1 Nephi Chapter 3

Chapter 3 is about Lehi telling his son's they need to go back to Jerusalem to get the plates because the Lord commanded them to. What strikes me every time that I read this part of the Book of Mormon is that even though Nephi and his brothers were commanded to get the plates there were still HUGE obstacles in their path.

1. First attempt: By drawing lots, it is determined that Laman will go to Laban and ask for the plates. He is accused of trying to steal them and chased out of the city.
2. Second attempt: Nephi suggests that the brothers try to buy them with their monetary possessions. Laban covets their riches and steals them from Lehi's sons. Nephi, Laman, Lemuel and Sam must flee for their lives.
3. Third attempt: After almost being killed by his older brothers, Nephi, under the cover of night, journeys back to Jerusalem alone. He doesn't have a clue what is going to happen. He sees a drunk man stumbling through the streets. After observing the stranger for a while he realizes it is Laban. Nephi is then commanded by the Lord to slay the wicked ruler. After much persuasion, Nephi does so.

The whole point of this story is to illustrate the need for complete obedience regardless of the opposition. I have "Keep Trying" written in the margin of my scriptures as a reminder that just because God commands something doesn't mean that it is going to be easy . . . most of the time it won't be.

Points to Ponder:

• Do I have a "Laman & Lemuel" attitude about the commandments?
• Why are obstacles placed in our path?
• How can I be more like Nephi in my willingness to "go and do what the Lord commands?"

1 Nephi Chapter 2

"O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!"
"O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!"

(Pictures courtesy of http://guide.travel-to-egypt.net/ and www.lds.org)

1 Nephi Chapter 1

But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.~~~ 1 Nephi 1: 20

Whenever I read this I am given new hope. It reminds me that no matter what is happening to me or around me, that the Lord is mindful of me and has my best interests in mind.

Also, I think that this is the whole thesis of the Book of Mormon. The Lord chose these people, starting with Lehi's family, to deliver, but it was according to their faith and actions.

Thoughts to ponder:

• How has the Lord shown his "tender mercies" towards me and my family?
• Does the Lord compensate for our weaknesses making us stronger than we really are?
• How can I show more faith?