need to look for them. And not only should we look for those signs, but we should align our lives with the Savior's. If we do, then we need not worry about cataclysmic events that will surly take place.
January 5, 2012 update
Most of this original post discussed my commentary on 1 Nephi 22. There's not much said on 1 Nephi 21 (Isaiah 49). For more insight into 1 Nephi 21 (Isaiah 49), see this post on my Isaiah blog.
Friday, November 10, 2006
1 Nephi 19
There are a few verses in here that I've marked and have enjoyed reading since my mission.
Verse 7 talks about how some men think the things of God are of great worth while other men think the things of God are nothing. Nephi says that those men who think nothing of the things of God "trample under their feet" those precious truths. He then clarifies that statement by saying men "set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels."
What he means is that when we disobey the commandments of God, it is like walking all over God himself. This statement puts a high premium on the words of God. We are to seriously heed the counsels of God, so says Nephi. If we don't, then we offend God in a tremendous way.
Verse 9 is also interesting. After I read this verse, I tried to imagine what my reaction would be to seeing a man who has been described in such a manner. We know the verse is referring to Jesus and so we automatically have mercy on him and think that we would embrace him and care for him if we saw him in such conditions. But, I tend to think that if we are not spiritually tuned, then we could overlook Jesus who appears to us, standing on a corner, begging for food or sleeping in the gutter. This verse reminds me a lot of Mosiah 14:2-4. The words almost describe a poor, poor man who is down on his luck, rather than the Savior of the world.
This brings up another point in the doctrine of Jesus, when he said, "inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40). He had just described how we are to think of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned as Jesus himself. If we always help the oppressed, then we will truly know Jesus rather than trample him under our feet.
Verse 18 is a good verse too. Nephi's intent is to help his people to remember Jesus Christ. So many problems and so much sadness could be avoided if we all simply remember who Christ is and what he did for us and in turn do what he has asked us to do. So often we forget who we are and we forget what Christ has done for us.
And lastly, in verse 23, Nephi states the famous doctrine of the Book of Mormon. We are to apply to our lives what we read in the scriptures. He says that they "did liken all scriptures unto us that it might be for our profit and learning." In verse 24 he adds that we should liken the scriptures to ourselves so that we might have hope too. This is what I am trying to accomplish with this personal commentary. I hope to capture in words what I think of the verses and what the Spirit impresses upon my mind. In turn, I hope to translate those feelings and learning into action in my life.
Verse 7 talks about how some men think the things of God are of great worth while other men think the things of God are nothing. Nephi says that those men who think nothing of the things of God "trample under their feet" those precious truths. He then clarifies that statement by saying men "set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels."
What he means is that when we disobey the commandments of God, it is like walking all over God himself. This statement puts a high premium on the words of God. We are to seriously heed the counsels of God, so says Nephi. If we don't, then we offend God in a tremendous way.
Verse 9 is also interesting. After I read this verse, I tried to imagine what my reaction would be to seeing a man who has been described in such a manner. We know the verse is referring to Jesus and so we automatically have mercy on him and think that we would embrace him and care for him if we saw him in such conditions. But, I tend to think that if we are not spiritually tuned, then we could overlook Jesus who appears to us, standing on a corner, begging for food or sleeping in the gutter. This verse reminds me a lot of Mosiah 14:2-4. The words almost describe a poor, poor man who is down on his luck, rather than the Savior of the world.
This brings up another point in the doctrine of Jesus, when he said, "inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40). He had just described how we are to think of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned as Jesus himself. If we always help the oppressed, then we will truly know Jesus rather than trample him under our feet.
Verse 18 is a good verse too. Nephi's intent is to help his people to remember Jesus Christ. So many problems and so much sadness could be avoided if we all simply remember who Christ is and what he did for us and in turn do what he has asked us to do. So often we forget who we are and we forget what Christ has done for us.
And lastly, in verse 23, Nephi states the famous doctrine of the Book of Mormon. We are to apply to our lives what we read in the scriptures. He says that they "did liken all scriptures unto us that it might be for our profit and learning." In verse 24 he adds that we should liken the scriptures to ourselves so that we might have hope too. This is what I am trying to accomplish with this personal commentary. I hope to capture in words what I think of the verses and what the Spirit impresses upon my mind. In turn, I hope to translate those feelings and learning into action in my life.
Monday, November 06, 2006
1 Nephi 18
Nephi is a great prophet. He is the prime example of obedience, courage, discipline and faithfulness. After all the trials and tribulations he and his family went through to get to the ocean, you would think that Laman and Lemuel would be more supportive and believing. Despite their criticism of Nephi building a ship, the task was accomplished. Now that they were on the boat, they began to celebrate rudely.
It is really no stretch of the imagination that Laman and Lemuel and the others began to sing and dance and speak with "much rudeness" because they were bored. Plus, after laboring in the wilderness for several years, sitting idly on a ship must have been very difficult. How many times have we heard the saying "idle hands are the devil's workshop?" I remember my dad telling that to me a lot when I was a kid, especially when I said, "I'm bored." Instead of doing something constructive (such as reading the brass plates), they began to sing and dance and speak very rudely.
When Nephi exhorted them to be humble, they tied him up with cords. For three days and nights, in the violent storm, being tossed about, soaking wet and most likely without food, Nephi endured the torture. Not until on the forth day when they were about to capsize did Laman and Lemuel untie Nephi. Here is the lesson – Nephi looked unto God and praised him all day long. He did not even utter a word of complaint. After he prayed, the storm stopped and there was a great calm. Nephi doesn’t say what happened after the storm, but I imagine there was a lot of silence aboard the ship. I think that Laman and Lemuel had their tails between their legs.
What I learned from this whole chapter was that there are hard ways of doing things and easy way of doing things. Nephi could have easily scolded or even thrown Laman and Lemuel off board for tying up the “captain.” But he did not. Instead, he did what was most difficult – not complain and humbly supplicate the Lord for help. As I thought of this event, I began to think back to other chapters when Nephi could have taken the easy way out. He could have chosen not to return to Jerusalem twice. He could have given into his instincts and not killed Laban. Instead, he chose to do what the Lord commanded him and almost always, what the Lord commands is not easy. To do the ‘hard’ thing requires courage and discipline. It requires restraint when passion could easily be displayed. It requires determination when forward action needs to be taken.
As I thought of these qualities, I remembered the saying in the Notre Dame football locker room – “Play like a champion today.” A champion does not take the easy way out. He courageously disciplines himself to do what is right, to do it correctly, and to do it well.
Consistency is another attribute Nephi possesses.
Nephi consistently chose the right. He consistently listened to and obeyed the Lord. He never wavered (or at least we're not told when he wavered). Nephi wasn't remembered because he did ONE great thing. He is remembered for keeping the steady course and being an anchor.
I've been thinking about this idea a lot lately. Two little inspirational stories come to mind. First, I was reading a gentleman's blog a few months ago. He documented his failures and successes in following a chess tactics training regimen. He successfully finished that program. After that, he started another blog to document his plan to lose weight and to exercise more. In one of those posts, he talks about how anyone can run for an hour or bike for two hours or go to the gym for 4 hours, but the true test lies in being able to exercise day-in and day-out over a long period of time … a year or a lifetime. That has always stuck with me. I fall into the category of showing flashy brilliance for a day and then fade away for an entire week!
The other story comes from the movie Rocky. Rocky gets this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to box the champion Apollo Creed. There's practically no way Rocky can win. He trains his best, but deep down he knows that Apollo could knock the head right off him. The night before the fight, Rocky goes to The Spectrum and looks around. He goes home and gets in bed.
Rocky: I can't do it.
Adrian: What?
Rocky: I can't beat him.
Adrian: Apollo?
Rocky: Yeah. I been out there walkin' around, thinkin'. I mean, who am I kiddin'? I ain't even in the guy's league.
Adrian: What are we gonna do?
Rocky: I don't know.
Adrian: You worked so hard.
Rocky: Yeah, that don't matter. 'Cause I was nobody before.
Adrian: Don't say that.
Rocky: Ah come on, Adrian, it's true. I was nobody. But that don't matter either, you know? 'Cause I was thinkin', it really don't matter if I lose this fight. It really don't matter if this guy opens my head, either. 'Cause all I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody's ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I'm still standin', I'm gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood.
It is such a great scene. That is what we have to do in life in all that we do … go the distance. We don't need or have to go for the knockout. But the real challenge is whether we can go the distance or not … whether we can endure to the end or not; whether we can obey, study, pray day in and day out.
This is what Nephi did. He consistently kept on the road and endured.
ps ... I am pretty amazed that I can fit a reference to football, chess and Rocky in a single Book of Mormon commentary post.
It is really no stretch of the imagination that Laman and Lemuel and the others began to sing and dance and speak with "much rudeness" because they were bored. Plus, after laboring in the wilderness for several years, sitting idly on a ship must have been very difficult. How many times have we heard the saying "idle hands are the devil's workshop?" I remember my dad telling that to me a lot when I was a kid, especially when I said, "I'm bored." Instead of doing something constructive (such as reading the brass plates), they began to sing and dance and speak very rudely.
When Nephi exhorted them to be humble, they tied him up with cords. For three days and nights, in the violent storm, being tossed about, soaking wet and most likely without food, Nephi endured the torture. Not until on the forth day when they were about to capsize did Laman and Lemuel untie Nephi. Here is the lesson – Nephi looked unto God and praised him all day long. He did not even utter a word of complaint. After he prayed, the storm stopped and there was a great calm. Nephi doesn’t say what happened after the storm, but I imagine there was a lot of silence aboard the ship. I think that Laman and Lemuel had their tails between their legs.
What I learned from this whole chapter was that there are hard ways of doing things and easy way of doing things. Nephi could have easily scolded or even thrown Laman and Lemuel off board for tying up the “captain.” But he did not. Instead, he did what was most difficult – not complain and humbly supplicate the Lord for help. As I thought of this event, I began to think back to other chapters when Nephi could have taken the easy way out. He could have chosen not to return to Jerusalem twice. He could have given into his instincts and not killed Laban. Instead, he chose to do what the Lord commanded him and almost always, what the Lord commands is not easy. To do the ‘hard’ thing requires courage and discipline. It requires restraint when passion could easily be displayed. It requires determination when forward action needs to be taken.
As I thought of these qualities, I remembered the saying in the Notre Dame football locker room – “Play like a champion today.” A champion does not take the easy way out. He courageously disciplines himself to do what is right, to do it correctly, and to do it well.
Consistency is another attribute Nephi possesses.
Nephi consistently chose the right. He consistently listened to and obeyed the Lord. He never wavered (or at least we're not told when he wavered). Nephi wasn't remembered because he did ONE great thing. He is remembered for keeping the steady course and being an anchor.
I've been thinking about this idea a lot lately. Two little inspirational stories come to mind. First, I was reading a gentleman's blog a few months ago. He documented his failures and successes in following a chess tactics training regimen. He successfully finished that program. After that, he started another blog to document his plan to lose weight and to exercise more. In one of those posts, he talks about how anyone can run for an hour or bike for two hours or go to the gym for 4 hours, but the true test lies in being able to exercise day-in and day-out over a long period of time … a year or a lifetime. That has always stuck with me. I fall into the category of showing flashy brilliance for a day and then fade away for an entire week!
The other story comes from the movie Rocky. Rocky gets this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to box the champion Apollo Creed. There's practically no way Rocky can win. He trains his best, but deep down he knows that Apollo could knock the head right off him. The night before the fight, Rocky goes to The Spectrum and looks around. He goes home and gets in bed.
Rocky: I can't do it.
Adrian: What?
Rocky: I can't beat him.
Adrian: Apollo?
Rocky: Yeah. I been out there walkin' around, thinkin'. I mean, who am I kiddin'? I ain't even in the guy's league.
Adrian: What are we gonna do?
Rocky: I don't know.
Adrian: You worked so hard.
Rocky: Yeah, that don't matter. 'Cause I was nobody before.
Adrian: Don't say that.
Rocky: Ah come on, Adrian, it's true. I was nobody. But that don't matter either, you know? 'Cause I was thinkin', it really don't matter if I lose this fight. It really don't matter if this guy opens my head, either. 'Cause all I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody's ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I'm still standin', I'm gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood.
It is such a great scene. That is what we have to do in life in all that we do … go the distance. We don't need or have to go for the knockout. But the real challenge is whether we can go the distance or not … whether we can endure to the end or not; whether we can obey, study, pray day in and day out.
This is what Nephi did. He consistently kept on the road and endured.
ps ... I am pretty amazed that I can fit a reference to football, chess and Rocky in a single Book of Mormon commentary post.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
1 Nephi 17
Chapter 17 is a wonderful chapter. I love reading this chapter over and over again. Today when I read it again, I learned a profound lesson: the power of your word. In verses 26 to 31, Nephi talks about how by the Lord’s word many things were done. In verse 31 Nephi states that “not anything [was or is] done save it were by his word.” The lesson I learned is this. Heavenly Father makes covenants with us and we with him. In essence, we give our word to him that we will keep our word or that we won’t do the things we said we won’t do and we will do the things we said we would do. But how many times do I as an individual break my word? I am afraid that I don’t keep my word all the time. I believe that Heavenly Father has that power because he has always kept His word. When he says something will happen, it will happen. When he commands us to do something, we can be assured that we can accomplish it.
Heavenly Father wants us to keep our word. The more consistently we keep our word, the more powerful we become, for we know that if we say we will do something and then we do it, we feel good and there is a certain power and self discipline that comes from it. Therefore, the more consistent we are in keeping our word, the more powerful we become. We become masters of our wills. Then, when we make covenants with God, and we keep those covenants, we become even more powerful and we become more like God.
The test, therefore, lies in keeping our word. If we can keep our word in simple things, we will eventually be able to keep our word in greater things. As we keep our covenants more consistently, the closer we grow to Father in Heaven. What a powerful precept.
A couple of other things hit me when I read this chapter today with my wife. In verse 45, Nephi gives us some insight on the Holy Ghost. He tells Laman and Lemuel that they have heard the voice of the Lord and that His voice is still and small. He continues to tell Laman and Lemuel that they could not feel His words. From this scripture, the Holy Ghost’s promptings are ones that we feel. If you are past feeling, then you will not be able to hear the still small voice. No wonder the Lord counsels us to keep humble and to keep our lives clean and in order so that we may feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
The other verse that really hit me today was in verse 49. Nephi simply states, “God had commanded me that I should build a ship.” When I read that today, I immediately thought that we are God’s creations and that if we rebel against him, it would be similar to a painting or sculptor rebelling against its maker or in other words doing something other than what it was intended for.
I believe that God is all-knowing. When he began this quest to achieve immortality and eternal life for all his children, he foresaw all the problems and dilemmas he would face. But he prepared for that. What makes his task incredibly difficult is our agency coupled with the temptations of Satan. Both of those factors may be predictable, but their actions are not set in stone ... each of us can choose.
What makes His task easier is if we all choose to do what is right. God provides us direction and if we follow, we will be blessed and we help in the great work.
The thought that is re-assuring to me and all of us is that God is perfect and all-knowing. When he commands and we follow, the consequence are as they should be. Unlike the author of the Morris worm ... when he commanded, the program followed and the consequences were not as they intended to be.
Heavenly Father wants us to keep our word. The more consistently we keep our word, the more powerful we become, for we know that if we say we will do something and then we do it, we feel good and there is a certain power and self discipline that comes from it. Therefore, the more consistent we are in keeping our word, the more powerful we become. We become masters of our wills. Then, when we make covenants with God, and we keep those covenants, we become even more powerful and we become more like God.
The test, therefore, lies in keeping our word. If we can keep our word in simple things, we will eventually be able to keep our word in greater things. As we keep our covenants more consistently, the closer we grow to Father in Heaven. What a powerful precept.
A couple of other things hit me when I read this chapter today with my wife. In verse 45, Nephi gives us some insight on the Holy Ghost. He tells Laman and Lemuel that they have heard the voice of the Lord and that His voice is still and small. He continues to tell Laman and Lemuel that they could not feel His words. From this scripture, the Holy Ghost’s promptings are ones that we feel. If you are past feeling, then you will not be able to hear the still small voice. No wonder the Lord counsels us to keep humble and to keep our lives clean and in order so that we may feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
The other verse that really hit me today was in verse 49. Nephi simply states, “God had commanded me that I should build a ship.” When I read that today, I immediately thought that we are God’s creations and that if we rebel against him, it would be similar to a painting or sculptor rebelling against its maker or in other words doing something other than what it was intended for.
I believe that God is all-knowing. When he began this quest to achieve immortality and eternal life for all his children, he foresaw all the problems and dilemmas he would face. But he prepared for that. What makes his task incredibly difficult is our agency coupled with the temptations of Satan. Both of those factors may be predictable, but their actions are not set in stone ... each of us can choose.
What makes His task easier is if we all choose to do what is right. God provides us direction and if we follow, we will be blessed and we help in the great work.
The thought that is re-assuring to me and all of us is that God is perfect and all-knowing. When he commands and we follow, the consequence are as they should be. Unlike the author of the Morris worm ... when he commanded, the program followed and the consequences were not as they intended to be.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
1 Nephi 3
There are so many applications in this chapter.
Lehi is commanded in a dream to have his sons retrieve the brass plates from Laban. Lehi talks to Nephi and tells him that Laman and Lemuel do not want to go back to Jerusalem and fetch the plates, saying it is too hard. Lehi encourages Nephi by stating, “go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou has not murmured” (v. 6 emphasis added). Is there a premium on faithful obedience? The answer is an overwhelmingly yes! As we later read, if it were not for Nephi’s persistence and faith in the Lord, a whole nation might have dwindled in unbelief.
”I will go and do …” Perhaps no other words in all the scriptures are of more use when applying the teachings of the Gospel to our lives. When the Lord commands, we should do and when we do, we will accomplish because the Lord has already provided a way. Why would God command us to repent if he had not provided a Savior? He indeed provided a means for our repentance and every other commandment he has given us.
We can apply this scripture to fulfilling commandments as well as avoiding sin. If we are commanded to be good home teachers or to pay a full tithe, then the Lord will grant us means to do so. If the Lord commands us not to do something, then he will also provide us a way to accomplish it. If we struggle with temptations and if we pray for help, the Lord will deliver us from evil. There are no commandments that the Lord gives “save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”
Their first two attempts failed. Laman could not convince Laban to hand over the plates. Nephi’s idea for trading the silver and gold for the plates did not work either. Persistence is the lesson learned. As President Monson loves to quote so often, a line from the musical Shenandoah says, “If we don’t try, then we don’t do; and if we don’t do, then why are we here?” Nephi and his brothers tried. But as we later learn, if we let the Spirit guide us, then our efforts will be much more effective.
Why were retrieving the plates so important? It is obvious that Lehi and his descendants needed to preserve their language and have a written record of the Lord’s commandments so that he could teach the people and so that they would not dwindle in unbelief. Much later in the Book of Mormon, we learn that the descendents of Mulek did not believe in God and they had failed to preserve their language because they did not have the scriptures with them.
If I were in Lehi’s position, I too would do all that I could to have a copy of all the scriptures with me. They would save my sanity and preserve my integrity.
After the 2nd failed attempt, Laman and Lemuel beat Nephi with a rod. An angel appears before them. As soon as the angel leaves, they begin to murmur again, showing their complete lack of faith. They show no innovation. They offer no solutions. They give no hope. They are self-absorbed and fail to see the grander vision. They so much like today’s culture … they want every desire to be handed to them on a plate and upon demand. They are unwilling to lift a finger of effort yet expect to be rewarded. Nephi, on the other hand, demonstrates faith, hope and a willingness to try. We will see in the next chapter Nephi’s unconquerable faith.
**********
I just read a post over at another blog and it concerns 1 Nephi 3:7. You can read the post here. D&C 124:49 seemingly contradicts 1 Nehphi 3:7. I posted a comment in response to the post over at that blog.
Lehi is commanded in a dream to have his sons retrieve the brass plates from Laban. Lehi talks to Nephi and tells him that Laman and Lemuel do not want to go back to Jerusalem and fetch the plates, saying it is too hard. Lehi encourages Nephi by stating, “go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou has not murmured” (v. 6 emphasis added). Is there a premium on faithful obedience? The answer is an overwhelmingly yes! As we later read, if it were not for Nephi’s persistence and faith in the Lord, a whole nation might have dwindled in unbelief.
”I will go and do …” Perhaps no other words in all the scriptures are of more use when applying the teachings of the Gospel to our lives. When the Lord commands, we should do and when we do, we will accomplish because the Lord has already provided a way. Why would God command us to repent if he had not provided a Savior? He indeed provided a means for our repentance and every other commandment he has given us.
We can apply this scripture to fulfilling commandments as well as avoiding sin. If we are commanded to be good home teachers or to pay a full tithe, then the Lord will grant us means to do so. If the Lord commands us not to do something, then he will also provide us a way to accomplish it. If we struggle with temptations and if we pray for help, the Lord will deliver us from evil. There are no commandments that the Lord gives “save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”
Their first two attempts failed. Laman could not convince Laban to hand over the plates. Nephi’s idea for trading the silver and gold for the plates did not work either. Persistence is the lesson learned. As President Monson loves to quote so often, a line from the musical Shenandoah says, “If we don’t try, then we don’t do; and if we don’t do, then why are we here?” Nephi and his brothers tried. But as we later learn, if we let the Spirit guide us, then our efforts will be much more effective.
Why were retrieving the plates so important? It is obvious that Lehi and his descendants needed to preserve their language and have a written record of the Lord’s commandments so that he could teach the people and so that they would not dwindle in unbelief. Much later in the Book of Mormon, we learn that the descendents of Mulek did not believe in God and they had failed to preserve their language because they did not have the scriptures with them.
If I were in Lehi’s position, I too would do all that I could to have a copy of all the scriptures with me. They would save my sanity and preserve my integrity.
After the 2nd failed attempt, Laman and Lemuel beat Nephi with a rod. An angel appears before them. As soon as the angel leaves, they begin to murmur again, showing their complete lack of faith. They show no innovation. They offer no solutions. They give no hope. They are self-absorbed and fail to see the grander vision. They so much like today’s culture … they want every desire to be handed to them on a plate and upon demand. They are unwilling to lift a finger of effort yet expect to be rewarded. Nephi, on the other hand, demonstrates faith, hope and a willingness to try. We will see in the next chapter Nephi’s unconquerable faith.
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I just read a post over at another blog and it concerns 1 Nephi 3:7. You can read the post here. D&C 124:49 seemingly contradicts 1 Nehphi 3:7. I posted a comment in response to the post over at that blog.
Perhaps Nephi’s statement implies “or until the Lord no longer commands.”
In other words, his assumption is that the Lord will provide a way. Nephi will
keep trying until the Lord says “stop.”
After all, when the Lord commands, we should do. And if the Lord commands us to stop something, then we stop. If he commands us to do something, then we do.
I don’t think the two scriptures contradict each other. If anything, the D&C provides us more insight into how the Lord works.
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