I spent far too much time on this today. Isaiah is rich with one liners. I started out with Nephi telling us that his people lived in the manner of happiness. What does happiness look like? (2 Nephi 5:27)
Nephi’s people lived in a way that led to happiness — they worked, prepared, taught their children, and allowed no king to rule over them but God. I look at the world today and wonder if we are teaching the next generation the same habits of purpose and responsibility. The manner of happiness is still the Lord’s way.
Isaiah then turns our eyes to the world around us. A world that will grow old, that will rage, that will tremble. We see it in the anger, the hatred, the confusion, and the noise of our day. None of this should surprise us. The Lord told us it would be so.
But Isaiah does not leave us there.
“The Lord will return and deliver his covenant people.” (2 Nephi 6:18) — That promise includes me. It includes my family and my posterity. Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him, the righteous shall not be abolished. Salvation will be forever. That truth brings peace when the world feels unsteady.
“For the Lord shall comfort Zion.” (2 Nephi 8:3) — Zion is the pure in heart. One people. One purpose. A world without contention, sorrow, or fear. A world of joy and singing. I pray often for the Savior’s coming and for that day to arrive.
“Fear ye not the reproach of men.” (2 Nephi 8:7) — Remember whose side you’re on. There's only two sides!
“Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion… put on thy beautiful garments.” (2 Nephi 8:11, 24) — Isaiah’s words give me chills. He is speaking to covenant people — those who have made sacred promises in holy temples.
The world today is loud and troubled.
But the world to come is promised, peaceful, and sure.
It is a beautiful thing.
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