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
I would have hated it had my parents told me that I would only have their blessing if I followed something my sister told me to do. I think that probably didn't help them much, but it's hard to know, especially when you're reading something and not actually hearing it in person.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Lehi meant the best for his sons.
I wonder what he said to his daughters?
Good question... It is evident from 1st and 2nd Nephi that Lehi had daughters. I wish we knew more about them.
ReplyDelete