1 Nephi 3-6.
Some thoughts to consider while reading: Why did Laman & Lemuel murmur? Why did Nephi support his father? What determines whether you are a murmurer or a supporter of the Lord's work and His prophets?
"I have learned not to put question marks but to use exclamation points when calls are issued through inspired channels of priesthood government." - Elder Russell M. Nelson
4 comments:
I've been doing a combination of reading and listening to these chapters. I have to say, I get a lot more out of it when I read and take notes.
A couple of verses that I loved: of course, 3:7. One of the great Book of Mormon scriptures. There is something about being willing to just "go and do." I love that choice of words. I noticed in verse 8 something that I hadn't before. Nephi says his father was glad that he was willing to go...at least that's how I'd always read it. But this time around, I was interested that the reason Lehi was exceedingly glad was because "he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord." Last week's Sunday School lesson has a verse from Ephesians (6:4) that said we should raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
I interpret that as making sure we raise our children to have faith in Jesus Christ and to know how to communicate with, learn from, and have a relationship with Him. That He is the author and finisher of their faith, not us as parents.
So, with that background, I couldn't help but wonder if that was why Lehi was so pleased. He saw that Nephi had learned how to gain a testimony of a principle for himself -- the foundation was set for him to be a true disciple of Christ. I can't imagine a greater joy as a parent than seeing our children gain their own relationship with the Savior and His Gospel.
I think John basically said the same thing, didn't he? "I have no greater joy tan to hear that my children walk in truth." (3 John 1:4)
I love that that is where Lehi found joy -- not in the fact that his son obeyed him (Hello -- that would be me), but in the fact that his son was gaining his own testimony of truth and learning to recognize the Spirit.
Something for me to strive for as a parent.
I know we all love verse 7 but in 3:5-6 I was reminded of the importance of following the Prophet. Lehi says "..I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord." As we listened to the words of the Prophet at the beginning of this month did we remember that "whether by my voice or the voice of my servant, it is the same." I know it is sad to admit this but I often forget that the Phophet IS the Lords mouthpiece.
Then in verse 6 "..thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured." What a wonderful promise, to be favored of the Lord!
Camille -- I love that! Remember the source.
I was reading chapters 5&6 this morning. Dear Sariah. With the benefit of knowing "the rest of the story," I sometimes get mad at her. Why do you make women look so fickle?! But that's incorrect. She doesn't represent just women. We can all learn a lesson in faith from her. She knew that the Lord had, indeed, commanded her husband to send her dear sons back to Jerusalem, but she waited until they were safely home to testify of it. There is tremendous power in having faith from the beginning, trusting the Lord, AND trusting a husband who is trying to lead his family in righteousness. I will admit that I struggle with the "submissive" part of wifehood. I am opinionated, loud, and confident. I read a quote that describes me perfectly: "I'm not arguing, I'm explaining why I'm right." Yeah, that'd be me. I can take a lesson from Sariah here and learn to be a more trusting of my husband as he makes decisions for our family. I don't mean that we won't counsel, that's not according to God's will, but I do mean that I don't have to have a better idea for everything. And when I do decide to submit and let my husband lead and things don't seem to be working out as well as if I was in charge; well, I can learn from Sariah again. Have faith in the Lord's timing. Have faith that He won't give us a commandment that He won't provide a way for us to obey. He will deliver. And "if not," then I will remember that my ways are not always His ways. If my husband leads in righteousness, I have no room to doubt or lack faith.
Another thought I had while reading chapter 6:21 "And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great aworth unto us, insomuch that we could bpreserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children."
That is what the scriptures do. It's why we have them. I'm always talking about how I want my children to learn how to have their own relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The answer is right here. It's teaching them to love the scriptures and to do the things they are commanded therein...
While reading these chapters, I think about the hard things that we often are asked to do. The scripture "Where much is given, much is required" is also true in reverse: "Where much is required, much is given." I think about this with Nephi and his life, as well as certain things in my life. I know that Laman and Lemuel murmured because they lacked faith in Heavenly Father as well as what their own father asked them to do. I'm sure that's why I've murmured at different times when my husband is gone night after night with his calling and I'm home with 3 kids. I know we will be blessed for his efforts, but it's still hard! I know the Lord will help us with what is required, and I need to have more faith and be more patient at times. Nephi had to walk for days and days to get back to Jerusalem--luckily my husband just has to walk around the block!
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