Who leaves whom?

2 Nephi 7

Nephi quotes from Isaiah again about the Savior, Jesus Christ. I have to admit I got snagged on the first verse this morning. I've read it before and I really do understand what it is saying. The Lord has not turned away from us. We are the ones who move. What grabbed my attention was the last phrase, “. . . and for your transgressions is your mother put away.” What does that mean? When a child transgresses the gospel of Jesus Christ, how would that cause the mother to be put away? As a mother, may I suggest dissapointed? Maybe even unable to be around the transgressor because it is too painful? Certainly as I've watched one of my own turn away from the teachings of the gospel, I've noticed she has pulled away from her parents. It's been a process, but once the declaration was made that she did not believe, it was a fast decline.

The last verse (11) talks about kindling ones own fire. What is meant by that? I've written notes that say people who come up with their own religious beliefs, i.e. God loves all his children and we will all be together in the next world. I've heard that one. I've also heard that the “gospel” was created by parents to keep their kids from doing bad things. Whatever. That is a belief conjured up by a young mind trying to justify wrong behavior. The sobering thought is the last sentence: “This shall ye have of mine hand – ye shall lie down in sorrow.” So you think you're sad today, that life has dealt you a rotten hand. Well, it is nothing compared to what you will feel at the resurrection when you see those you have associated with all your life gain eternal life and you are given a smaller portion. Sorrow will be your constant companion!

So what does this mean to me? It means I need to do all in my power to preach truth to my children, grandchildren and others I have stewardship over. That they might avoid this sorrow that is mentioned. Not only will this have the potential to save them at the last day, but will give them a better shot at joy in this early existence.   

The Last Days

2 Nephi 6

Jacob quotes Isaiah concerning the last days – today! It really grabs my attention toward the last few verses as he talks about the destruction both by fire, tempests, earthquakes, bloodsheds, pestilence and famine. Have we not already seen a great deal of what he has spoken? Can we not see the hand of the Lord in all the calamities that the world is currently suffering? Certainly the Lord knows how to get our attention. This chapter brings concern and comfort. It all depends where you are standing in the Lord's work. Are you a covenant keeper?

What does Isaiah mean when he says kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers? It will be Gentiles who take the saving ordinances of the gospel into the world where kings and queens will be taught and embrace the gospel. We see some of that, but I don't think it's to the degree that it will eventually come. In verse 6 the Lord says, “I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people. . .” The Lord will covenant with the Gentiles (us), and create a standard, i.e. the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's happening in our time. We're seeing this prophecy unfold in the nations of the world. What an exciting time in the history of the world. We see the destruction, but we also see the spreading of the gospel into lands never before dreamed. What a blessing!

My role in this, should I choose to accept it, is to be one of the Lord's servants in taking the gospel into the world in whatever capacity he chooses. For now, it is serving at BYU and influencing for good those young people who are so ready for the tasks that are ahead of them. It is a thrill to see how good they really are. They already know their Savior. They have strong testimonies. And when this call is completed, there will be another. My task is to stay healthy and strong so that I might be able to accomplish the tasks I'm given. The older I get, the more I realize this is the challenge.  

Compare then and now

2 Nephi 5

The Nephites separate from the Lamanites. The Lamanites are cursed with a skin of darkness, are idle, and a scourge to the Nephites.

As I read this entire chapter I could not help but think of how it is in today's world when people do not heed the counsel of the prophets and the Lord. They might not take on a skin of darkness, but there is a dark countenance about them – especially if they once partook of the light. The may not be idle like the Lamanites, i.e. stealing and plundering and causing all manner of destruction. However, they are focused intently on their own selves and very little on the welfare of others. This is not a generalization, as I realize there are many good people who help the world in many ways and they don't necessarily have the true gospel in their lives. They do, however, follow the Savior, Jesus Christ, and try to keep his commandments. They can become a scourge to those with whom they once associated. It is not a stretch for me to understand how that happens. They are uncomfortable around goodness. It makes them feel guilt and they don't like it. Having been there myself at one time in my life, I truly do get this one.

So how does it affect me in today's world? Well, I obviously know people who have “defected” from the gospel of Jesus Christ. What is the role I am to play with them? Of course, I will always be kind and loving. Trusting? To a degree that it is deserved. I will set a righteous example and have in my home a spirit of love to the degree that it might instill within others a desire to return to the gospel. One thing that is a little disconcerting, but quite reasonable, is the fact that I prepare to deal with the hatred of those who hate me. I can't conceive of that, but I know it is a reality. Make swords? Well, at least have a way to defend my home and family against an enemy to us.

Usher in 2nd Coming

2 Nephi 3

Lehi gives a patriarchal blessing to his son, Joseph, who is quite young and was born after they left the city of Jerusalem.

This is really quite an amazing chapter. I can't help but wonder what Joseph Smith would have thought as he was translating this particular chapter in the Book of Mormon. Did he recognize that the Joseph spoken of who would one day do a marvelous work and a wonder was him? No doubt he did. As I was thinking this, I wondered how it would be to have that experience. Then I thought of the prophecies of those who would usher in the gospel and the second coming in these latter days. Do I recognize they are speaking of me? I would think they are – especially if I choose to step up to the plate. The gospel is so beautiful and fascinating to study!

Well, how does this apply to me today? Keep on keeping on, I would think – hope. I could always do better. Today I feel like I'm running about as fast as I can run, however. It is my desire that this is pleasing to the Lord.   

What keeps me awake?

2 Nephi 2

Lehi preaches to his children about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This is his “parting shot” so to speak. Would it be every righteous parent's parting shot – that their children would accept the spirit of the Holy Ghost to guide them back to eternal life? I would hope so. But as with all things pertaining to righteousness it is easier to write about than to do.

In spite of the seemingly untiring need to follow the evil prompting of the adversary, I am impressed that Laman and Lemuel continue to listen to their father. Could they have been all bad at this point? At least they were being somewhat respectful to listen. Or were they listening? Were they just doing “lip service” so to speak? Do our children do that today? Absolutely! There are times when we start talking about the gospel and I know at least one just tunes out.

But Lehi makes it very clear that the spirit is the same yesterday, today and forever. He will not dwell in unrighteous places. He will protect and guide those who truly love the Lord.

In verse 25 we have a scripture mastery: “Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy. “ This would seem to be an excellent measuring tool for whether we are on track. Are we finding joy in the things we do in spite of the turmoil that surrounds us? If so, that is a good indicator that we are okay in the Lord's eyes. Or are we miserable in spite of everything we do? Are the moments of joy merely moments of entertainment and worldly influence? When we go to bed at night and we are alone with ourselves and our own thoughts, what keeps us awake? Are they thoughts of the joy we have experienced, the friendship we have deepened, the feelings we had as we served and felt for a moment that we were truly doing the Lord's work – being His hands? Or are the thoughts that trouble us thoughts of guilt? Have our attentions been on ourselves or others? Are we the ones we are trying to serve, or are we serving our fellow man. I think this is a pretty good indicator of where we are in the Lord's plan for us.   

Where are the men?

2 Nephi 1 Lehi talks to his posterity before he dies. I truly love this chapter. There are some real gems. For one, Lehi is bold in speaking to his children. I love that he tells them to “Awake and arise from the dust and hear the words of a trembling parents. . . “v14 Why is Lehi trembling? He fears for the welfare of his children. He sees that they are on the path of destruction. He actually talks to them about it, however. It just is not that easy to say anything of a religious context to a child today who has turned against the saving grace of their Heavenly Father. They just aren't interested in what you have to say. The real verses that are of interest to me in this chapter are the description of a real. Since this is a topic of discussion all the time when my girls get together, I think I want to describe what a real man looks like. I believe they're looking for the wrong character traits. Of course, I know they don't read this, but they would be wise if they did. What is a true man? 1) He is united, of one mind, one heart and in all things that he might avoid captivity (v21). What might prevent a man from being held captive in today's world? Avoid Porn, embrace completely the Word of Wisdom, avoid the attractions of the world, i.e. entertainment, playing on Sabbath, etc. What about united? What is he to be united with? The brethren of the church and his Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be found doing his duty on the Sabbath and frequently during the week. 2) He wears proudly the armor of righteousness. You don't have to guess where he is in his standing with the Lord. He attends the temple regularly. 3) He does not rebel. When the Lord speaks, he listens and obeys. 4) He is an instrument in the Lord's hands. What does that mean? He is active in his church calling, he serves others, he seeks ways to make the world a better place. 5) He does not seek for power nor authority, but seeks for the glory of God. How would a man do that? Again, he tries in every way to keep the commandments of God. 6) He speaks the truth – in all things and always. What he says, you know you can trust. He is b man old in calling out iniquities. Again this is a hard one. 7) He has the power of God. What would this look like? To me, he would be humble yet strong in his personal convictions. There would be no doubt where he would stand in his relationship with God. You just might take second place at times, but it would be behind God and not another woman, interest or entertainment. This comes from Verse 21 through 27. So can I ask where you're looking for the man of your dreams? It is not in worldly places. You start at church. I realize there are scum buckets who attend church for the sole purpose of plucking the righteous daughters of God from the fold and using them for their personal gain. Your challenge is to live worthy of the Holy Ghost to be as your guide and not even be tempted – not even for a single date to be sure. The Holy Ghost knows the desires of a man's heart just like he knows yours. I will not back down on this theory. It worked for me 32 years ago and it still works today. How do I know this? Because the Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. His ways will not change.

All these things. . .

I apologize this is one long paragraph. Blogger has changed their format. I will need to find out how to make paragraphs. This is not very pretty. :) 1 Nephi 21 Isaiah speaks about the gathering of Israel. I must confess these are difficult chapters for me to understand. One time I went through them word-by-word and wrote in the margins what a book, “Understanding Isaiah” by Perry, had to say about each word. That certainly helped. Many of my notes that I wrote in margins I can still read. Suffice it to say, the chapter is on gathering Israel. It's not clear as glass, but if you understand a few symbolisms, it becomes clearer. The “mountains” are the temples. Kings and Princes are covenant people. Those who are covenant people will be about the business of rescuing Heavenly Father's children. How will that be? For one, we will be rescuing the deceased as we do their temple work. The other is seeking out those of Heavenly Father's children who are lost and need rescuing. This is done by serving missions, yes; but it is also done one friend at a time as we come in contact with people who have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. As I was reading this morning, my mind wandered to when I first left my parents' home and went into the world. Since visiting teaching is sitting hard on the front lobe of my brain currently, I thought about that time in my life. I thought of the many blessings I have missed out on because I did not have a visiting teacher at that time in my life. Had I had a friend who saw it as her responsibility to “rescue” me from my inadequacies and shyness – who would have been my friend, who might I have become? Where would I be today? Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. I would not change the people who are dear to me in my life. I'm totally happy with how my life has turned out. But I know I missed out on serious growth and blessings because of my nine years of inactivity. If that's not enough, I created a host of problems for a sweet daughter and her children by sticking them with a family consisting of a dead-beat dad/grandpa who she is now caretaker over (somewhat), not to mention his ailing sibling and mother. Now is all this a bad thing? Absolutely not! All these things shall be for our experience and will be for good in our lives, meaning it will help to sanctify us. (D&C 122:7) I can say without a doubt that the bad things I have experienced have benefited me as I have served the Lord. They serve me quite well right now as I serve as Relief Society president in a singles ward. They serve me as I grieve for a daughter who has turned from the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that what she is going through has the capacity to eventually help her be a better person if it doesn't kill her first. And even then, only the Lord knows what she is going through and he will be the judge.