I can't believe how much I've gained by reading the first two chapters of the Book of Mormon. Some of it is reaffirming doctrines I already knew, and some things are insights that are new to me, as well as back up for things I've felt myself but didn't know where to find scriptural confirmation.
Chapter 2 of 1st Nephi talks about eternal perspective, obedience and the Spirit in ways I'd missed. First of all, in the first chapter (v. 20) Nephi says that he wants to show the tender mercies of the Lord in delivering the righteous. Verse 1 of chapter 2 is the fulfillment of that. So Nephi follows through immediately. Secondly, in chapter 1 Nephi speaks of his father having visions, then in chapter 2 he refers to dreams and further on he talks of the voice of the Spirit, Angels, transfiguration, Temples (mountains in this case), and also discussing things with his father and Sam (he tries with Laman & Lemuel but they're not exactly pleased with the spiritual perspective of their family). So between Nephi and Lehi we have specific examples of how one person can be taught by the Spirit, or receive revelation in several ways, not just one per person. I like it because it means I am limited only by my level of faith and intent.
That's another thing, real intent is prevalent in the way that Nephi prays to know the truth & mysteries of God. He has every intention of obeying anything the Lord requires of him. Verse 3 is very simple and beautiful (this is what I was referring to by obedience in ways I hadn't noticed). Lehi's attitude is one of obedience, so putting into action follows on naturally. He gives up every material possession (much to the incredulity of Laman and Lemuel) without even a question, then departs into the wilderness. Lehi also stops along the way to build an alter and give thanks.
Lehi is grateful! Despite Laman and Lemuel's perpetual whining, and the conditions in which they were travelling (not to mention the length of time), Lehi still sees that the Lord has delivered his family and he's grateful. So I'm sure that he was grateful for his wealth, but he saw it in it's proper place because he had an eternal perspective. Also Nephi saw his father's obedience and noted it. Our children do see the good we do. I need to be obedient to the Lords commandments so that my children will see it. This example will be more powerful than anything I can say to them. (I'm going to do that too of course).
I also learned from Lehi that gratitude and ordinances are important no matter what our circumstances, and for me, I need to remember to never be too busy to attend the Temple. Perhaps our homeless situation served some purpose of the Lords and isn't something to murmur about. Lehi dwelt in a tent & we almost did too. Is our current journey to our promised land to fulfill the purposes of the Lord? I think it is.
One thing I will say that has been reinforced by my reading is that being a righteous parent doesn't guarantee that all of my children will follow suit. It isn't necessarily a reflection of my success or failure as a mother. (as long as I am actually righteous & doing my best in all things. If I neglect them then that's clearly not righteousness or very smart)
Ok, I love that Nephi prayed for his brothers because he loved them so much. He put up with so much garbage from them and still loved them all his life! I would like to say something that I think about Laman and Lemuel. I'm not sure how concise I can be but I'll give it a good effort;
Verses 19-24 are beautiful because Nephi is receiving a direct answer to humble prayer. He was humble, obedient and had real intent and a pure heart. Because of this he was open to the understanding the Lord wished to give him. He was told some future events and found out where they were heading. Laman and Lemuel were bitter about leaving their stuff and obviously liked living in Jerusalem and thought their father was paranoid or crazy or both. They constantly complain throughout the whole journey about how hard done by they are and how they don't get any revelations for themselves. They lack eternal perspective. So even if the Lord came personally and told them the same things as Nephi, they still likely wouldn't see the point and would then have greater responsibility because of the greater light. It is wisdom in God when he doesn't share more with us than we're ready for. It must have been very frustrating for them to be out of the spiritual loop, but it was their own attitudes that kept them there.
When the Lord tells Nephi that he is to be a teacher and a ruler over them, he is offering them yet another chance to understand at their own level, the big picture but they're still so caught up in their "why me"'s that they can't see it as anything more than a pious affront to their birthright as the eldest. If they pulled their heads out of their indignation they would have seen what the Lord, through Nephi was trying to offer them. He was offering them exactly what they were whining about not having, the knowledge and mysteries of God that Lehi and Nephi had.
The moral of this story I think, in layman's terms (not Laman's terms, heheh) is: Don't shoot yourself in the foot with your own arrogance.
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