2 Nephi 25

Nephi talks about how Isaiah is hard to understand for his people because they don’t know the ways of the Jews, because he hasn’t taught them to them. It struck me that the ways of the Jews was Nephi’s culture, and that he abandoned it because it wasn’t leading to Christ. Sometimes we think culture is so important, and holding on to it, no matter the cost, matters so much. But here he is clearly telling us that’s not true. Of course that’s not true, but in the learning of the world it is easy to think so, I suppose.

Nephi also mentions that the Israelites were never destroyed without first being warned of their imminent destruction by a prophet of God, which, given the climate of the world, is actually really comforting right now.

I love that Nephi could see how the Jews would be deceived, and so clearly laid out what was going to happen for his people so they could not be deceived in the same way. I love how his soul delights in plainness, and how he wanted to make sure they (and we) clearly understood what he was telling them. There can’t be any dithering about his meaning. If you accept Nephi as a prophet, then you must accept Christ, the Savior, as the Messiah.

It also strikes me that he says in verse 23 that they labored diligently to write to save their brethren. They knew the truth, and knew how to be saved, but didn’t rest there. They struggled laboriously to write on the plates that other would know, and be saved, also. I want to be more like Nephi; more willing to sacrifice and work hard in building the kingdom and saving my fellowmen. I can’t just wait for when it is easy or convenient.

Verse 26 is my favorite scripture in the Book of Mormon I think. I want our  home to be filled with talk and teaching of Christ, that my children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

I also am struck by the fact that we must worship Him with all our might mind and strength or be cast out. It can’t be partial, or lukewarm, but all we have.

I’m glad that even though normally Nephi is talking to me when he chastises those who say Isaiah is worthless, this time I have loved reading the prophesies of Isaiah and felt the Spirit teach me to rejoice in, and look forward to, the coming of Christ. Isaiah’s prophecies, while still sometimes confusing, are beautiful and magnificent, and I am grateful to finally begin to appreciate them.