1 Nephi 3
5-7
The difference between Lehi and Nephi's faith and motivation.
Lehi tells Nephi his brothers have murmured because "it is a hard thing," and Lehi doesn't disagree with L&L. He deflects the issue to the source, ie the Lord. He takes the "don't shoot the messenger" approach. The only real difference between Lehi and L&L is that Lehi believes this commandment is from the Lord. And because it is from the Lord, he must do as he's instructed, ie tell his sons to get the plates.
Lehi does believe what he is doing is right and from God, and he shares testimony in v6, stating that Nephi will be blessed because he "hast not murmured." Lehi's expectation of what happens when one follows is different though than Nephi's. Lehi is like Luke Skywalker. "All right. I'll give it a try." In his mind trying is what is important.
Lehi believes that he should try, but in v7, Nephi believes that he can do.
Nephi is like Yoda, "Do... or do not. There is no try." Nephi's belief is that God doesn't command just to see if we will try. His commandments have real reasons behind them, actual purposes. We may not be able to see how we can follow the commandments, but believe that "he shall prepare a way for [you] that [you] may accomplish the thing."
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Monday, January 19, 2015
Jan 19
1 Nephi 2
1
Lehi's faithfulness led to safety and more blessings
7
First thing Lehi did after leaving was give thanks
14-15
I like the juxtaposition of these 2 verses. Obviously he was a great orator, unto the confounding of Laman and Lemuel. Still, he dwelt in a tent.
16
Nephi's first recorded action was to pray to know the mysteries of God. This only after his father confounded Laman and Lemuel. Because of this prayer the Lord visited him and softened his heart. Wait, so Nephi's heart was hard? It had to be, if it was softened. I don't think Nephi was like Laman and Lemuel. But maybe, just maybe he was quietly upset that his father took them into the wilderness.
17-18
Nephi's first action after having his heart softened was to share his testimony with Sam, Laman and Lemuel. After L&L would not hearken, Nephi cried unto the Lord for them. Proof of Nephi's true conversion. He prayed for others.
19-24
Nephi's prayer for L&L led to him receiving this great blessing.
Prayer leads to blessings.
1 Nephi 2
1
Lehi's faithfulness led to safety and more blessings
7
First thing Lehi did after leaving was give thanks
14-15
I like the juxtaposition of these 2 verses. Obviously he was a great orator, unto the confounding of Laman and Lemuel. Still, he dwelt in a tent.
16
Nephi's first recorded action was to pray to know the mysteries of God. This only after his father confounded Laman and Lemuel. Because of this prayer the Lord visited him and softened his heart. Wait, so Nephi's heart was hard? It had to be, if it was softened. I don't think Nephi was like Laman and Lemuel. But maybe, just maybe he was quietly upset that his father took them into the wilderness.
17-18
Nephi's first action after having his heart softened was to share his testimony with Sam, Laman and Lemuel. After L&L would not hearken, Nephi cried unto the Lord for them. Proof of Nephi's true conversion. He prayed for others.
19-24
Nephi's prayer for L&L led to him receiving this great blessing.
Prayer leads to blessings.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Jan 12, 2015
1 Nephi 1
5
The impetus for Lehi and his family's travels was Lehi praying in behalf of his people.
6
When he prayed he saw a "pillar of fire" (like Joseph Smith) that "dwelt upon a rock." Who was in that pillar or what was taught to Lehi we don't know, just that "he saw and heard much," causing him to "quake and tremble." This seems like a similar experiences of Moses (Moses 1:9-10) and even of Joseph with the Angel Moroni, as well as Sidney Rigdon when he experienced "The Vision" D&C 76.
“Joseph sat firmly and calmly all the time in the midst of a magnificent glory, but Sidney sat limp and pale, apparently as limber as a rag, observing which, Joseph remarked, smilingly, ‘Sidney is not used to it as I am.’” (Juvenile Instructor, May 1892, pp. 303–4.)
Apparently can be terribly draining.
7-8
Lehi went home and basically passed out. Then he saw another vision, and this time it is described.
8-14
This time, Lehi was strengthened and emboldened instead of exhausted. He praises God, and rejoices (15), and teaches his children (16). Later he went about prophesying (18).
What was it that changed Lehi from exhaustion to preaching without fear of reproach? I think it is because he had an experience with the Savior (8).
1 Nephi 1
5
The impetus for Lehi and his family's travels was Lehi praying in behalf of his people.
6
When he prayed he saw a "pillar of fire" (like Joseph Smith) that "dwelt upon a rock." Who was in that pillar or what was taught to Lehi we don't know, just that "he saw and heard much," causing him to "quake and tremble." This seems like a similar experiences of Moses (Moses 1:9-10) and even of Joseph with the Angel Moroni, as well as Sidney Rigdon when he experienced "The Vision" D&C 76.
“Joseph sat firmly and calmly all the time in the midst of a magnificent glory, but Sidney sat limp and pale, apparently as limber as a rag, observing which, Joseph remarked, smilingly, ‘Sidney is not used to it as I am.’” (Juvenile Instructor, May 1892, pp. 303–4.)
Apparently can be terribly draining.
7-8
Lehi went home and basically passed out. Then he saw another vision, and this time it is described.
8-14
This time, Lehi was strengthened and emboldened instead of exhausted. He praises God, and rejoices (15), and teaches his children (16). Later he went about prophesying (18).
What was it that changed Lehi from exhaustion to preaching without fear of reproach? I think it is because he had an experience with the Savior (8).
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)