Jacob, Chapter 7

What is an antichrist?

An antichrist is someone who speaks out against Christ and his teachings.  1 John 4:4-6 reads, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (v. 4).  They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them (v. 5).  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error (v. 6).”  An antichrist is of the world, not of God.

“And now it came to pass after some years had passed away, there came a man among the people of Nephi, whose name was Sherem (v. 1).  And it came to pass that he began to preach among the people, and to declare unto them that there should be no Christ. And he preached many things which were flattering unto the people; and this he did that he might overthrow the doctrine of Christ (v. 2).”  Sherem was a good speaker and was flattering in his speech.  ”And he labored diligently that he might lead away the hearts of the people, insomuch that he did lead away many hearts; and he knowing that I, Jacob, had faith in Christ who should come, he sought much opportunity that he might come unto me (v. 3).  And he was learned, that he had a perfect knowledge of the language of the people; wherefore, he could use much flattery, and much power of speech, according to the power of the devil (v. 4).”  Sherem received this power over the people, from Satan.  ”And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken (v. 5).”  Jacob was not influenced by Sherem’s words.  Jacob was a man of faith with a strong testimony of the Savior.  God was the source of Jacob’s power.  Those most influenced by Sherem would have been those people of the world.  People who believed in God and Jesus Christ would not have been swayed by Sherem, but would have followed Jacob.

There are many today who lead people away from God, with words of flattery.  There are even leaders today, who have the gift of speech and are able to encourage people that evil is good and good is evil.  All of us can have the gift of discernment in our lives.  We have the opportunity to see through these words and make the choices that God would have us make.  I pray that more people will be willing to listen to the spirit and be influenced by God’s words and not by man.

The power of truth vs. the power of falsehood

Jacob continues, “And it came to pass that he came unto me, and on this wise did he speak unto me, saying: Brother Jacob, I have sought much opportunity that I might speak unto you; for I have heard and also know that thou goest about much, preaching that which ye call the gospel, or the doctrine of Christ (v. 6).  And ye have led away much of this people that they pervert the right way of God, and keep not the law of Moses which is the right way; and convert the law of Moses into the worship of a being which ye say shall come many hundred years hence. And now behold, I, Sherem, declare unto you that this is blasphemy; for no man knoweth of such things; for he cannot tell of things to come. And after this manner did Sherem contend against me (v. 7).”  Sherem wanted the people to follow the law of Moses, but did not think that they should believe in prophecy, especially that of Jesus Christ.

“But behold, the Lord God poured in his Spirit into my soul, insomuch that I did confound him in all his words (v. 8 ).  And I said unto him: Deniest thou the Christ who shall come? And he said: If there should be a Christ, I would not deny him; but I know that there is no Christ, neither has been, nor ever will be (v. 9).”  Sherem said that no one could know if Christ would come, but if you don’t know if he will come than you can not say that you know he will not come.  This is a common way for people to argue, but it is not logical and therefore could not be true to say.

“And I said unto him: Believest thou the scriptures? And he said, Yea (v. 10).  And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them; for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ (v. 11).”  The scriptures have always been included Christ and His gospel, because the prophets knew of Christ.  I find it interesting that Sherem could say he believed in the scriptures, but did not believe in prophecy.  The scriptures were from prophets who prophesied of things to come.

“And this is not all—it has been made manifest unto me, for I have heard and seen; and it also has been made manifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement made all mankind must be lost (v. 12).”  Jacob knows these things because the Holy Ghost bore witness to him of the truth of it, after he had prayed to know.  This is one of the many examples of how we should look for answers to our questions.

“And it came to pass that he said unto me: Show me a sign by this power of the Holy Ghost, in the which ye know so much (v. 13).”  Sherem wanted a sign so that he could know the truth of it.  Many people today will not believe unless they can see something, but we have to be people of faith.  That is the test of this life.

“And I said unto him: What am I that I should tempt God to show unto thee a sign in the thing which thou knowest to be true? Yet thou wilt deny it, because thou art of the devil. Nevertheless, not my will be done; but if God shall smite thee, let that be a sign unto thee that he has power, both in heaven and in earth; and also, that Christ shall come. And thy will, O Lord, be done, and not mine (v. 14).  And it came to pass that when I, Jacob, had spoken these words, the power of the Lord came upon him, insomuch that he fell to the earth. And it came to pass that he was nourished for the space of many days (v. 15).  And it came to pass that he said unto the people: Gather together on the morrow, for I shall die; wherefore, I desire to speak unto the people before I shall die (v. 16).  And it came to pass that on the morrow the multitude were gathered together; and he spake plainly unto them and denied the things which he had taught them, and confessed the Christ, and the power of the Holy Ghost, and the ministering of angels (v. 17).  And he spake plainly unto them, that he had been deceived by the power of the devil. And he spake of hell, and of eternity, and of eternal punishment (v. 18 ).  And he said: I fear lest I have committed the unpardonable sin, for I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ, and said that I believed the scriptures; and they truly testify of him. And because I have thus lied unto God I greatly fear lest my case shall be awful; but I confess unto God (v. 19).  And it came to pass that when he had said these words he could say no more, and he gave up the ghost (v. 20).”  God’s plan will not be stopped.  Sherem demanded proof of Christ and it was given to him.  Because of this choice he made to be someone without faith in the scriptures and in Christ, he feared that he would suffer eternally for it.  The most interesting thing about his confession is that he says he lied to God by denying Christ.

What’s wrong with asking for a sign?

When we say “prove it” we are saying convince me that what you say is true.  Sherem was saying “prove it” when he said “Show me a sign (v. 13)…”.  When he demanded a sign, he was given it at the expense of his life.  His life was taken and life is a blessing from God.  I know He would not take it lightly.  Asking Jacob for a sign was telling God that he, Sherem, expected God to convince him of the truth.  This seems like saying to God that you think He lies to you.  In D&C 63:8-12 we read, “Verily, I say unto you, there are those among you who seek signs, and there have been such even from the beginning (v. 8 ); But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe (v. 9).  Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God (v. 10).  Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God; and with whom God is angry he is not well pleased; wherefore, unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation (v. 11).  Wherefore, I, the Lord, am not pleased with those among you who have sought after signs and wonders for faith, and not for the good of men unto my glory (v. 12).”

How did the Nephites respond to Sherem’s experience?

We read in verse 3 that while leading the people away, he affected many of the people.  If our leaders today, who are leading the people away from God, admitted that they were wrong and were following Satan or feared their eternal damnation for denying Christ and the true gospel, I’m sure many would be shocked.

“And when the multitude had witnessed that he spake these things as he was about to give up the ghost, they were astonished exceedingly; insomuch that the power of God came down upon them, and they were overcome that they fell to the earth (v. 21).”  The multitude fell to the earth because of the witness they had just received.

“Now, this thing was pleasing unto me, Jacob, for I had requested it of my Father who was in heaven; for he had heard my cry and answered my prayer (v. 22).”  Jacob was pleased because he saw this experience as an answer to his prayers.

“And it came to pass that peace and the love of God was restored again among the people; and they searched the scriptures, and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked man (v. 23).”  This spiritual crisis led the people to turn to the word of God and feel His love and peace.  They were able to overcome Sherem’s teachings by searching the scriptures.  We can also turn to scriptures to avoid the deceptive teachings that are out there today.

“And it came to pass that many means were devised to reclaim and restore the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth; but it all was vain, for they delighted in wars and bloodshed, and they had an eternal hatred against us, their brethren. And they sought by the power of their arms to destroy us continually (v. 24).  Wherefore, the people of Nephi did fortify against them with their arms, and with all their might, trusting in the God and rock of their salvation; wherefore, they became as yet, conquerors of their enemies (v. 25).”  The Nephites were truly blessed by this experience.

What was Jacob’s life like?

“And it came to pass that I, Jacob, began to be old; and the record of this people being kept on the other plates of Nephi, wherefore, I conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a lonesome and a solemn people, wanderers, cast out from Jerusalem, born in tribulation, in a wilderness, and hated of our brethren, which caused wars and contentions; wherefore, we did mourn out our days (v. 26).”  The Nephites were lonesome, solemn, hated, and mournful people.  Often when we stand for what is right we can feel these things.  As I dealt with Prop 8 this last year, I felt these things.  I reflected a lot on my values and beliefs, I was hated among friends who I had loved for several years, and I mourned for the loss of friendships and for the future of those who stand against the principles of the gospel.  The thing that I have done about this is stand strong in the gospel.  I have searched the scriptures harder for strength.  I have let those friends go, but not without putting my testimony out there for them.  I have tried my best to keep them in my thoughts and prayers, that their hearts might be softened to the promptings of the spirit.  And I have not let it get me down, because I know that I am choosing the right and that I will be blessed for my faith.

In Alma we read Ammon’s words, “Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land (26:36).”  I am so grateful for all that God has given me, including the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.  Jacob had a hard life.  But through all his difficult challenges, he remained faithful and he listened to the words of his brother Nephi, who was the prophet.  He looked for the truth in the scriptures and prayed for his testimony to be strengthened, which it was.  Jacob is a wonderful example to me.

 

Jacob, Chapter 6

Jacob’s Testimony

“And now, behold, my brethren, as I said unto you that I would prophesy, behold, this is my prophecy—that the things which this prophet Zenos spake, concerning the house of Israel, in the which he likened them unto a tame olive-tree, must surely come to pass (v. 1).  And the day that he shall set his hand again the second time to recover his people, is the day, yea, even the last time, that the servants of the Lord shall go forth in his power, to nourish and prune his vineyard; and after that the end soon cometh (v. 2).  And how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard; and how cursed are they who shall be cast out into their own place! And the world shall be burned with fire (v. 3).  And how merciful is our God unto us, for he remembereth the house of Israel, both roots and branches; and he stretches forth his hands unto them all the day long; and they are a stiffnecked and a gainsaying people; but as many as will not harden their hearts shall be saved in the kingdom of God (v. 4).  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts (v. 5).  Yea, today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts; for why will ye die (v. 6)?”

Jacob bore his testimony of the truthfulness of Zenos’ words.  He wanted his family to repent and turn to God, so that they would be saved.  We can help the missionary effort to gather the house of Israel.  If we repent, accepting the savior’s atonement in our lives, and continue to choose the right, we will be blessed with the spirit.  We will be able to help others as the spirit guides our daily lives.

Can you feel your Savior’s love?

The Savior is loving and will always be there for us when we are ready to accept Him.  We are asked to repent, come with full purpose of heart, cleave unto God, and harden not our hearts (see above v. 4-5).  In order to cleave unto God, we must know him.  This means we must read the scriptures and listen to the prophet’s words today, so that we will know what he has asked of us and all that he has already done for us and will do for us.  ”For behold, after ye have been nourished by the good word of God all the day long, will ye bring forth evil fruit, that ye must be hewn down and cast into the fire (v. 7)?”  The answer is no.

I love the words of verse 12, which reads, “O be wise; what can I say more?”  The allegory that Zenos tells, is the plan of God for the Savior to help us gain salvation.  It may be harder to understand the allegory than it is for those who garden/farm, which many did in the days of Zenos, but the lessons it teaches us are as plain as they were at that time.  God and the Savior love us and will do all they can to help us find our way back to them, because “it grieveth [them] that [they] should loose [us]“.

One of my favorite songs sums up my feelings pretty well.  ”I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook) by K. Newell Dayley

I feel my Savior’s love / In all the world around me. / His Spirit warms my soul / Through everything I see.

I feel my Savior’s love; / Its gentleness enfolds me, / And when I kneel to pray, / My heart is filled with peace.

I feel my Savior’s love / And know that he will bless me. / I offer him my heart; / My shepherd he will be.

Chorus:

He knows I will follow him, / Give all my life to him. / I feel my Savior’s love, / The love he freely gives me.

Jacob, Chapter 5

Who was Zenos?

“Behold, my brethren, do ye not remember to have read the words of the prophet Zenos, which he spake unto the house of Israel, saying (v. 1):”  This chapter quotes the words of the prophet Zenos. In Helaman 8:19 we read, “And now I would that ye should know, that even since the days of Abraham there have been many prophets that have testified these things; yea, behold, the prophet Zenos did testify boldly; for the which he was slain.”  Zenos gave his life to prophesy of Christ.

What do the symbols represent?

The chapter heading starts, “Jacob quotes Zenos relative to the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees—”.  An allegory is like a parable, which is a comparison of gospel truths with material things that we may be able to understand better.  This allegory uses tame and wild olive trees to make the comparison.  The heading continues, “They are a likeness of Israel and the gentiles—The scattering and gathering of Israel are prefigured—Allusions are made to the Nephites and Lamanites and all the house of Israel—Gentiles shall be grafted into Israel—”.  The four groups of people mentioned are the Israelites, Gentiles, Nephites, and Lamanites and it deals with the scattering and gathering of Israel.

“For behold, thus saith the Lord, I will liken thee, O house of aIsrael, like unto a tame olive-tree, which a man took and nourished in his vineyard; and it grew, and waxed old, and began to decay (v. 3).  The tame olive tree is the House of Israel, the vineyard is the world, the master of the vineyard is the Lord, Jesus Christ, and the decay is wickedness or apostasy of Israel (footnote 3d).

“And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard went forth, and he saw that his olive-tree began to decay; and he said: I will prune it, and dig about it, and nourish it, that perhaps it may shoot forth young and tender branches, and it perish not (v. 4).”   The servants of the Lord would actually be doing the pruning and such.  The servants are the prophets and the pruning, digging and nourishing is the mission of the prophets (footnote 4a).  The branches are all the groups of people in the world.  

“And it came to pass that he pruned it, and digged about it, and nourished it according to his word (v. 5).  And it came to pass that after many days it began to put forth somewhat a little, young and tender branches; but behold, the main top thereof began to perish (v. 6).  And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard saw it, and he said unto his servant: It grieveth me that I should lose this tree; wherefore, go and pluck the branches from a wild olive-tree, and bring them hither unto me; and we will pluck off those main branches which are beginning to wither away, and we will cast them into the fire that they may be burned (v. 7).”  The wild olive-tree is the Gentiles (footnote 10a).

“And behold, saith the Lord of the vineyard, I take away many of these young and tender branches, and I will graft them whithersoever I will; and it mattereth not that if it so be that the root of this tree will perish, I may preserve the fruit thereof unto myself; wherefore, I will take these young and tender branches, and I will graft them whithersoever I will (v. 8 ).”  The fruit is the work of men.  

“Take thou the branches of the wild olive-tree, and graft them in, in the stead thereof; and these which I have plucked off I will cast into the fire and burn them, that they may not cumber the ground of my vineyard (v. 9).  And it came to pass that the servant of the Lord of the vineyard did according to the word of the Lord of the vineyard, and grafted in the branches of the wild olive-tree (v. 10).  And the Lord of the vineyard caused that it should be digged about, and pruned, and nourished, saying unto his servant: It grieveth me that I should lose this tree; wherefore, that perhaps I might preserve the roots thereof that they perish not, that I might preserve them unto myself, I have done this thing (v. 11).  Wherefore, go thy way; watch the tree, and nourish it, according to my words (v. 12).”

My daughter loves to pick roses off of rose bushes.  She brings them to me and tells me she will make it grow.  I have to explain to her that the rose will not grow without its roots.  We talk about the rose needing soil, water and sunlight so it has to stay connected to the rose bush in order for it to continue to grow.  Some plants (maybe all, but I don’t know) can have their branches grafted back onto the tree and they will still grow.

When we talk about pruning the decaying branches of the house of Israel, it is talking about the destruction of Israel because of their wickedness.  The young and tender branches that grew were those who were more righteous.  I imagine those people who have just been baptized and are so excited to learn, but are so young in the gospel.  Grafting the branches is moving groups of people from one area to another, for their improvement.  The Lord has moved his people many times over the history of this world (i.e. the children of Israel from Egypt to the promised land, the family of Lehi from Jerusalem to the promised land, the saints from the East to Ohio to Missouri to Illinois and then finally to Utah).  The roots that the master wants to preserve are the places that we, the people, get our nourishment from.  I think that it is the gospel of Christ.  We become stronger and more nourished by taking all that we can from the gospel of Christ.

Zenos’ allegory

This allegory has 4 visits by the master.  The first visit represents the time before Christ was on the Earth.  In this time the master sees that the tame olive tree is decaying (v. 3-4).  To take care of the tree, the master prunes, nourishes and grafts the tree.  The grafting in of branches is the Lord bringing Gentiles into the House of Israel.  ”And these will I place in the nethermost part of my vineyard, whithersoever I will, it mattereth not unto thee; and I do it that I may preserve unto myself the natural branches of the tree; and also, that I may lay up fruit thereof against the season, unto myself; for it grieveth me that I should lose this tree and the fruit thereof (v. 13).  And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard went his way, and hid the natural branches of the tame olive-tree in the nethermost parts of the vineyard, some in one and some in another, according to his will and pleasure (v. 14).”  The Lord scattered Israel throughout the world.

The second visit represents the time that Christ was on the Earth.  ”And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard looked and beheld the tree in the which the wild olive branches had been grafted; and it had sprung forth and begun to bear fruit. And he beheld that it was good; and the fruit thereof was like unto the natural fruit (v. 17).”  The wild branches that had been grafted into the tame Olive tree, were producing good fruit that was just like the natural fruit.

“And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Come, let us go to the nethermost part of the vineyard, and behold if the natural branches of the tree have not brought forth much fruit also, that I may lay up of the fruit thereof against the season, unto mine own self (v. 19).  And it came to pass that they went forth whither the master had hid the natural branches of the tree, and he said unto the servant: Behold these; and he beheld the first that it had brought forth much fruit; and he beheld also that it was good. And he said unto the servant: Take of the fruit thereof, and lay it up against the season, that I may preserve it unto mine own self; for behold, said he, this long time have I nourished it, and it hath brought forth much fruit (v. 20).  And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: How comest thou hither to plant this tree, or this branch of the tree? For behold, it was the poorest spot in all the land of thy vineyard (v. 21).  And the Lord of the vineyard said unto him: Counsel me not; I knew that it was a poor spot of ground; wherefore, I said unto thee, I have nourished it this long time, and thou beholdest that it hath brought forth much fruit (v. 22).  And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant: Look hither; behold I have planted another branch of the tree also; and thou knowest that this spot of ground was poorer than the first. But, behold the tree. I have nourished it this long time, and it hath brought forth much fruit; therefore, gather it, and lay it up against the season, that I may preserve it unto mine own self (v. 23).  And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said again unto his servant: Look hither, and behold another branch also, which I have planted; behold that I have nourished it also, and it hath brought forth fruit (v. 24).  And he said unto the servant: Look hither and behold the last. Behold, this have I planted in a good spot of ground; and I have nourished it this long time, and only a part of the tree hath brought forth tame fruit, and the other part of the tree hath brought forth wild fruit; behold, I have nourished this tree like unto the others (v. 25).”  The natural branches produced fruit as well and most was good, but some was wild.  We know that one branch of the house of Israel was Lehi’s family and they were taken from Israel and moved to the Americas near the time of the Savior.  They were planted on good soil (the promised land) and yet when the Savior was on the earth, this branch was producing some good works and some bad works (Nephites and Lamanites).

The third time the master visits represents the time of the Apostasy.  ”And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard and the servant went down into the vineyard; and they came to the tree whose natural branches had been broken off, and the wild branches had been grafted in; and behold all sorts of fruit did cumber the tree (v. 30).  And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard did taste of the fruit, every sort according to its number. And the Lord of the vineyard said: Behold, this long time have we nourished this tree, and I have laid up unto myself against the season much fruit (v. 31).  But behold, this time it hath brought forth much fruit, and there is none of it which is good. And behold, there are all kinds of bad fruit; and it profiteth me nothing, notwithstanding all our labor; and now it grieveth me that I should lose this tree (v. 32).”  This time the tame tree had produced bad fruit.

“And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: What shall we do unto the tree, that I may preserve again good fruit thereof unto mine own self (v. 33)?  And the servant said unto his master: Behold, because thou didst graft in the branches of the wild olive-tree they have nourished the roots, that they are alive and they have not perished; wherefore thou beholdest that they are yet good (v. 34).  And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant: The tree profiteth me nothing, and the roots thereof profit me nothing so long as it shall bring forth evil fruit (v. 35).  Nevertheless, I know that the roots are good, and for mine own purpose I have preserved them; and because of their much strength they have hitherto brought forth, from the wild branches, good fruit (v. 36).”  The roots were still good, just as the gospel is still good.

“And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant: Let us go down into the nethermost parts of the vineyard, and behold if the natural branches have also brought forth evil fruit (v. 38).  And it came to pass that they went down into the nethermost parts of the vineyard. And it came to pass that they beheld that the fruit of the natural branches had become corrupt also; yea, the first and the second and also the last; and they had all become corrupt (v. 39).”  All of the branches became corrupt, just as all the world became corrupt during the time of the apostasy.  ”And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept (v. 41)…”.  The Lord wept for the wickedness of the world during this time.

“But, behold, the servant said unto the Lord of the vineyard: Spare it a little longer (v. 50).  And the Lord said: Yea, I will spare it a little longer, for it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard (v. 51).  Wherefore, let us take of the branches of these which I have planted in the nethermost parts of my vineyard, and let us graft them into the tree from whence they came; and let us pluck from the tree those branches whose fruit is most bitter, and graft in the natural branches of the tree in the stead thereof (v. 52).  And this will I do that the tree may not perish, that, perhaps, I may preserve unto myself the roots thereof for mine own purpose (v. 53).  And, behold, the roots of the natural branches of the tree which I planted whithersoever I would are yet alive; wherefore, that I may preserve them also for mine own purpose, I will take of the branches of this tree, and I will graft them in unto them. Yea, I will graft in unto them the branches of their mother tree, that I may preserve the roots also unto mine own self, that when they shall be sufficiently strong perhaps they may bring forth good fruit unto me, and I may yet have glory in the fruit of my vineyard (v. 54).  And it came to pass that they took from the natural tree which had become wild, and grafted in unto the natural trees, which also had become wild (v. 55).  And they also took of the natural trees which had become wild, and grafted into their mother tree (v. 56).  And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Pluck not the wild branches from the trees, save it be those which are most bitter; and in them ye shall graft according to that which I have said (v. 57).  And we will nourish again the trees of the vineyard, and we will trim up the branches thereof; and we will pluck from the trees those branches which are ripened, that must perish, and cast them into the fire (v. 58 ).  And this I do that, perhaps, the roots thereof may take strength because of their goodness; and because of the change of the branches, that the good may overcome the evil (v. 59).  And because that I have preserved the natural branches and the roots thereof, and that I have grafted in the natural branches again into their mother tree, and have preserved the roots of their mother tree, that, perhaps, the trees of my vineyard may bring forth again good fruit; and that I may have joy again in the fruit of my vineyard, and, perhaps, that I may rejoice exceedingly that I have preserved the roots and the branches of the first fruit (v. 60)—”  The Lord returned the branches to their original tree and got rid of the dead branches.  Then he nourished the trees.

The fourth visit of the master of the vineyard represents the last days, which we are in now.  This is the last attempt to save the trees and so the Lord knows the servant (the prophet) cannot do it alone.  ”Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit (v. 61).”  The prophet called other servants to help in the work.  ”And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant; and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and brought other servants; and they were few (v. 70).”  These servants are the missionaries and members who are willing to serve.  They are preparing for the Millennium (footnote 61c).

“And as they begin to grow ye shall clear away the branches which bring forth bitter fruit, according to the strength of the good and the size thereof; and ye shall not clear away the bad thereof all at once, lest the roots thereof should be too strong for the graft, and the graft thereof shall perish, and I lose the trees of my vineyard (v. 65).  For it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard; wherefore ye shall clear away the bad according as the good shall grow, that the root and the top may be equal in strength, until the good shall overcome the bad, and the bad be hewn down and cast into the fire, that they cumber not the ground of my vineyard; and thus will I sweep away the bad out of my vineyard (v. 66).”  The bad branches will eventually be cast into the fire.

“And when the time cometh that evil fruit shall again come into my vineyard, then will I cause the good and the bad to be gathered; and the good will I preserve unto myself, and the bad will I cast away into its own place. And then cometh the season and the end; and my vineyard will I cause to be burned with fire (v. 77).”  Eventually the fruit will all be gathered and the good fruit will be preserved, while the bad fruit and the vineyard will be burned with fire.  I know the good will be saved and the world will be burned so that all the evil will be destroyed.

The servants work and the trees begin to have good fruit again and become strong. “And it came to pass that when the Lord of the vineyard saw that his fruit was good, and that his vineyard was no more corrupt, he called up his servants, and said unto them: Behold, for this last time have we nourished my vineyard; and thou beholdest that I have done according to my will; and I have preserved the natural fruit, that it is good, even like as it was in the beginning. And blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the natural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard (v. 75).”  The servants would be blessed for their service to the Lord.

We cause the Lord to grieve when we produce bad fruits.  ”…It grieveth me that I should lose this tree (v. 7)…”.  ”…It grieveth me that I should lose this tree (v. 11)…”.  ”…and now it grieveth me that I should lose this tree (v. 32).”  ”…and it grieveth me that I should lose them (v. 46).”   “…for it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard (v. 51).”  ”For it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard (v. 66)…”  He truly cares about us and even after giving all he has, he still gives us the chance to change when we do wrong.  We will have until that last day, to produce good fruit, but if we do not, he cannot save us.

Jacob, Chapter 4

Why should you keep a journal?

I keep a journal for multiple reasons.  First, we’ve been told to keep records of important spiritual things that happen in our lives.  Second, I do not have the memory I had before having children.  I find that if I keep a journal I can remember so much more of my life.  There are many things I could write about.  I like to have a diary of the regular daytime activities and then a journal where I write how I have been inspired, what special things my daughters have done, what experiences I have that I learn life lessons from, what trials I go through and how they resolve, etc.  I heard recently that after 3 generations you are forgotten, so I hope that maybe my journals will help my posterity to know what I was like.

“Now behold, it came to pass that I, Jacob, having ministered much unto my people in word, (and I cannot write but a little of my words, because of the difficulty of engraving our words upon plates) and we know that the things which we write upon plates must remain (v. 1); But whatsoever things we write upon anything save it be upon plates must perish and vanish away; but we can write a few words upon plates, which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers (v. 2)—Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts, and look upon them that they may learn with joy and not with sorrow, neither with contempt, concerning their first parents (v. 3).”  I could not even imagine having to engrave my journal upon plates.  It was time consuming and difficult, so naturally what is included in the scriptures is what was the most important things for us to read.  I love writing in my journals and I hope that my family will enjoy seeing them someday.

How to gain unshakable faith

Thinking of the miracles that the Savior did, such as calming the sea, I asked myself if I thought I could do this.  I believe that if I was in the right spirit and it was what God would want me to do than I could.  I have learned that I can do the things the Lord wants me to do, but I need to continue to work on hearing the promptings of the spirit.

“For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us (v. 4).  Jacob wanted his family to know that they believed in Jesus Christ.  

“Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son (v. 5).”  The Nephites kept the law of Moses because they worshiped Christ and God so they obeyed his laws.  Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses and now we follow the gospel which has been restored in its fullness to the earth.

“Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea (v. 6).”  The Nephites followed the prophets of old and gained personal revelations from God.  It we do this as well, we can have this promise that we could calm the seas in the name of Jesus.  We have many witnesses of the truth of the gospel.  Some include the witnesses to the Book of Mormon.  We also have the general authorities who share their witness of the truthfulness of the gospel.  We also have our own personal revelation which is a witness from the Holy Ghost to our hearts of the truth.  The more we read the witnesses of the prophets found in the scriptures, we can have a stronger faith in their witness.  I think that if I was unmovable in the faith, I could do many miracles.  ”Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things (v. 7).

What does it mean to counsel the Lord?

“Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works (v. 10).”  I think when I read this that to “counsel the Lord” means to bargain or haggle with the Lord. We should follow the Lord’s counsel because “the Lord God showeth us our weakness (v. 7)”, “great and marvelous are the works of the Lord (v. 8 )”, “it is impossible that man should find out all his ways (v. 8 )”, and “By the power of his word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the power of his word (v. 9).”  The Lord truly knows what is best for us.  If we have been inspired by the spirit, then we should do that thing and not the things that come from our own understanding.

Where did the actions of the Jews lead them?

I think “looking beyond the mark” means looking pass the thing that we should be targeting or understanding.  We often look beyond the mark when it comes to the savior.  He is there for us all the time, to help us and to show us the path to God.  Often times we look right passed him to other “authorities” or idols and we use them as the examples of the path we should take.

“But behold, the Jews were a stiffnecked people; and they despised the words of plainness, and killed the prophets, and sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall; for God hath taken away his plainness from them, and delivered unto them many things which they cannot understand, because they desired it. And because they desired it God hath done it, that they may stumble (v. 14).”  The Jews wanted the mysteries of God and not the simple truths of the Gospel.  We learn from the examples in the scriptures that if you ask God for some things many times, He will give them to you even when they may not be what is best for you.  He does this so that we can learn from our mistakes.  The Jews were given the mysteries, but without understanding the simple gospel, they are a stumbling block to their knowledge.

“And now I, Jacob, am led on by the Spirit unto prophesying; for I perceive by the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that by the stumbling of the Jews they will reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation (v. 15).  But behold, according to the scriptures, this stone shall become the great, and the last, and the only sure foundation, upon which the Jews can build (v. 16).  And now, my beloved, how is it possible that these, after having rejected the sure foundation, can ever build upon it, that it may become the head of their corner (v. 17)?”  We have seen that the Jews of old until today, have focused on the rituals of life, but they have missed the most important part of God’s plan, which is the gift of the Savior and His atonement.  We need to believe in Christ and use the atonement in our lives.  This is how we can build on the safe and sure foundation.

Jacob, Chapter 3

The blessings of being “pure in heart”?

In Psalms 24:3-4 we read, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place (v. 3)?  He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully (v. 4).”  The things we do with our hands cause them to be dirty and the things we feel (and think) with our heart cause it to be dirty.  Bad thought precede bad actions.  If we have a clean hand and pure heart we will be able to be with God again.

“But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction (v. 1).  O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever (v. 2).”  In addition, Jacob promises those who have a pure heart will have the Lords consolation.  The Lord will help us by stopping those who try to stop us from doing what is right.  To have a pure heart, we must gain control over our bodies.  I think that is a major purpose for this life; learning self-control.

The greatest feast ever

The thing I can associate closest to a feast is family holiday dinners.  My favorite food at big family meals is cherry jello, but all the food is usually really good.  I think that a regular meal is one that has a main dish, a side and maybe some bread (Actually in our house, a regular meal is just a main dish), and a feast is one where you have your choice of main dishes, sides, breads, desserts and more.

Jacob invites us to “feast upon [God's] love” (v. 2).  I cannot truly imagine what it would feel like to have the Savior’s arms around me.  ”What would you be willing to do to have that experience?”  I want more than anything to have this experience.  ”What must we do before we can feast upon Christ’s love?”  We have to come to know Him, by following his commandments.

The importance of families

“Behold, the Lamanites your brethren, whom ye hate because of their filthiness and the cursing which hath come upon their skins, are more righteous than you; for they have not forgotten the commandment of the Lord, which was given unto our father—that they should have save it were one wife, and concubines they should have none, and there should not be whoredoms committed among them (v. 5).”  The Nephites thought the Lamanites were filthy.  This just goes to show us that pride can truly stop us from being perfected.  The Nephites had been righteous, but their pride stopped them from seeing that they were not being righteous, but the Lamanites were.

“And now, this commandment they observe to keep; wherefore, because of this observance, in keeping this commandment, the Lord God will not destroy them, but will be merciful unto them; and one day they shall become a blessed people (v. 6).  Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children; and their unbelief and their hatred towards you is because of the iniquity of their fathers; wherefore, how much better are you than they, in the sight of your great Creator (v. 7)?  O my brethren, I fear that unless ye shall repent of your sins that their skins will be whiter than yours, when ye shall be brought with them before the throne of God (v. 8 ).”  The Nephites were filthier than the Nephites for this sin.

“Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, which is the word of God, that ye revile no more against them because of the darkness of their skins; neither shall ye revile against them because of their filthiness; but ye shall remember your own filthiness, and remember that their filthiness came because of their fathers (v. 9).  Wherefore, ye shall remember your children, how that ye have grieved their hearts because of the example that ye have set before them; and also, remember that ye may, because of your filthiness, bring your children unto destruction, and their sins be heaped upon your heads at the last day (v. 10).”  The children of the Nephites would be destroyed if they set a bad example.

I love my husband.  I am so glad that I don’t have to share him with other women.  I try to show my children how much I love their father, by my actions and words.  I hope that they can see my example and that they learn from it.

How does the prophet help us repent?

(See verses 9-10 above) “O my brethren, hearken unto my words; arouse the faculties of your souls; shake yourselves that ye may awake from the slumber of death; and loose yourselves from the pains of hell that ye may not become angels to the devil, to be cast into that lake of fire and brimstone which is the second death (v. 11).  And now I, Jacob, spake many more things unto the people of Nephi, warning them against fornication and lasciviousness, and every kind of sin, telling them the awful consequences of them (v. 12).”

The Nephites were guilty of hating the Lamanites and judging them for their fathers’ mistakes, setting bad examples for their children, fornication and lasciviousness.  Why do prophets clearly identify the sins of their people?  Because when it comes to following the commandments of God, it needs to be “black-and-white”.  There can’t be any “gray” areas where we can justify sin.  When the prophet tells us what sins we must avoid, we can do our own checklist and see where we are.  If there is one that we are having a problem with then we can work on it.  I love the quote referenced in the manual, “The more I see of life, the more I am convinced that we must impress you young people with the awfulness of sin rather than to content ourselves with merely teaching the way of repentance. (Harold B. Lee)”  It is better not to sin than to repent for our sins, although repenting will erase the sin from our eternal “record”.

I am excited for General Conference, which is in a couple weeks.  It is always wonderful to hear the general authorities and the Prophet speak.  I hope to be prepared for the spirit to witness to me the things that I need to work on in my life.

Jacob, Chapter 2

Why must prophets always declare the truth, even when it is difficult?

It’s hard to tell others what they need to hear, because it often reminds them that they are not choosing the right.  You don’t want to hurt others feelings or have them take offense to what you say to them.  I’ve asked friends and family to stop doing certain things, and the response is typically a bit defensive.  As a counselor in Relief Society, I have the opportunity to teach the sisters.  I am a direct person when it comes to telling them what is right or wrong and I know that it is sometimes received with a defensive attitude, because they may not realize that I say it out of love for them.  I also am continually applying what I teach to my own life and the faults that I have.  Telling them is definitely a difficult thing to do.

“Now, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, according to the responsibility which I am under to God, to magnify mine office with soberness, and that I might rid my garments of your sins, I come up into the temple this day that I might declare unto you the word of God (v. 2).  And ye yourselves know that I have hitherto been diligent in the office of my calling; but I this day am weighed down with much more desire and anxiety for the welfare of your souls than I have hitherto been (v. 3).  For behold, as yet, ye have been obedient unto the word of the Lord, which I have given unto you (v. 4).  But behold, hearken ye unto me, and know that by the help of the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth I can tell you concerning your thoughts, how that ye are beginning to labor in sin, which sin appeareth very abominable unto me, yea, and abominable unto God (v. 5).”  As we learned in the last chapter, the people of Nephi had started to become a sinful people.  It was his responsibility as the one with charge over them, to tell them that they needed to repent of their sins.

“Yea, it grieveth my soul and causeth me to shrink with shame before the presence of my Maker, that I must testify unto you concerning the wickedness of your hearts (v. 6).  And also it grieveth me that I must use so much boldness of speech concerning you, before your wives and your children, many of whose feelings are exceedingly tender and chaste and delicate before God, which thing is pleasing unto God (v. 7);”  This was hard for Jacob because he did not want to shame his people in front of their families.

“But, notwithstanding the greatness of the task, I must do according to the strict commands of God, and tell you concerning your wickedness and abominations, in the presence of the pure in heart, and the broken heart, and under the glance of the piercing eye of the Almighty God (v. 10).  Wherefore, I must tell you the truth according to the plainness of the word of God. For behold, as I inquired of the Lord, thus came the word unto me, saying: Jacob, get thou up into the temple on the morrow, and declare the word which I shall give thee unto this people (v. 11).”  Jacob had been given a commandment to tell the people to repent, and so he did it even though it was difficult.  In Jacob 1:19 he also wrote that it was his responsibility because of his calling, and if he did not tell them to repent, “their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.”

I know that I have a stewardship over the sisters in my Relief Society and if I do not help them to learn, then I will not be found spotless at the last day as well.  This is why I am trying hard to follow the inspirations of the spirit in what topics to discuss and teach.  I hope that I can magnify my callings the way the Jacob did.

Is being wealthy bad?

“And now behold, my brethren, this is the word which I declare unto you, that many of you have begun to search for gold, and for silver, and for all manner of precious ores, in the which this land, which is a land of promise unto you and to your seed, doth abound most plentifully (v. 12).  And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly, that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are lifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they (v. 13).”  The blessings of wealth are given to us by “the hand of providence”.  God gives us all that we have in this life.  However, we can fall into pride if we misunderstand the purposes of wealth.

“And now, my brethren, do ye suppose that God justifieth you in this thing? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. But he condemneth you, and if ye persist in these things his judgments must speedily come unto you (v. 14).  O that he would show you that he can pierce you, and with one glance of his eye he can smite you to the dust (v. 15)!  O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomination. And, O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls (v. 16)!”  Those who refuse to share their wealth, will be destroyed.

“Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you (v. 17).  But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God (v. 18).”  We need to have a testimony of God and be living the gospel before we seek riches.  If we do, all of our reasons will be just and we will want to share what we have with others.

“And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted (v. 19).”  We are asked to share and serve others with our wealth.  I think that Jacob uses the word “if” here because we are not told to seek riches.  We may, if our purpose is to use them for good.  Some who have found the gospel may not seek for riches because they have no need for them.  Some may find them a temptation that they should avoid.  We should only seek for them if we know that we will use them to further the work of the Lord by doing good.

What is so wrong with being proud?

The Lord gives us a warning in D&C 38:39 which reads, “And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.”  The Lord willing gives us wealth, but we need to “beware of pride”.  I think pride begins when we stop asking and thanking the Lord for what we have, and start thinking we can get things by ourselves, for ourselves.  The manual says that pride is enmity toward God and our fellowmen.  I don’t think I thought of pride as a hatred or opposition towards God and others, but I guess if you don’t love them enough to share with others and give credit where it’s due, then their must a certain amount of opposition and even hatred.  Pride is seeking for my will to be done not the Lord’s will.

“And now, my brethren, I have spoken unto you concerning pride; and those of you which have afflicted your neighbor, and persecuted him because ye were proud in your hearts, of the things which God hath given you, what say ye of it (v. 20)?  Do ye not suppose that such things are abominable unto him who created all flesh? And the one being is as precious in his sight as the other. And all flesh is of the dust; and for the selfsame end hath he created them, that they should keep his commandments and glorify him forever (v. 21).”  We have pride when we think that we are above any other person, because God looks at us as equals.  ”Abominable” is mean or evil.  ”Do ye not suppose that such things are evil unto him who created all flesh?”  Pride is evil to the Lord.

How do we overcome pride?  I think we need to be grateful and give service to others.  In Alma 7:23 we read, “And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.”  The cure for pride is to be humble.  We can become more humble by serving others.  If we are constantly thinking of others, we are not focusing on ourselves.

Why stay morally clean?

“And now I make an end of speaking unto you concerning this pride. And were it not that I must speak unto you concerning a grosser crime, my heart would rejoice exceedingly because of you (v. 22).”  What is then the “grosser crime”?

“But the word of God burdens me because of your grosser crimes. For behold, thus saith the Lord: This people begin to wax in iniquity; they understand not the scriptures, for they seek to excuse themselves in committing whoredoms, because of the things which were written concerning David, and Solomon his son (v. 23).  Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord (v. 24).  Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph (v. 25).  Wherefore, I the Lord God will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old (v.26).  Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none (v. 27);”  The grosser crime was having multiple wives or concubines.

“For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts (v. 28 ).  Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes (v. 29).  For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things (v. 30).  For behold, I, the Lord, have seen the sorrow, and heard the mourning of the daughters of my people in the land of Jerusalem, yea, and in all the lands of my people, because of the wickedness and abominations of their husbands (v. 31).  And I will not suffer, saith the Lord of Hosts, that the cries of the fair daughters of this people, which I have led out of the land of Jerusalem, shall come up unto me against the men of my people, saith the Lord of Hosts (v. 32).  For they shall not lead away captive the daughters of my people because of their tenderness, save I shall visit them with a sore curse, even unto destruction; for they shall not commit whoredoms, like unto them of old, saith the Lord of Hosts (v. 33).”

The world seems to delight in the demoralization of women.  The world enjoys seeing women dress immodestly and participate in immoral acts.  Where we learn from verse 28 that the Lord delights in the chastity of women.  If the Nephites were to disobey they would bring a curse upon the land and upon themselves “even unto destructions”.  The Nephites have already caused sorrow and mourning by their sins.  This is something that the Lord did not want to continue.  Today, people do not realize that their selfish acts of immoral behavior hurts not only themselves, but many others around them.

The manual says to ask your family how they would feel if someone painted graffiti on the temple.  This is an interesting question that we have had to face to a certain degree lately.  Many people want the world to be okay with specific immoral actions and so when we stood up for what we believed as a church and voted yes on Prop 8 to protect marriage, those people were mad at us.  They decided the best thing to do was to deface the walls surrounding our temple.  My heart hurt to see people trying to hurt part of the temple grounds.  I felt like it was a personal attack on me and it made me sad, really sad.  In 1 Corinthians 6:19 we read, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”  Our bodies are temples as well and to defile them with immoral acts makes the Lord truly sad.  Since being married and making sacred covenants with the Lord, I have gained a greater understanding of the value of my body as a temple.  It makes me sad to see what others are willing to do to a gift they have been given by God.  When we behave immorally, we defile that gift which God has given us.

Jacob, Chapter 1

Can you write a scripture?

It would be difficult to write scripture because it has to be words from the spirit, that are meant for everyone.  Sometimes it is hard to write in a journal because I think that I wouldn’t want everyone to be able to read my thoughts.  Some of the scriptures seems like a journal of the prophets, while others are strictly gospel from the Lord.

“FOR behold, it came to pass that fifty and five years had passed away from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem; wherefore, Nephi gave me, Jacob, a commandment concerning the small plates, upon which these things are engraven (v. 1).  And he gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write upon these plates a few of the things which I considered to be most precious; that I should not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history of this people which are called the people of Nephi (v. 2).  For he said that the history of his people should be engraven upon his other plates, and that I should preserve these plates and hand them down unto my seed, from generation to generation (v. 3).  And if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I should engraven the heads of them upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ’s sake, and for the sake of our people (v. 4).”

Nephi wanted Jacob to continue writing on the plates.  If I was Jacob, I would feel inadequate for the task at hand.  But like any calling we receive, we are willing to do what we have been asked because we know God will help us.  Jacob was told to write sacred preaching and revelations on the small plates. “Engraven the heads of them” means to only include the most important things that are said (footnote 4b).  These plates were for “the sake of our people”, meaning the descendants of their family and ultimately everyone seeking Christ.

What did the Nephites know about Jesus Christ?

This chapter discusses a time around 544 B.C. meaning 544 years before Christ.  All that the Nephites knew of Jesus Christ, was what had been prophesied of His coming and His purpose.  ”And we also had many revelations, and the spirit of much prophecy; wherefore, we knew of Christ and his kingdom, which should come (v. 6).”  There were two reasons for the revelations they received.  ”For because of faith and great anxiety, it truly had been made manifest unto us concerning our people, what things should happen unto them (v. 5).”  Faith and great anxiety led the prophets to have these revelations.

“Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest, lest by any means he should swear in his wrath they should not enter in, as in the provocation in the days of temptation while the children of Israel were in the wilderness (v. 7).  Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world; wherefore, I, Jacob, take it upon me to fulfil the commandment of my brother Nephi (v. 8 ).”  Jacob wanted his people to come unto Christ, believe in Him, and live righteously.

“And now it came to pass that the people of Nephi, under the reign of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son (v. 15).  Yea, and they also began to search much gold and silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in pride (v. 16).”  Jacob did not want them to do these things, because they were wicked and against the commandments of God.

Here are the talks from the most recent Conference, the 178th Semiannual General Conference:

• Let Him Do It with Simplicity by L. Tom Perry
• Go Ye Therefore by Silvia H. Allred
• You Know Enough by Neil L. Andersen
• Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon by Marcos A. Aidukaitis
• Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament by Dallin H. Oaks
• The Infinite Power of Hope by Dieter F. Uchtdorf
• Come What May, and Love It by Joseph B. Wirthlin
• The Ministry of Angels by Jeffrey R. Holland
• Even a Child Can Understand by Gérald Caussé
• The Way by Lawrence E. Corbridge
• Come to Zion by D. Todd Christofferson
• Pray Always by David A. Bednar
• Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well by Richard G. Scott
• Arms of Safety by Jay E. Jensen
• Winning the War against Evil by James J. Hamula
• Lift Where You Stand by Dieter F. Uchtdorf
• O Ye That Embark by Henry B. Eyring
• To Learn, to Do, to Be by Thomas S. Monson
• Our Hearts Knit as One by Henry B. Eyring
• Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship by Robert D. Hales
• God Loves and Helps All of His Children by Keith B. McMullin
• A Return to Virtue by Elaine S. Dalton
• The Truth of God Shall Go Forth by M. Russell Ballard
• Finding Joy in the Journey by Thomas S. Monson
• The Test by Boyd K. Packer
• Celestial Marriage by Russell M. Nelson
• Gospel Teaching—Our Most Important Calling by William D. Oswald
• Returning Home by Eduardo Gavarret
• Testimony as a Process by Carlos A. Godoy
• “Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time” by Quentin L. Cook
• Until We Meet Again by Thomas S. Monson

There seemed to be a message of encouragement throughout the talks.  They also spoke a lot on the importance of basic principles of the gospel and why they are important.  These topics were chosen with the spirit as a guide.  Our job as a congregation is to take what was said and apply it to our lives.  If we go home and forget about all that was said, we will be judged for it and the general authorities of the church do not want this.  These messages are for us, just as Jacob’s messages are for us.  We will be blessed for applying these things to our lives.

How many Nephis were there?

We learn in verse 11 the reason why there were so many Nephis in the Book of Mormon.  ”Wherefore, the people were desirous to retain in remembrance his name. And whoso should reign in his stead were called by the people, second Nephi, third Nephi, and so forth, according to the reigns of the kings; and thus they were called by the people, let them be of whatever name they would.”  The Nephites loved Nephi, “The people having loved Nephi exceedingly,…”, because he had truly served them, “…he having been a great protector for them, having wielded the sword of Laban in their defence, and having labored in all his days for their welfare (v. 10)—”  It is hard to fill the shoes of someone who brought there ancestors to the promised land and loved them the way that Nephi did.  Our prophets today make wonderful Nephis.  They guide and direct us out of love for each of us.

Who’s the Nephite; who’s the Lamanite?

Many people live in America are Chinese, Japanese, European, South American and so on.  All of these people are called Americans because they live together in America.  The same type of thing applied in Jacob’s time.  ”Now the people which were not Lamanites were Nephites; nevertheless, they were called Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites, Zoramites, Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites (v. 13).  But I, Jacob, shall not hereafter distinguish them by these names, but I shall call them Lamanites that seek to destroy the people of Nephi, and those who are friendly to Nephi I shall call Nephites, or the people of Nephi, according to the reigns of the kings (v. 14).”  The difference between the Lamanites and the Nephites was whether or not they were friendly to Nephi.

“I . . . obtained my errand from the Lord”

An errand is something that we are charged with taking care of, for instance buying groceries for my family is an errand I take care of.  In a family, usually the errands are given by parents or the parents take care of errands themselves.  Brothers and sisters should not give each other errands pretending they came from the parents because they shouldn’t lie to one another.  Trust is lost in this case and there may be a misinterpretation for what the errand really should be.

“Wherefore I, Jacob, gave unto them these words as I taught them in the temple, having first obtained mine errand from the Lord (v. 17).  For I, Jacob, and my brother Joseph had been consecrated priests and teachers of this people, by the hand of Nephi (v. 18).”  The Lord gave Jacob and Joseph their errand.

The Nephites had begun to “grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices (v. 15)…” and “to search much gold and silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in pride (v. 16).”  Jacob and Joseph were consecrated priests and teachers of the people so that they could teach the word of God to them.  ”And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day (v. 19).”  To fulfill his calling, Jacob taught the word of God “with all diligence”.  When we receive callings from the Lord, we need to fulfill them with all diligence, so that the blood of those we come in contact with, will not be upon our garments.

2 Nephi, Chapter 33

The power of Nephi’s words

If I had a choice to write a letter to the ward members or speak in church, I would probably choose to write the letter.  I personally get anxiety when asked to speak, but I have a much easier time writing down my testimony for people to read.  However, I would choose to share my testimony in song over writing or speaking.

“And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men (v. 1).  But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught (v. 2).”  Nephi preferred speaking to the people.  He tells us that many will throw away the written word.  I think of how many times I have heard of people being given scriptures and leaving them somewhere to gather dust, untouched.

“But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people. For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry (v. 3).  And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people. And the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life eternal (v. 4).  And it speaketh harshly against sin, according to the plainness of the truth; wherefore, no man will be angry at the words which I have written save he shall be of the spirit of the devil (v. 5).  I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell (v. 6).”  Nephi felt what he had written was important.  He felt that his words should persuade them to choose the right, tell them or their ancestry, and teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Nephi’s last farewell

People’s last words are usually so meaningful to me, because they seem to be the things that mean the most to that person and will probably be what is remembered most. These are Nephi’s final words to his people and to us:

“And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good (v. 10).  And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness (v. 11).  And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day (v. 12).  And now, my beloved brethren, all those who are of the house of Israel, and all ye ends of the earth, I speak unto you as the voice of one crying from the dust: Farewell until that great day shall come (v. 13).  And you that will not partake of the goodness of God, and respect the words of the Jews, and also my words, and the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an everlasting farewell, for these words shall condemn you at the last day (v. 14).  For what I seal on earth, shall be brought against you at the judgment bar; for thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must obey. Amen (v. 15).”

How will people feel about the Book of Mormon if they truly believe in Jesus Christ?  Those who truly believe in the Savior, will believe the  words of the Book of Mormon.  We can be sure that the Book of Mormon is true by asking God in prayer and by the revelation by the spirit of the truth of it.  Those who do not believe will feel ashamed when they meet Nephi face to face at the judgement.  I have come to love Nephi and all the words that he has left for me to ponder each day.  It is sad that he says goodbye forever to some, but it is truth.  We will not have salvation, if we do not believe the words of Nephi, the words of the ancient prophets, or the words of the Savior himself.

A final thought

If their was a fire in my home, I would take care of my family first.  Then, I would grab our emergency kits which include, of course, the scriptures.  Nephi was truly concerned for his family and their posterity.  He felt that they needed the scriptures.  The scriptures are more valuable then material things that so many of us seek after.  I hope that I will continue to learn to love the scriptures and that my children will see my example and love them as well.

2 Nephi, Chapter 32

A [personal] feast

What are some of the most important spiritual experiences I have had?  I feel the spirit the most through music.  Recently I sang in the stake choir for stake conference.  The last speaker was our Stake President and he spoke on the Savior.  He bore his testimony of the Savior and shared scriptures of words the Savior spoke during his ministry.  He told of the Savior’s love for all of us and His willingness to give all for us so that we could be saved. He ended by saying the Savior has given us life, breath, this world, the opportunity to live this life, parents and family, the way to love one another, and the ability to create life and have a deeper love for others (especially our spouse).  Following his sincere testimony, we sang “I Believe in Christ”.  During the song, I could not help but think of all the scriptures that had been shared and it touched me in a way that I hope I will not soon forget.

How have I come to know the church is true?  I was raised in the church.  For me, the knowledge that the church is true has come slowly, line upon line, over many years.

What am I doing to stay on the right course?  Trying each day to do the best I can that day.  I am trying to remember to read and study the scriptures.  I attend all of my church meetings.  I take notes of inspiration throughout my life.  I am praying to my Father in Heaven.  I am trying to listen to the spirits promptings.  And I am trying to teach my family, by reading and praying together and having family night regularly.

How can I know what path in life God would have me follow?  I read the scriptures to understand the commandments and the steps that must be taken to return to live with Him.

If an angel were to come to me, what message do you think he would bring me from God?  You can still do more.  You’re doing all right, but there is still more to learn, more to do and more to be in this life.

“And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts (v. 1)?  Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost (v. 2)?  Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do (v. 3).  Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark (v. 4).  For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do (v. 5).  Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do (v. 6).  And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be (v. 7).  And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the devil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray (v. 8 ).  But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul (v. 9).”

This blog is one of my attempts to feast upon the word.  In feasting, I read the words and then try to understand what the words are suppose to teach me.  Through the scriptures in this chapter we learn that when we rationalize away prayer in our lives, we are following the devil’s teachings.  Most of my life, I have rationalized not praying before meals we eat out.  But in the last few months, I have begun to see that it shouldn’t matter if we are not eating at home, we should still be praying.  My daughter and I have been praying at fast food restaurants whenever we are about to eat, and I feel good about that.  Who knows, perhaps we will be an example to someone else that God is there and we need to thank him for all things that we are given.  We also learn that we need to pray always.  I think this means we should always have a prayer in our hearts.  If I remember this, then my life is always centered on the Savior, my Father in Heaven and His gospel.  If we are always praying, we cannot go wrong.  We should pray before we do anything that is the Lord’s work.  This applies to many things, such as visiting teaching, teaching lessons, and giving service.

Should we ponder the scriptures?

Nephi says that he supposes his brothers ponder in their hearts what to do with the words that Nephi has spoken to them.  To ponder to to make a “slow and deliberate examination”.  I think that if we do not intend to ponder the scriptures as we read them, then we are better off not reading them at all, because we will be judged for what we are given and it would be worse off for us if we do not live it because we do not take the time to understand it.  We must ponder the scriptures to truly learn from them.

2 Nephi, Chapter 31

What is the doctrine of Christ?

“And now I, Nephi, make an end of my prophesying unto you, my beloved brethren. And I cannot write but a few things, which I know must surely come to pass; neither can I write but a few of the words of my brother Jacob (v. 1).  Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, save it be a few words which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness of my prophesying (v. 2). . . And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen (v. 21).”  Nephi says he will end his writings with the doctrine of Christ, which is the only true doctrine.

Since Jesus Christ is perfect, why was he baptized?

The ordinance of baptism is for the remission of sins (Article of Faith 4).  Why was Jesus Christ baptized if he was perfect?  My initial answer is because no one can return to live with our Father in Heaven without performing the ordinances necessary to do so.  Nephi gives us the answer in this chapter.  ”And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water (v. 5)!”  Jesus was baptized to “fulfil all righteousness”.

What does this mean?  ”And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water (v. 6)?  Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments (v. 7).”  Jesus obeyed all of God’s commandments and we have been given a commandment to be baptized.  He is our example, “And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them (v. 9).  And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father (v. 10)?  And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son (v. 11).  And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do (v. 12).”  To fulfil all righteousness, He humbled himself and obeyed.

“…O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized…”.  The Savior was perfect and we are not.  If He had to be baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness, then we must be baptized as well.

What is the “form of a dove”?

2 Nephi 31:8 reads, “Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.”  What characteristics does a dove have that are like the Holy Ghost?  The dove has been seen for a long time as a sign of peace.  I have experienced for myself the peace that the Holy Ghost brings.  When I think of how a person feels when they have repented of their sins, are baptized and washed clean, and then receive the Holy Ghost, there is a overwhelming peaceful feeling.  The dove is also usually thought of as white and white represents purity.  I think the form of a dove is peace and purity given through the Holy Ghost.

The incomparable gift of the Holy Ghost

I don’t remember much from my baptism, but I do remember feeling really good afterwards.  In verse 12 (see above), we read of the blessing that is promised to those who repent and are baptized; they will be given the Holy Ghost.  The Holy Ghost is a comforter, a teacher of truth, and a guide.  I cannot imagine my life without the inspirations that come from the Holy Ghost.  ”Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel (v. 13).”  If we repent, are baptized and live righteously, then we can “speak with the tongue of angles” by the gift of the Holy Ghost.  In 2 Nephi 32:3 we read, “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ…”.  We too can speak the words of Christ if we are filled with the spirit.

The gate and the straight and narrow path

What is the gate?  ”Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost (v. 17).”  The gate is repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost.  The gate is the ordinances we have been commanded to receive.

What is the path?  ”And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive (v. 18).”  The path is that which leads to eternal life guided by the Holy Ghost.

How do we continue on this path?  ”And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save (v. 19).  Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life (v. 20).”  We must endure with hope, love, and faith, living the gospel to the end.  We must feast on the word of Christ, which means becoming absorbed in the scriptures, not just reading the words.  We must live what we read and truly apply it to our lives.  The more we live the gospel, the more we will be able to love all men.  If we walk the path that the Savior has made for us, we will love as He loved and live as He lived.  We learn of the path, through the scriptures.

Why is this so important?  We learned in verse 21 (see above) that this path, given to us by the Savior, is the only way that we can be saved.