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