Christ visits the Americas

Christ visits the Americas

Monday, January 27, 2014

1 Nephi 2:13

"Neither did they believe that Jerusalem, that great city, could be destroyed according to the words of the prophets. And they were like unto the Jews who sought  to take away the life of my father."

Laman and Lemuel refused to believe or follow the ways of God. And because they were like the Jews, they were not allowed to be given the understanding of God. Even when it was explained to them they neither would nor could understand.

Laman and Lemuel relied on their own knowledge and strength, making it impossible for the words of the prophets to touch them. Only through the power of God could they even partially understand the need to follow if nothing else.

#Gloss

#Laman, #Lemuel believe follow God refuse. Same Jews before know from God receive not. Things from God explain understand not anyway. 

#Laman, #Lemuel rely themself know and strong, know thing from god can't. know understand God his power only. Force follow rule commandments give before. 

1 Nephi 2:12

"And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them."

Laman and Lemuel complained because they didn't respect their father, so the Lord didn't give them the knowledge. Because they didn't understand the things of the Lord they would complain and murmur. Even if they had the things interpreted for them they still would not have understood the wonders and glories of God.

#Gloss

#Laman, #Lemuel themselves complain why? Respect father not. God himself give understand know not. Things from God interpret those two understand not still. God his glory wonder #Laman, #Lemuel understand not. 

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

1 Nephi 2:11

"Now this he spake because of the stiffneckedness of Laman and Lemuel; for behold they did murmur in many things against their father, because he was a visionary man, and had led them out of the land of Jerusalem, to leave the land of their inheritance, and their gold, and their silver, and their precious things, to perish in the wilderness. And this they said he had done because of the foolish imaginations of his heart." 

Lehi had to speak to Laman and Lemuel about these things because of the "Stiffneckedness" meaning that they would not accept the word of God. The did not believe  in all Lehi had spoken.

By murmuring they complained against their father and God by saying that Lehi, in essence, was a fool to leave their home and their gold and silver. They believed that he had led them to die in the wilderness because of imaginations.

Because Laman and Lemuel spoke against their father and refused to believe his words they were unable to understand the things of the Lord. Because of their wickedness and stiffnecks they were covered by a spiritual darkness making it impossible for them to receive and understanding of the ways of God. This is a way that God protects the things that are sacred. He will not allow His most sacred truths to be sullied by the evil intentions of people.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

1 Nephi 2:10

"And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!" 

Having already named the river after Laman Lehi honors his is second born by naming the valley after Lemuel. He makes the connection of being, "Firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord." He desired Lemuel to be strong and firm in following the commandments of God and that he would be dependable as "Steadfast" is defined as.

1 Nephi 2:9

"And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into the fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying: O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!" 

Lehi, finding a great gospel connection to the river, speaks to Laman. he states his desire for Laman to always be fountain of righteousness. always striving to follow the word of God and being, I guess you could say, a source of or an example of one who would follow the commandments of the Lord. Laman being the oldest would normally have this responsibility.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

1 Nephi 2:8

"And it came to pass that he called the name of the river, Laman, and it emptied onto the Red Sea; and the valley was in the borders near the mouth thereof." 

As was the tradition when entering a new ground they named the area. These names may not have been permanent, but they helped recorded the journeys taken and gave a place of distinction for the traveling group. With all right they could have named it Lehi because he was leading them. But showing great respect for his eldest son he named the river after Laman. This was a great honor I believe as well as Lehi showed his love for his son, Laman.

1 Nephi 2:7

"And it came to pass that he built an altar of stones, and made an offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto the Lord our God." 

The alter was to be made out of whole stones which no iron tool was to touch. By the cutting of the stone by iron it was considered polluted or dirty.(Exodus 20:25, Deut. 27:5, & Josh 8:31) Why? Iron symbolizes here evil, because of the connection with Tubalcain, and instructor of iron who revealed dark dealings of Satan. (Moses 5:46,49)

The alter is a place of both thanksgiving and of prayers for help. The sacrifice, usually a goat or a lamb was to show a way of what is now known as tithing. By willingly giving a portion of what one owned the Lord could and would bless one with the so many blessings that there would not be room big enough to accept it all. (Malachi 10)

The first thing Lehi did after they pitched their tents was to give thanks to the Lord. After doing so much for them Lehi recognized the Lord deserved the credit and the praise. After all, the Lord saved Lehi from the angry people of Jerusalem and protected his family. What a great blessing, one well deserving the praise and gratitude of a faithful servant.

1 Nephi 2:6

"And it came to pass that when he had traveled three days in the wilderness, he pitched his tent in a valley by the side of a  river of water." 

Finally getting a safe distance away from Jerusalem, Lehi and his family set up camp in a place where they could have drinking water and such. Being led by the Lord they were kept safe and taken to a place that could provide for them, a refuge or sanctuary it could be called by.

1 Nephi 2:5

"And he came down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea; and he traveled int he wilderness in the borders which are nearer the Red Sea; and he did travel int he wilderness with his family, which consisted of my mother, Sariah, and my elder brothers, who where Laman, Lemuel, and Sam."

Lehi took his family into the wilderness along the Red Sea. His family consisted of Sariah, his wife, and his sons from the oldest to youngest: Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi. Nephi is the one recording the happenings of his family.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

1 Nephi 2:4

"And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness." 

Lehi proved his loyalty to the Lord by willingly leaving all thins of worldly value and taking only the things they would need to survive in the wilderness. Every prophet and disciple of Christ has sacrificed something for the truth of the gospel. The testimony of the prophets is solidified and set by the sacrifice of the prophets.

From the time Lehi leaves Jerusalem the records of these people is started. Their timing is compared to the time Lehi left Jerusalem, which equals to 600 years before Christ's birth to give a reference point.

1 Nephi 2:3

"And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him."

Lehi did not hesitate in following the commandments of the Lord. By being exactly obedient Lehi and his family were blessed. Lehi had committed to follow the Lord, and that meant that by being committed he would do as he was told without hesitation.

Monday, January 13, 2014

1 Nephi 2:2

"And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart unto the wilderness."

Ever commandment given to people from the Lord is for both the spiritual and physical benefit. For Lehi it was for physical protection and spiritual strength and preparation for the further knowledge. by being diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord they were prepared for what was to come.

By following the Lord Lehi and his family would be led to a better land. A place promised by God to be a land choice above all others. The Lord does not forsake His children, He leads them safely to a place He has prepared for them as can be seen by the example of Lot, Moses and the Israelites and so on.

1 Nephi 2:1

"For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou has been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life." 

Many times prophets receive revelations though dreams. I think it's the time that the heart and mind are open to the words of the Lord. Sister Parrish believes it this the time the desires of the heart can come though and the Lord can speak to the heart.

Because of the faithfulness of the servants of God He warns and protects. Thee Lord being omnipotent knew of the danger to Lehi and his family. The Lord out of mercy and love warned them to leave and to continue to follow the commandments. As Lehi had done all he could the Lord could bless him and his family with safety.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

1 Nephi 1:20

"And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him: yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." 

The Jews have many moments in the Bible which they despise the words of the prophets. Even as the whole of Israel with Moses they were condemned to 40 years in the wilderness due to iniquities. Of which each nation has its times of iniquity, no nation is exempt and all are given the opportunity to accept the truth of God.

The treatment of the prophets show the hardness of the hearts of the people and their inability to change. They refused to be in the wrong even when they knew the statures of God and knew the commandments. The connecting scripture of Jeremiah 11:19 says "like a lamb... to the slaughter." Christ is a great example of meekness. And also the prophet Joseph Smith said the same thing not long before he was martyred at Carthage jail. Lehi was warned that the people would try to take his life.

Because of the tender mercies of the Lord to His servant, Lehi, He provided a way for Lehi and his family to escape and save their lives. the Lord takes care of His servants in the ways that are best. Daniel was protected from the lions, and David from Goliath.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

1 Nephi 1:19

"And it came to pass that the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified of them; for he truly testified of their wickedness and their abominations; and he testified that the things which he saw and heard, and also the things which he read in the book, manifested plainly of the coming of a Messiah, and also the redemption of the world." 

In response to Lehi's prophesying and preaching the Jews mocked him, which is not uncommon in sharing the word of God. Bible examples are Noah, the apostles, and Jesus Christ Himself. when the heart is hardened to the point nothing touches it mocking the prophets of God is the least of the outcomes. The treatment of the prophets was poor and the anger of God grew as they continued to be sinful and mocking in the ways of God.

Those who were righteous and listened to the prophets were led away to safety while the sinners that refused to listen to the Lord were allowed to stay in a doomed city. As the justice of God to those who do not hearken(listen) to the words of God.

Even when Lehi spoke of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, they became even more enraged. This reaction in the scriptures is sadly common as well.. The wicked have no desire to hear of the Savior. But the joy of His coming cannot be held  back. The prophecies and testimonies of the disciples of Christ have come true and will continue to come true.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

1 Nephi 1:18

"Therefore, I would that ye should know, that after the Lord had shown so many marvelous things unto my father, Lehi, yea, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, behold he went forth among the people, and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he had both seen and heard."

The Lord in His mercy showed the things that would happen to Jerusalem according to His words. the Lord warned Jerusalem before they were destroyed and because of sin they did not heed the word of God and Jerusalem was destroyed.


After Lehi had learned all of this he went to the people and as had the prophets before him preached to them the word of the Lord about the destruction of Jerusalem. He spoke of all the things he had learned, trying to convince them of their evil and carnal ways. Being a missionary is not easy under any circumstances, especially if you have to tell people that they are doing evil things. I am impressed with Lehi and his desire to help people come to the truth and find the way to right.

1 Nephi 1:17

"But I shall make an account of my proceedings in my days. Behold, of my father, upon plates which I have mad with mine own hands; wherefore, after I have abridged the record of my father then will I make an account of mine own life."

Nephi, with the guidance of the Lord, made an abridgment for those in the future to read of Lehi's works and visions. This is to the 116 pages mentioned before could still be a part of the Book of Mormon, but that Satan could not fulfill his design of destroying the credibility of the Book of Mormon. The fullness of history and such were kept separately for the sake of keeping the sacred things just that, sacred. This will be explained more later, as Nephi speaks of it later.

1 Nephi 1:16

" And now I, Nephi, do not make a full account of the things which my father hath written, for he hath written many things which he saw in visions and in dreams; and he also hath written many things which he prophesied and spake unto his children, of which I shall not make a full account."

The entirety of the vision would have been too sacred to share. By the spirit are parts allowed to be written. When the world is ready to receive such things will they be made known through a prophet of the Lord.

Lehi wrote down the things of which he saw, which was probably in the 116 pages that were lost in the time of Joseph Smith. By the word of the Lord those pagers were not re-translated, instead the book of Nephi held the words the Lord allowed to be translated.

Lehi saw and recorded the things he saw in visions much like many other prophets. For example Daniel, Joseph of Egypt and many more did this. The prophesies of the prophets are recorded, much like in the past. Here Lehi did the same and Nephi also recorded the part he felt was necessary as the spirit directed.

Monday, January 6, 2014

1 Nephi 1: 15

"And after this manner was the language of my father in the praising of his God; for his soul did rejoice, and his whole heart was filled, because of the things which he had seen, yea, which tthe Lord had shown unto him. "

Lehi saw many wonders and things of the Lord which strenthened him and his family and by showing his gratitiude in praising the Lord he was blessed. Having a heart filled with joy and the Spirit is an experience once felt is one that is desired to be repeated due to the lifting of emotions and the outlook of the world. One can better see the blessings of the Lord as well as the help others see it, too.

1 Nephi 1:14

"And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unot the Lord; thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou shalt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!"

Having so much mad clear unto him, Lehi recoginized what a blessing it was and praised the Lord. It is a great gift to be able to recognize the blessings of the Lord and the wonder of God.

The power and goodness of God are used for the benefit if man. His great purpose is to help man make thier way back to His Presence. His love encompasses all of man kind and He wants all to have the blessings of eterenal life, though He also gives us all the ability to shoose for ourselves.

Always is there a chance to accept the way to come unot the Lord. He offers to every person a blessing of eternity with great joy and wonder if we accept His arm of mercy. All who come unto Christ can and will have eternal life and many wonderful blessings we cannot comprehend right now.

1 Nephi 1:13

"And as he read, saying: Wo, wo, unto Jerusalem, for I have sseen thine abominations! Yea, and many things did my father read concerning Jerusalme--that is should be destroyed, and the inhabitants thereof; many should perish by the sword, and many should be carried away captive into Babylon."

Twice sayint wo emphasises that there were serious problems in Jerusalem. The Lord sees all the sins and iniquities of every person and by the Spirit can the prophet be sent to either guide or warn those what need the chance to repent. Thee abominations done were serious and defiled the sacred house of God in Jerusalem. This is a sin that is awful to contemplate. The things that could have been done in the house of God would have been severe.

By the prose and word of the Lord jerusalem was destroyed and the pople inside either killed or carried captive into Babylon. Through the words of the prophets and the power of the Lord Jerusalem was destroyed and the sins of it were cleansed.

The people that were not destroyed witht he city were taken captive by those who overcame the land.. The king himself was taken as well and the words of the Lord came true as they always will.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

1 Nephi 1:12

"And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord."

As Lehi studied the words of the Lord he was filled with the Spirit of God, also known as the Holy Ghost. All of the known miracles of the scriptures to modern times are guided by the Holy Ghost as well as revelation received either personally or for a large group. Any priesthood activity or ordinance has to be done with the authority given by god through he Holy Ghost.

1 Nephi 1:11

"And they came down and went forth upon the face of the earth; and the first came and stood before my father, and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read." 

In Lehi's vision Jesus Christ, Himself, gave him a book that held the knowledge of what Jerusalem's sins were. By the power of the Spirit Lehi  saw Jesus Christ stand before him and the twelve witnesses standing behind him. They then commanded Lehi to read.

Through following the foot notes we see that this book  contained the sins and woes of the land and the iniquities of the people of Jerusalem. Lehi knew their transgressions and by this he would recognize the need to remove his family from the temptations and inevitable destruction of Jerusalem.

1 Nephi 1:10

"And he also saw twelve others following him, and their brightness did exceed that of the stars in the firmament." 

By twelve others who else could it be than the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ that came down also to bear record of the Savior. Their glory is compared to the stars  as their power comes from the Savior and they did not have all of the priesthood keys. The apostles are chosen to follow and share their testimonies of the Lord.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

1 Nephi 1:9


"And it came to pass that he saw one descending out of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his luster was above that of the Sun at noon-day."

The one descending with a "luster...above that of the sun at noon-day," is none other than Jesus Christ our Savior whom came to the earth for the purpose of saving all mankind. by the condescension of the Lord, we can choose to follow Him and gain eternal life or follow other paths. Jesus Christ condescended, or lowered himself, so that all may have the option to accept the Atonement.

By the expression of one having a luster brighter that noon sun it is saying His glory and power are beyond human comprehension. He is the Son of God and so His strength and power would be so great as to overpower the sun.

1 Nephi 1:8

"And being thus overcome with the Spirit, he was carried away in a vision, even that he saw the heavens open, and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in t he attitude of singing and praising their God."

While Lehi was exhausted by the Spirit he was able to see a vision that god sent to him. Because of this vision Lehi was able to get his family, in the future, safely away form Jerusalem, protecting them from the inevitable destruction of the city. This opened Lehi's eyes to see the glory of God and the blessings from the faith connected to it.

Lehi was one of many to see god on His throne and angels singing praises to the Lord. I personally believe that this is repeated so often as to remind us of the joy in praising the Lord. The heavens opening is also mentioned many times, much like the veil of forgetfulness and separation from God being taken away. Through the  opening of the heavens many prophets have seen God in visions. By the power of the Holy Ghost is this possible. As desire to know and understand opens the way for the Spirit to show great things.

This is much like catching glimpses of the eternities with which the angels sing praises of God and prophets and disciples stand on the right hand of God.