The word that stuck out to me in this chapter is LOOK. It’s used 8 times by the angel in the vision, asking Nephi to look closer, look deeper, keep looking. He’s basically asking Nephi to look for MORE so he can find Christ, His Savior, and truly live. Do we LOOK for more in our lives? Do we look closer at people, deeper into ourselves, so that can ultimate LOOK UP and recognize our Savior when He comes again?
I love the 3 things Nephi does in this chapter to get MORE from the Lord. He desires a further witness of his father’s words, he believes all that his father told him, and he ponders on the dream his father has. And because of these faithful actions, God gives him MORE. Do you seek MORE in life, or do you content yourself with a pot of porridge?
Nephi outlines the plan of salvation in this chapter and desires to know the truth about what his father revealed to them. He wanted a personal witness, and he gets it. Do we desire to know, and then work to seek our own revelation from God in our lives?
Nephi is commanded to make a duplicate record (like his father’s). He doesn’t understand why God wants him to do this, but He trusts that God must have a good reason. Do we have such trust in God, or do we complain, doubt and show a lack of faith when we don’t understand the answers to everything He asks us.
There are 5 groups of people that Lehi sees in his dream: Misters, Clingers, Mockers, Kneelers, & Feelers. Which one are you? How can you hold fast to the iron rod so you aren’t lost to forbidden paths as some of these groups were?
The second part of this chapter talks about the tree of life Lehi sees in his dream and the fruit that tastes more sweet and wonderful than any other fruit he has tasted. It is so glorious that he wants to share it with his family. We want to share good things in our life with those we love. Let’s learn more about what the tree and fruit represent.
Chapter 8 is MEATY, so I’ll break it into several posts. This one focuses on verses 1-10…about planting good seeds & overcoming darkness in our lives by seeking the Source of all light.
Being specific was the theme that touched me in this chapter. Nephi not only prayed for deliverance when he was bound, but he prayed specifically for power to break the ropes that bound him. Do we exercise faith to be specific in our prayers? This chapter also taught about anger and forgiveness. Anger leads to the Dark side, so frankly forgive.
These 2 chapters show how important it is for everyone to receive their own personal revelation. Asking God and searching out answers through prayer, scripture study, and pondering our lives. Chapter 6 also states clearly the purpose Nephi and the other ancient prophets wrote the Book of Mormon–to bring souls unto Christ.
Think of what we could do in our lives if we stopped setting limits for ourselves, and instead, trusted in God’s infinite power and possibilities. When Christ is with us, all things are possible. What can you do to have a better relationship with our Savior?
The theme I chose for this chapter is Faith to do. God usually stretches us beyond our comfort levels when He asks us to follow Him. Do we have the faith to follow Him, even when we fail and fail again? Do we keep getting up and trying again? How can you strengthen your faith to do what God asks you to do?
This chapter is packed full of awesome insights and lessons. Lehi was blessed not just because he had good desires, but because he acted on them. God blesses us when we act in faith.
