Agency is a central theme of Lehi’s final counsel to his sons. Not agency as in, “I can do whatever I want.” Agency as in accountability for our actions, being proactive, and acting for ourselves instead of being acted upon.
Some portions of his words in 2 Nephi 1-2 are addressed to specific sons, but the text suggests that he delivered these teachings and admonitions in the hearing of the whole family and that most of what he said was applicable to them all.
In the first chapter, he borrows imagery from Isaiah 51 and 52, urging his sons to “awake,” to “arise from the dust,” and to “shake off [their] chains.” (See 2 Nephi 1:13, 14, 21, 23.)
In the next chapter, after acknowledging the afflictions his son Jacob has endured, he explains that without opposition we would have no meaningful choices. He testifies that God can turn our suffering into growth and that, because of the Savior, every one of us can choose “liberty and eternal life.” (See 2 Nephi 2:2, 27.)
Here are some highlights from the first two chapters of 2 Nephi, with links to blog posts I’ve written about them:
Outline
- 2 Nephi 1 – Lehi testifies to his sons that their new home is a land of liberty. He urges them to wake up, to grow up, and to work together in unity. He also leaves his blessing on Zoram.
- 2 Nephi 2 – Lehi teaches his sons that redemption comes through the Messiah, that opposition is essential for agency, and that God wants us to find joy.
Key Themes
- God created us to act for ourselves, not to be acted upon.
- The adversity we experience can be beneficial to us. Lehi expressed confidence that God would consecrate Jacob’s afflictions for his gain.
- Jesus Christ is the Great Mediator. He can heal our relationship with God.
Connections
- Lehi’s call for his sons to “awake” and “arise” mirror’s Deborah’s call for Barak to overcome his trepidation and go to battle. (See Judges 5:12.)
- Moses instructed Israel to give their firstfruits to God. Lehi explained to his sons, as Paul would later write in his first epistle to the Corinthians, that the Messiah is the “firstfruits” because He is the first to be resurrected.
- Lehi used the Fall of Adam and Eve as an example of the choices we face in life.
Applications
- Remind your family of the blessings you have received. Sharing your joy can help them have gratitude and hope.
- Receive correction gracefully. Accept the feedback, and don’t blame the messenger.
- Make wiser decisions by framing problems effectively, considering the consequences of your decisions, being proactive, and trusting God.
- Be joyful. Even when you are going through difficult times, if you can have hope for the future, then you can have joy today.
Recommended Posts
- Why Did Adam and Eve Have to Break a Commandment of God? – 2 Nephi 2:15-25
- What Is the Purpose of Suffering?
- Which Fruit in the Garden of Eden Was Bitter, and Which Was Sweet?
Blog Posts: February 7-11
Awake and Arise!
Lehi repeatedly admonished his sons to do three things: 1. Awake 2. Arise from the dust. 3. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound. We can follow his admonitions by being more aware and more engaged, and by letting go of unproductive activities.
Acting for Myself
Lehi taught his sons that God wants us to act for ourselves, instead of being “acted upon.” Elder David A. Bednar has applied that principle to many activities, not being offended, seeking the Holy Ghost, and engaging students in the learning process.
Land of Promise, Land of Liberty
Lehi told his sons that their new land of promise was a land of liberty, and that they would be free as long as they remained righteous. Freedom doesn’t mean absolution from accountability. It means autonomy within the constraints of the law.
Sense and Insensibility
Lehi identifies “sense” and “insensibility” as opposite outcomes made possible by opposition. Sense means intentional awareness, so insensibility must mean intentional unawareness. We can choose to perceive and discern the good and the evil around us.
Merits and Mercy and Grace
Lehi explained that we can only return to God “through the merits, and mercy, and grace” of Jesus Christ. The second and third characteristics flow from the first: Jesus can extend mercy and grace to us because of his merits.
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