Random thoughts from my reading of 2nd Nephi. By the way, it would be great if you were reading along together. Perhaps what I observe and write about will be more meaningful if we were on the same page. I would welcome your comments on what I say.
OK, I'm just going to blow through some of these observations. My apologies up front; it probably seems like I'm overlooking some important points but in reality I don't want to write so much that you, the readers, will be scared away through sheer volume! I am carefully reading these chapters, hi-lighting the things that jump out to me. As I read, I have some notions that strike me as something I should mention in this blog. But the bottom line for me in this read-through is that I am getting a lot more than I ever have before. I guess the blog idea has worked!
In chapter 5, the Lehi family separates themselves due to mounting conflict and tension; Nephi is warned and takes all those who would go with him and flees into the jungle, several days journey from where they all had originally settled. It's interesting to me to see who went with Nephi: Sam, Jacob, Joseph; Nephi's sisters (who are unfortunately unnamed to us); Zoram; others who would accompany them. I wonder how that all went down... did they flee in secret, so that Laman, Lemuel and their camp didn't know they were going? Or were they given the boot as they left? It seems that their departure couldn't have been too much of a secret to anyone who was truly observing since they took all they needed to survive (see v7). They also brought the brass plates of Laban and the ball or compass. I can't help but wonder if there was any fuss at the time... my curiosity about this partly comes from knowing that later in the Book of Mormon Lamanites talk about how the Nephites robbed them of these artifacts.
The narrative in this chapter covers a 10+ year period of time, so not a lot is discussed of the happenings. Nephi mentions that his people are industrious and prosper. He also mentions that in that time they had war and contention with the Lamanites.
In chapters 6 - 10, Nephi records a sermon that was delivered to the people by his brother Jacob. It seems that during this time-period not much was written about, Jacob had been busy teaching and preaching, learning and growing and getting close to the Lord. In these chapters, Jacob quotes Isaiah (from the brass plates, obviously). He dwells on the future of Israel and of the tribe of Joseph (their people). These chapters are a textbook example of how to develop a good scripture-based sermon or talk. Jacob executes it flawlessly, not because he was a skilled orator or superior speech writer, but because he spoke with the Spirit and because he was passionate in urging the people to be righteous.
Isaiah writes that Israel would be blessed to have the Messiah come from it's numbers but will be so wicked that they will slay Him. The result will be that they will be hated, persecuted, smitten and scattered and many would perish. But Isaiah points out that they would not be utterly destroyed and the Lord would ultimately remember His promises to them. Jacob develops his sermon from this theme and discourses how his people should live to be able to receive the Lord's promises.
A few interesting quotes: 2 Ne 6:18 - "I will feed them that opreess the with htheir own fles and they shall be drunken with their own blood". A perfectly ickky thought!
2 Ne 7:11 - "Behold all ye that kindle fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks, walk in the hlight of your fire and in the sparks which ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand - ye shall lie down in sorrow." Makes me think of self-important people who aggrandize themselves at the expense of humbler, kinder, more righteous people.
2 Ne 8:11 - "Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion: and everlasting joy and holiness shall be upon their heads; and they shall obtain gladness and joy...". That's the side I want to be on, but it sometimes hard to remember or to envision that. I want to be a glad head.
2 Ne 9:8-9 - (to paraphrase) Without the plan of salvation, without the resurrection, we would all become like Lucifer, spirits forever, and remain in misery. But we do have the way to escape this doom and to return to our Heavenly Father's kingdom!
2 Ne 9: 28-31 - (More paraphrasing) Wo to the learned who think they are wise but do not hear the God calling them. Wo to the rich as to the world but are poor as to the spirit. Wo unto they that are deaf to the Spirit. We see this so much today! People who think that religion is not needed anymore, that moral values are subjective and that consider things of the Spirit is passe. I don't want to be in those shoes at the last day.
2 Ne 10:3 - Jacob names the name of the Savior, as told him by an angel in the night. Certainly Jacob shows himself as the prophet and leader that will step in for Nephi when the time comes. Nephi tells us in a later chapter that Jacob has seen the Savior, just as he had. Jacob turned out to be a great and righteous leader, too.
Well, as I said, there are many great things in these chapters that I have skipped over in the interest of brevity. (yeah, I was really brief, wasn't I). I encourage you to study these chapters carefully and dig the golden nuggets out of them.
Don
Friday, February 25, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
2nd Nephi 4
A few more words about Lehi's farewell; Lehi was obviously a family man and loved his children and their spouses and his grandchildren. From our readings, we can see that he was concerned about their future. I'm sure that he agonized over what would befall Laman's and Lemuel's lives, as well as their posterity. What great and terrible thing it would be to be shown the future of your offspring! On one hand, knowing that in generations to come, many of your posterity would embrace the Savior and live His commandments would certainly be balm to your soul. But on the other hand, to know that many of your progeny would turn from the Lord and live in hatred, sin, and godlessness would be agonizing. I don't want to know the future. I do want my children to teach their children the Gospel and help them to learn to live uprightly before God. This pattern will repeat itself when followed carefully and lovingly.
Chapter 4 contains what is known as Nephi's Psalm. This passage gives me great hope for myself. Nephi has seen great and wondrous things in his life, yet he laments "Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins" (2 Ne. 4: 17 - 19).
If Nephi struggled with his mortal self and was able to do so great things, perhaps I can hope that the things that tempt and try me the most can be overcome. I can hope to say, as Nephi did: "...nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted... My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions... He hath filled me with his love... he hath heard my cry... O then, if I have seen so great things... why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow... because of mine afflictions?" (2 Ne. 4: 19 - 26).
We have hope, just as Nephi did, because of the Son of God, whom Nephi knew and whom we can know. This is the challenge of our lives; to know the true God and follow Him.
Don
Chapter 4 contains what is known as Nephi's Psalm. This passage gives me great hope for myself. Nephi has seen great and wondrous things in his life, yet he laments "Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins" (2 Ne. 4: 17 - 19).
If Nephi struggled with his mortal self and was able to do so great things, perhaps I can hope that the things that tempt and try me the most can be overcome. I can hope to say, as Nephi did: "...nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted... My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions... He hath filled me with his love... he hath heard my cry... O then, if I have seen so great things... why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow... because of mine afflictions?" (2 Ne. 4: 19 - 26).
We have hope, just as Nephi did, because of the Son of God, whom Nephi knew and whom we can know. This is the challenge of our lives; to know the true God and follow Him.
Don
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Lehi's Farewell, Pt. 1 - 2nd Ne 1 & 2
Lehi is growing old and decides it's time to bid his family farewell... It's actually that he is giving his patriarchal blessing to his family, rather than saying goodbye. He leaves some real gems for his family, and us, to think about.
Lehi pleads with his sons to be Godly. He uses words and phrases with meaning: "Remember my words"; "Hearken unto my words"; "awake from the sleep of hell"; "shake off the awful chains"; "awake and arise from the dust"; and other phrases like these. It is clear that he is concerned about his offspring, that they would not live righteously. Being a parent never stops; even when your children have grown up, a parent is still worrying about them, encouraging them, trying to be an example to them and move them in the right direction. This is how it is, and I believe that Heavenly Father is like this with us. As parents, we should follow this example. As children, we should accept the loving guidance and direction when we can.
Lehi tells Laman, Lemuel, Sam, the sons of Ishmael and Zoram that if they listen to Nephi they have his blessing, but if not, they have no blessing. What would it be like to hear that from your father? Laman and Lemuel already resent Nephi; did this directive help Nephi's case or not? It seems that Sam was amenable to Lehi's words, as was Zoram. Ultimately Laman and Lemuel were not and as a result there became two distinct nations in the land which came from the split in Lehi's family.
Lehi shares some major doctrine as he blesses his son, Jacob (in chapter 2).
The plan of happiness: "...the way is prepared from the fall of man and salvation is free."
More plan: "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."
Redemption: "...redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah... he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin...".
Man's preparation: "...men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil..."
Need for experience: "...it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things...". And "...the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other."; and "...they are free to choose liberty and eternal life...or to choose captivity and death...".
God knows best: "...all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things.".
These are great concepts for us to know and ponder. If life were a college course, 2nd Nephi Chapter 2 would be required reading. We would do well to read these chapters over and over; think about the things Lehi teaches and jot them down for future reference. Most of all, it would be well to internalize these things, and make them part of our daily lives.
Don
Lehi pleads with his sons to be Godly. He uses words and phrases with meaning: "Remember my words"; "Hearken unto my words"; "awake from the sleep of hell"; "shake off the awful chains"; "awake and arise from the dust"; and other phrases like these. It is clear that he is concerned about his offspring, that they would not live righteously. Being a parent never stops; even when your children have grown up, a parent is still worrying about them, encouraging them, trying to be an example to them and move them in the right direction. This is how it is, and I believe that Heavenly Father is like this with us. As parents, we should follow this example. As children, we should accept the loving guidance and direction when we can.
Lehi tells Laman, Lemuel, Sam, the sons of Ishmael and Zoram that if they listen to Nephi they have his blessing, but if not, they have no blessing. What would it be like to hear that from your father? Laman and Lemuel already resent Nephi; did this directive help Nephi's case or not? It seems that Sam was amenable to Lehi's words, as was Zoram. Ultimately Laman and Lemuel were not and as a result there became two distinct nations in the land which came from the split in Lehi's family.
Lehi shares some major doctrine as he blesses his son, Jacob (in chapter 2).
The plan of happiness: "...the way is prepared from the fall of man and salvation is free."
More plan: "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."
Redemption: "...redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah... he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin...".
Man's preparation: "...men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil..."
Need for experience: "...it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things...". And "...the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other."; and "...they are free to choose liberty and eternal life...or to choose captivity and death...".
God knows best: "...all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things.".
These are great concepts for us to know and ponder. If life were a college course, 2nd Nephi Chapter 2 would be required reading. We would do well to read these chapters over and over; think about the things Lehi teaches and jot them down for future reference. Most of all, it would be well to internalize these things, and make them part of our daily lives.
Don
Saturday, February 12, 2011
1st Nephi 21-22
There are just so many things to talk about in 1st Nephi... I didn't mention a lot of what could have been brought up that would have made for great discussions! As you have seen, I've gone on and on about what I did cover, so it's probably good that I skipped all that I did. I do try to bring up some of the points I find that particularly strike my interest though.
I can't help wonder about the dynamics of Lehi's family. Here is a family that is probably typical for their day, except that the father is a prophet and his 4th son is following in his footsteps. There was probably bickering among them while they were growing up. I can definitely see that, having grown up in a large family. I can see Nephi being the favored son, since he tries to understand his father more than the others and ends up having the same experiences. Would that rankle his older brothers? In many families of our day I've seen the youngest child get preferential treatment (according to the siblings anyway). Resentment, for sure! Wanting kill Nephi.... resentment to the extreme, I would think (not to excuse Laman and Lemuel, though). At least Sam was on his side.
Nephi reads another chapter of Isaiah and the explains them to his brothers. I find it interesting that Nephi's brothers respect him and believe him enough that they ask him for his interpretation, since they can't seem to understand what Isaiah had written. Much of chapter 21 - what we know as Isaiah 49 - discusses the future of the house of Jacob. Nephi picks up on how this affected their line, the line of Joseph. Nephi tells his brothers about how in the last days the posterity of Jacob would be hunted and hated and eventually would become blessed, to the point kings and queens would be their nursing fathers and mothers. He talked about our time. This makes me think about how the state of Israel has been hated and has also been supported by powerful nations which have enabled Israel's survival. Isaiah truly prophesied and Nephi recognized and confirmed the prophecies. Nephi was shown the fate of his people, and he discusses them at length in these chapters. Who wouldn't be interested in what will happen to their children's children's children?
It is important to point out that Nephi indicates that the catalyst to this future revolves the coming of the Savior. These things that were prophesied would come about because their posterity would come to know Jesus and would accept Him as their Messiah, their King, their Redeemer. This would be true for Lehi's posterity and is true for us in this day. We can only be saved in our Heavenly Father's kingdom if we embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make him the focal point of our lives.
Don
I can't help wonder about the dynamics of Lehi's family. Here is a family that is probably typical for their day, except that the father is a prophet and his 4th son is following in his footsteps. There was probably bickering among them while they were growing up. I can definitely see that, having grown up in a large family. I can see Nephi being the favored son, since he tries to understand his father more than the others and ends up having the same experiences. Would that rankle his older brothers? In many families of our day I've seen the youngest child get preferential treatment (according to the siblings anyway). Resentment, for sure! Wanting kill Nephi.... resentment to the extreme, I would think (not to excuse Laman and Lemuel, though). At least Sam was on his side.
Nephi reads another chapter of Isaiah and the explains them to his brothers. I find it interesting that Nephi's brothers respect him and believe him enough that they ask him for his interpretation, since they can't seem to understand what Isaiah had written. Much of chapter 21 - what we know as Isaiah 49 - discusses the future of the house of Jacob. Nephi picks up on how this affected their line, the line of Joseph. Nephi tells his brothers about how in the last days the posterity of Jacob would be hunted and hated and eventually would become blessed, to the point kings and queens would be their nursing fathers and mothers. He talked about our time. This makes me think about how the state of Israel has been hated and has also been supported by powerful nations which have enabled Israel's survival. Isaiah truly prophesied and Nephi recognized and confirmed the prophecies. Nephi was shown the fate of his people, and he discusses them at length in these chapters. Who wouldn't be interested in what will happen to their children's children's children?
It is important to point out that Nephi indicates that the catalyst to this future revolves the coming of the Savior. These things that were prophesied would come about because their posterity would come to know Jesus and would accept Him as their Messiah, their King, their Redeemer. This would be true for Lehi's posterity and is true for us in this day. We can only be saved in our Heavenly Father's kingdom if we embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make him the focal point of our lives.
Don
Friday, February 4, 2011
Nephi and Isaiah Testifiy: 1 Ne 19-20
My apologies, I've been under the weather for the past few days and haven't made any entries.
Nephi talks about his record keeping. The Lord told him to make a second set of plates that he would use to keep record of his ministry and the prophecies that he (they?) had been given and would receive, which he said "for a wise purpose that I know not" (somewhat paraphrased and borrowed from another chapter). The Lord knows all things of course, and it is likely He knew that the Joseph Smith's original translation of the beginning of the Book of Mormon would be lost, as it was by Martin Harris. Not knowing what the first translation contained, I think that this record is as great, or greater, worth to us than the original may have been.
Speaking of worth, Nephi talks about the righteous versus the world; he talks about how the things he has related and taught to his people are considered of little value to some of them (not pointing any finger, mind you). How prophetic this is... The Book of Mormon, and other truths that we know as Latter day Saints, are considered outrageous, ridiculous, blasphemous, or downright insulting to many people in the world, including many Christian sects. There was a group in Salt Lake City recently, a "Christian" band of people, who publicly called the temple the "Salt Lake whorehouse". While I was bishop in New Jersey, the church sent several sets of informational books about the church, and very nice ones, to us to be placed in local libraries. Most were willing to take them, but one township's library threw them out with the trash. Trampled by the feet of men.
Nephi points out that trampling of heavenly things carried (or will carry, from his point of view) over to the Savior Himself. People of His day, although considered great by some, were ambivalent at best, cruel and murderous at worst. The worst of them were from the prominent religious groups of the day. The Savior bore this treatment because of the love of the Father in Him. We usually don't face such treatment today, but we are called upon by Jesus to bear our tribulations with the same steady, long-suffering demeanor that He did.... He said "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matt 16:24) Nephi certainly bore up under many difficulties that were inflicted upon him. We must stand true no matter what we go through.
Nephi quotes Isaiah because of the great worth of Isaiah's message. For the most part, the things that Nephi includes in his journal of sacred things pertain to a testimony of the Savior. Some of these verses always make me think of Handel's Messiah. One thing I found in curious in chapter 20: Verse 1 indicates who his words are directed to: the house of Jacob. He includes both those who are born to this heritage "are come forth out of the waters of Judah", as well as those who have been adapted into this lineage "or out of the waters of baptism". We, who are not by birth of the house of Jacob, are adopted into this line when we are baptized and live the commandments of the Lord. We have always been taught this, but isn't it wonderful to have Old Testament scripture that reinforces the concept?
Don
Nephi talks about his record keeping. The Lord told him to make a second set of plates that he would use to keep record of his ministry and the prophecies that he (they?) had been given and would receive, which he said "for a wise purpose that I know not" (somewhat paraphrased and borrowed from another chapter). The Lord knows all things of course, and it is likely He knew that the Joseph Smith's original translation of the beginning of the Book of Mormon would be lost, as it was by Martin Harris. Not knowing what the first translation contained, I think that this record is as great, or greater, worth to us than the original may have been.
Speaking of worth, Nephi talks about the righteous versus the world; he talks about how the things he has related and taught to his people are considered of little value to some of them (not pointing any finger, mind you). How prophetic this is... The Book of Mormon, and other truths that we know as Latter day Saints, are considered outrageous, ridiculous, blasphemous, or downright insulting to many people in the world, including many Christian sects. There was a group in Salt Lake City recently, a "Christian" band of people, who publicly called the temple the "Salt Lake whorehouse". While I was bishop in New Jersey, the church sent several sets of informational books about the church, and very nice ones, to us to be placed in local libraries. Most were willing to take them, but one township's library threw them out with the trash. Trampled by the feet of men.
Nephi points out that trampling of heavenly things carried (or will carry, from his point of view) over to the Savior Himself. People of His day, although considered great by some, were ambivalent at best, cruel and murderous at worst. The worst of them were from the prominent religious groups of the day. The Savior bore this treatment because of the love of the Father in Him. We usually don't face such treatment today, but we are called upon by Jesus to bear our tribulations with the same steady, long-suffering demeanor that He did.... He said "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matt 16:24) Nephi certainly bore up under many difficulties that were inflicted upon him. We must stand true no matter what we go through.
Nephi quotes Isaiah because of the great worth of Isaiah's message. For the most part, the things that Nephi includes in his journal of sacred things pertain to a testimony of the Savior. Some of these verses always make me think of Handel's Messiah. One thing I found in curious in chapter 20: Verse 1 indicates who his words are directed to: the house of Jacob. He includes both those who are born to this heritage "are come forth out of the waters of Judah", as well as those who have been adapted into this lineage "or out of the waters of baptism". We, who are not by birth of the house of Jacob, are adopted into this line when we are baptized and live the commandments of the Lord. We have always been taught this, but isn't it wonderful to have Old Testament scripture that reinforces the concept?
Don
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