6:4-6
Why did Nephi go through all of the effort to write these? “For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.” Nephi’s motivations are clear. He simply wants people to “come unto God.” Pure motives like that are rare - especially motives that are completely selfless. He’s doing this because he cares about other humans.
At the end of the day, pure love for others is the only motivation that will endure through any affliction, distraction or exhaustion. If it’s something else, any level of obstacle can prove to be overwhelming. For example, it we are doing something for money, we might actually get the money and then what? If we’re doing it for fame, we can become famous and then what? The only motivation that will actually continue through eternity is helping others “let God prevail.”
“Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.” Nephi is not attempting to win a popularity contest. He’s not responding to the demands of the crowd. He’s not afraid of a public mob. He ONLY cares about pleasing God. If what he writes is unpopular, that’s okay. In fact, I think he’s planning on it. Those who have the Spirit and the right perspective will resonate with what Nephi is writing. Those who “are not of the world” are those who will see the value in what is written. Think about someone who has told you that they’ve read the Book of Mormon and they saw it as valueless. I’ve had someone say that it was “and it came to pass” over and over and over again. They totally missed the point!
“Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed, that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men.” This is a high bar that he set. I think that every future writer followed this principle. Every book is “of worth.” We’re going to see that clearly this year!
7:2-3
“And it came to pass that the Lord commanded him that I, Nephi, and my brethren, should again return unto the land of Jerusalem, and bring down Ishmael and his family into the wilderness.” This could have been a very frustrating experience for Nephi. He could have easily complained to the Lord about having to return to Jerusalem multiple times. I could see myself say (imagine this in Eric’s frustrating voice…) So, Lord. Is there anything else that we can knock out in this trip? It would sure be great if we could, for efficiency sake, group together any more of your assignments.
It’s a great example of Nephi’s patience with the Lord. It’s a good example for all of us about how our preferences and the Lord’s timing don’t always match up. We must proceed with faith that God knows what he’s doing. He has a perspective much greater than any of us. He knows the ending of the story and we do not.
BTW, in verse 3, I think it’s funny that he is sure to call out “did again” when he said, “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did again, with my brethren, go forth into the wilderness to go up to Jerusalem.”
7:4-5
“And it came to pass that we went up unto the house of Ishmael, and we did gain favor in the sight of Ishmael, insomuch that we did speak unto him the words of the Lord.” They gained his favor INSOMUCH as they used the words of the Lord. It wasn’t their clever conversation that gained his favor. It wasn’t their well-designed argument. It was simply speaking the words of the Lord.
“And it came to pass that the Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael, and also his household, insomuch that they took their journey with us down into the wilderness to the tent of our father.” Nephi is great at giving credit to the Lord. The Lord is the hero of this story. The Lord, through Nephi using the words of the Lord, softened Ishmael’s heart.
If we are attempting to touch the hearts of a hearer, we should focus on using the words of the Lord. For us, this means using the scriptures. I have listened to some sacrament talks lately that haven’t quoted a single scripture. I have also heard some that have. I can tell you that the words of the Lord do more to soften the hearts of others than our own words.
7:6, 16
“And it came to pass that as we journeyed in the wilderness, behold Laman and Lemuel, and two of the daughters of Ishmael, and the two sons of Ishmael and their families, did rebel against us; yea, against me, Nephi, and Sam, and their father, Ishmael, and his wife, and his three other daughters.” Put a few people together with bad attitudes and they will generally collude. They will complain amongst themselves. In this echo chamber of negativity, their anger and frustration will build. I’ve seen it happen many times.
I once worked with a guy who was incredibly negative. He truly enjoyed complaining. We would go to lunch and he would get angry almost every time. Finally, I had to tell him that I couldn’t do it anymore. He was dragging me down and giving me a negative attitude when there wasn’t one before. Of course, I had little frustrations - but being around him made my criticisms seem larger.
So, if Laman and Lemuel continued their pattern of complaining, and the sons and daughters of Ishmael were easily persuaded to ponder endlessly the stupidity of their journey, the entire group would stir themselves up into a frenzy. So much so that they wanted to murder Nephi. “And it came to pass that when I, Nephi, had spoken these words unto my brethren, they were angry with me. And it came to pass that they did lay their hands upon me, for behold, they were exceedingly wroth, and they did bind me with cords, for they sought to take away my life, that they might leave me in the wilderness to be devoured by wild beasts.” That’s where two negative sounding boards sometimes end up.
7:9-15
Nephi reminds them of God’s greatness by asking them some questions:
“How is it that ye have not hearkened unto the word of the Lord?”
“How is it that ye have forgotten that ye have seen an angel of the Lord?”
“Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the Lord hath done for us, in delivering us out of the hands of Laban, and also that we should obtain the record?”
“Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him?”
They had seen an angel and they had witnessed Laban being delivered into their hands so they could obtain the plates. But, it didn’t matter. Those miracles had no effect on them. Why is that? It’s because they hadn’t done the work to build characters of submissiveness, obedience and faithfulness. Their character had been shaped by a million little things but not much scripture study, prayer, fasting, etc. If you have the inertia of a million bad choices, the appearance of an angel isn’t going to matter.
Consider what happened to Laman and Lemuel at their arrival in the spirit world. Do you think their hearts suddenly softened? I say, probably not. I think the inertia of their bad choices will continue into the next life and will severely limit their growth. Who knows once the veil is lifted but I feel I can safely predict a continuing pattern of pride based on their lifetime’s array of evil deeds.
It won’t just be them. It is true for us also. I’ve sometimes thought that, when people realize that there is a spirit world and there is life after death, almost everyone will repent. I think there will be many who do. But I think that there will be more who continue going with the flow of their bad mortal choices.
As I mentioned, good or bad choices have inertia. It’s like we’re building the size of the current we’re in. Our choices are adding a little water each time. If they are good choices, that creates a current that is heading in the right direction. If they are bad choices, that current runs the opposite direction and sometimes the current gets so strong that they can’t get out even if they wanted to. I’m picturing someone who is in the depths of addiction. Often they’ve reached a point where they can’t rescue themselves. Anyway, the power of a lifetime of wickedness is much greater than a visitation from an angel.
Nephi reminds them about the power of faith. “And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the land of promise.” Nephi’s not asking them to be perfect, he’s asking them to be faithful. If they would simply put their faith in the Lord, who evidently is very interested in their lives, they would progress. Their bad choices can be overcome through faith in the Lord and reliance on him. Their pasts didn’t match Nephi’s but their futures might if they would just be faithful.
7:19-21
“And it came to pass that they were angry with me again, and sought to lay hands upon me; but behold, one of the daughters of Ishmael, yea, and also her mother, and one of the sons of Ishmael, did plead with my brethren, insomuch that they did soften their hearts; and they did cease striving to take away my life. And it came to pass that they were sorrowful, because of their wickedness, insomuch that they did bow down before me, and did plead with me that I would forgive them of the thing that they had done against me.” It’s interesting that Nephi’s words of righteousness and faith served only to make them more angry. The more Nephi spoke of faithfulness, the more angry they were.
I think this is a good example of how it’s sometimes not the right time to call people to repentance. When emotions are high, it’s not a good time to preach. When others are angry, it’s not the right time to reprimand. Mental note.
What did work? Pleading. One of Ishmael’s daughters, Ishmael’s wife, and one of Ishmael’s sons pled with Laman and Lemuel. I don’t know what they said but their pleading worked when preaching didn’t. I imagine they respected them as the eldest brothers and asked humbly for Nephi to be released.
Not only did they “cease striving to take away my life,” but they were sorrowful to the point that they bowed down before Nephi and pled with him for forgiveness. That’s quite a turnaround! We’ve all had times when we’ve acted out of character in a bad way. I could tell you some unflattering stories of times when I lost my temper and then, later, couldn’t believe that I had acted that way. I think wicked spirits love anger and take advantage of those moments. If we are self-aware, we can turn that around in the moment. It’s something that I am working hard on.
Nephi didn’t hold a grudge towards the people who had, just before, attempted to murder him. “And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that they had done, and I did exhort them that they would pray unto the Lord their God for forgiveness.” We should follow his example of quickly forgiving. It’s hard when the person isn’t asking for forgiveness but we should “frankly forgive” anyway.
Nephi points them towards God. It’s does not matter if they feel a connection and loyalty towards Nephi. That isn’t going to push them towards righteousness throughout their lives. It is only a devotion to God and Jesus Christ that will give us the strength to endure to the end. Nephi understood that it was their relationship with God that would strengthen them. Nephi’s relationship with them was definitely secondary.
8:6-7
“And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade me follow him. And it came to pass that as I followed him…” This is a pattern of heaven that God always follows. He always invites us. He never forces. He doesn’t do anything that infringes on our agency. This pattern allows for the most growth for all of us.
8:7-8
“…I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste. And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.” It’s interesting that this heavenly vision begins with many hours of darkness. Consider that for a second. You are receiving a vision and the vision begins with a request to follow and then HOURS of darkness.
Doesn’t this represent many times in our lives. We are following, doing what we should and, still, there is darkness. The darkness is what makes us appreciate the light. The darkness invoked prayer from Lehi. He turned to the Lord because of the darkness. It’s part of why there is suffering in this world. Our suffering humbles us and, when most desperate, turns us towards heaven. We pray that he will have mercy on us.
8:12
“And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.” This is empathy and charity and love. As soon as he experiences something good, he wants to share it with his family. It’s not enough to simply enjoy it, he wants others to experience what he is.
This is a model of the love that God has for us. God is experiencing something so joyful and glory-filled that he wants others to experience it too - US! It’s the whole reason he has created the plan of salvation. It’s often called the plan of happiness because it’s God’s plan to share in the happiness that he feels.
8:14-15
“And I looked to behold from whence it came; and I saw the head thereof a little way off; and at the head thereof I beheld your mother Sariah, and Sam, and Nephi; and they stood as if they knew not whither they should go. And it came to pass that I beckoned unto them; and I also did say unto them with a loud voice that they should come unto me, and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit.” For many, many people, they don’t know where to go. For those unaware of the gospel, they don’t even know that they’re missing something.
There are people in our lives who do not know “whither they should go.” We must beckon them. God generally doesn’t do the beckoning but beckons through us. But, like Lehi, we have to be “casting our eyes round about” looking for them. When we see someone who is standing there in their life without much direction, we should be willing to beckon.
8:19-20
“And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood. And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world.” There are two points that I want to write about this part of the vision.
The rod of iron. We know that the rod of iron is the word of God. I think it’s interesting that the rod of iron extends “along the bank of the river.” That’s appears weird. The river represents the depths of hell, why would the rod of iron be placed next to it. I think the message here is that, even if we are holding fast to the rod of iron, there is still danger right next to us. Satan controls that river and is inching it closer and closer to the rod of iron. We should always be wary to take one step away from the rod of iron - we may unexpectedly get swept away by a wave fashioned specifically for us.
The path is along the other side of the rod of iron. What separates the covenant path from the filthy river? The word of God. The scriptures protect us and help us to know truth. The scriptures are the standard for us in determining what is right and what is wrong. Following the scriptures is the sure way to stay on the path and avoid falling into the river. I also think it’s interesting that the path runs parallel to the river. Satan is attempting to mimic the path. I believe that it is how the very elect will be deceived in the last days. It will become harder and harder to discern what is the path and what is the river.
8:21-23
“And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood. And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree. And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost.” There are many people in this world who are “pressing forward.” Both members of the Church and those who aren’t are generally attempting to be good people. We are born with the Light of Christ which guides us forward. We have a drive to progress.
This mist of darkness travels across the path. We know those mists to be the temptations of the devil. I also see that these mists can also be distractions. They can also be a whirlwind of shifting opinions that the world puts forward. The big point here is that these mists extend across the path. Just because we are holding fast to the rod of iron doesn’t mean that we are out of reach for our personalized mist of darkness. Staying on the path doesn’t mean we are immune from temptation and distraction. These mists are subtle but everywhere. They are “exceedingly great.” We shouldn’t underestimate how powerful these mists are.
Those with good intentions, who have “commenced in the path” can become tempted or distracted and lose their way. It’s not that they are intentionally being rebellious. They just wander off. The problem is, whether they are intentional or not, they end up lost. Once lost, it’s hard to get back to the path - even if they want to.
Notice that it doesn’t mention that they are holding the rod of iron. They are good people but their lives and faith and progress aren’t grounded by the scriptures. It is very difficult to stay on the path if we are just following our good natures. Attempting to be a good person without basing our progress on the word of God makes it much easier to be distracted or tempted and wander off.
8:24-25
“And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree. And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.” These are folks who are “clinging to the rod of iron.” What does that mean?
I think, for many church members, they are determined to press forward according to the word of God. It’s a good intention but it may be an over-fixation on the commandments. For many, they treat their discipleship as a checklist. They often forget the big picture that it is LOVE that we are striving for. The word of God is a tool for us to progress to love like God loves. I believe that the Pharisees were caught up in this. They Law of Moses was their God.
Often, when we are attempting to earn our way to God by clinging to the scriptures, we get into a contest with others about who is more righteous. This is where we feel self-righteous. We care more about what others think about our righteousness than the righteousness itself. I can see that this group would be sensitive to the judgment of others and would easily feel ashamed when mocked by the world.
8:26-27
“And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth. And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.” Wow, this truly describes the world in which we now live. The pride of the world is like a great and spacious building. Those who are “opinion makers” or “thought leaders” or “content creators” aren’t generally complimentary of religion or religious people. In fact, we are mocked. We are called stupid and naive and gullible. We are called sheep who can’t think for ourselves. Truly, they are pointing their fingers and mocking.
These people are leaders because they are wise and accomplished and popular and cool. They look cool and dress cool. They have lots of followers and friends and even subscribers. Their world seems luxurious. They post about vacations and clothing. Their greatness seems unreachable. They do seem high above the air. They certainly look down on us and many of us look up to them.
8:28
“And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.” We live in the world. The worldly successful seem so smart and awesome. If they scoff at us, it’s easy for many of us to feel ashamed. We start to question what we’re doing. Their lives appear so much more exciting than ours.
The peer pressure causes many to fall away from the church. They let the influencers influence them into doing things that were previously considered forbidden. When someone leaves the church, it doesn’t look like tip-toeing. It looks like someone falling. I know someone who said that she lost her testimony in three hours. That’s falling off of a cliff.
8:30
“But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.” We can walk on the path and press forward in our own way. We aren’t all supposed to be the same. We aren’t LDS robots. It’s okay to be different. It’s meant to be that way. It’s how we belong to the body of Christ!
The key is to “hold fast” to the rod of iron. Holding fast isn’t “clinging.” The word of God doesn’t become our God. But, we are remaining on the path through the scriptures. I noticed the word “continually.” What does that mean? Does that mean studying the scriptures once a week? Does that mean reading a few verses before going to bed?
I think it means making scripture study a priority each week. It means thinking about what you’re reading. It means attempting to apply the principles we’re learning. It even means quoting scriptures every now and then. Last night, I was at a play and our friend was pointing out a young girl who lives in our town but isn’t a member of the Church. She had been encouraging her daughter to invite her. I brought up how Lehi saw his family and that they didn’t know “whither to go” and Lehi had to “beckon them.” It was kind of funny but demonstrates how scripture principles can actually be used spoken of in regular conversation.
It's interesting that they "fell down" when they partook of the fruit. I think this was a combination of exhaustion and gratefulness.
8:31-32
“And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building. And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads.” It seems like there’s a lot of folks who are “feeling their way.” We keep hearing about “my truth” and “being true to myself” and “doing what’s right for me” and “discovering myself.” We cannot do that! It’s not about doing what feels good. It’s not about discovering what’s right for us. Instead, it’s about discovering what’s right and CHANGING OURSELVES. This life isn’t about feeling our own way forward.
What’s the result of “following our own path?” Many drown, many get lost. They end up on a road but the road is strange and doesn’t lead anywhere good. They are wanting to experience success like the ones in the great and spacious building - but they end up failing in their individual way. They see Kim Kardashian and attempt to build a life patterned after hers - but they never become a Kardashian. They end up in some strange road that doesn’t lead to anything great and spacious.
8:33
“And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.” There are a lot of people who strive for and enter the “strange” building. Of course, when they make that choice, they have to mock those who are partaking of the fruit. How can they not? If the fruit partakers are right, then the building dwellers are wrong. People don’t like thinking that they are wrong. None of us do. If the people making other choices are stupid, that means we’re smart.
10:17-19
“And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men. For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.” Nephi wanted to see the same things that his father saw. He believed that he could receive a vision the same way that his father did. He believed that the Holy Ghost would reveal things to him. He states that God is the same “yesterday, today, and forever.” He knew the truth and saw himself as a son of God and that God would also reveal things to him.
The question is, what’s the difference for us? Is God different with us than he was with Nephi? Does he love Nephi more and therefore does special favors for him? I understand that Nephi was a prophet and had a special mission. However, the point remains that we can receive revelations from the Holy Ghost if we have faith. God doesn’t love Nephi any more than he loves you and I. We should have faith that we can receive help, blessings and revelations from Him.
Nephi says as much. “For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.” If we seek him, we shall find. Mysteries of God will be revealed to us just the same. We just have to have the faith to receive. Working on it.
10:20-21
“Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be brought into judgment. Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever.” What we do shapes our character. You are the product of “all thy doings.” You cannot separate all of your past decisions from you. We all carry our good and bad decisions. This is how our doings will be “brought into judgment.” They won’t be brought in with a video tape or a clipboard. They will be brought in with our very being.
We all make mistakes. We all have weaknesses that we spend our lifetimes working to overcome. We fail and fail but have faith in Christ to heal us. That’s a lot different then to have “sought to do wickedly.” If we are determined to do wickedly and rebel against God, that character will continue. We are in danger of being cast off from God’s presence to some other kingdom of glory. The good news is that whatever place we end up it will be exactly where we want to be.
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