Scripture Thought 10/4/08
1 Nephi 1:8-15
How many of us have experienced this type of witness? Lehi was not only concerned for himself and his family, but he was concerned for his neighbors. Are we just as concerned? Do we spend more time obsessing of what our needs are than we do looking for opportunities to serve those who may need more? Lehi had just been instructed. He was carrying the message with him in all that he did. He would ponder and meditate about it at home, work, and casual time. As he did so, the windows of heaven were opened to him. He knew what he needed to do. Have we ever experienced the same thing? Does it come in the form of a vision? Maybe not, but it is revelation.In vs. 11, the Lord stands before Lehi and hands him a book. What was in this book? Does he stand before us when we follow the example of Lehi? Is not our understanding opened before us? Is this not the Lord showing us the way and answering our prayers? It will be come as plain as if we were to read it in a book.Vs. 12 Lehi was filled with the spirit. He took it unto those with whom he associated with. This is sometimes the hardest part to understand. Lehi took that spirit with him, but the people did not receive it. We are not required to make people received the gospel. We are required to bring it to others that they may choose for themselves. We know the joy they will have if they receive, but it is up to them to do something about it. We also know what they will be missing out on if they don't receive it. This is what happened to Lehi. He knew from the choices they were making what lie in wait for them.Do you think he was involved enough with the leadership of Jerusalem that he knew where they were headed. He knew it was wrong. He knew that it would bring destruction to many. He followed his heart and did what was right. He tried to help them change.I wonder if anyone did follow. Just because we do not know or hear about them does not mean that they did not follow. They may not have gone with Lehi, but maybe they were touched like he was and lead on their own journey. I would love to read the records of those people someday. I am sure that it was not an easy path to follow, yet Lehi recognized and praised God for all that he does. Do we?
How many of us have experienced this type of witness? Lehi was not only concerned for himself and his family, but he was concerned for his neighbors. Are we just as concerned? Do we spend more time obsessing of what our needs are than we do looking for opportunities to serve those who may need more? Lehi had just been instructed. He was carrying the message with him in all that he did. He would ponder and meditate about it at home, work, and casual time. As he did so, the windows of heaven were opened to him. He knew what he needed to do. Have we ever experienced the same thing? Does it come in the form of a vision? Maybe not, but it is revelation.In vs. 11, the Lord stands before Lehi and hands him a book. What was in this book? Does he stand before us when we follow the example of Lehi? Is not our understanding opened before us? Is this not the Lord showing us the way and answering our prayers? It will be come as plain as if we were to read it in a book.Vs. 12 Lehi was filled with the spirit. He took it unto those with whom he associated with. This is sometimes the hardest part to understand. Lehi took that spirit with him, but the people did not receive it. We are not required to make people received the gospel. We are required to bring it to others that they may choose for themselves. We know the joy they will have if they receive, but it is up to them to do something about it. We also know what they will be missing out on if they don't receive it. This is what happened to Lehi. He knew from the choices they were making what lie in wait for them.Do you think he was involved enough with the leadership of Jerusalem that he knew where they were headed. He knew it was wrong. He knew that it would bring destruction to many. He followed his heart and did what was right. He tried to help them change.I wonder if anyone did follow. Just because we do not know or hear about them does not mean that they did not follow. They may not have gone with Lehi, but maybe they were touched like he was and lead on their own journey. I would love to read the records of those people someday. I am sure that it was not an easy path to follow, yet Lehi recognized and praised God for all that he does. Do we?
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