Joseph's enslavement prefigures the Savior's Atonement. Like Joseph, the Savior was sold for a small amount of silver. Like Joseph, He was betrayed by someone close to Him. That betrayal set in motion the very events through which He would save all of God's children, including His betrayers.
“I Have Remembered My Covenant”
When the children of Israel prayed for relief as they suffered in slavery, God remembered His covenant with their ancestors. The Book of Mormon testifies that we never need feel isolated or rejected because God will remember His covenants.
Contents of the Brass Plates
Eight of the 39 books in the Old Testament were definitely in the brass plates, and another 16 may have been included. For Book of Mormon prophets, the brass plates were an essential part of their identity: connecting them to intergenerational covenants, testifying of the Savior, and bringing them closer to God.
Likening Doctrine and Covenants 111: A Case Study
Nephi taught that we should liken the scriptures to ourselves. For Elder L. Tom Perry, a couple of verses from a revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants reinforced some personal revelation he had received. "Tarry ye in this place," the verses said, supporting a decision to turn down a job offer and remain in Massachusetts.
“What I Say Unto One I Say Unto All”
Even when God speaks to an individual or a group, His intended audience may be much larger. He sometimes signals universal truths with the phrase, "What I say unto one I say unto all."
Keeping a History
Joseph Smith described to W. W. Phelps the content to include in a church history (D&C 85:1-2). We can use that description as a series of prompts for our own journal-writing. When we recognize, as Nephi did, the sacredness of our daily lives, we will be more inclined to write about even seemingly ordinary details.
Profit and Learning
Nephi, Lehi, and the Lord in modern revelation all emphasize that scripture is intended for our "profit and learning." We must therefore do more than understand the scriptures; we must apply them to our daily decisions. President Nelson has emphasized that we should apply scriptural principles holistically, to all aspects of our lives.
Receiving Extraordinary Gifts
Sometimes we are offered gifts of untold value, yet we may fail to grasp their significance. The gift of the Holy Ghost is one of those priceless treasures. If we are not attentive, we may fail to recognize that it is "a blessing as great as [we] have never known" (Doctrine and Covenants 39:10).
The Empty Tomb
On a Sunday morning, three women approached a tomb and found it empty. Today, we celebrate that moment. Because of the Savior's resurrection, we will all be released from the bondage of death. Because of Him, death is temporary, and life is forever.
Devoted to Study
Scripture study requires time and effort but leads to personal revelation and spiritual growth. Prophets like Nephi, Jacob, and Benjamin emphasized diligent searching of the scriptures. Jesus commanded us to study Isaiah and the other prophets. By dedicating time daily to the scriptures, we gain insights, improve decision-making, and prepare ourselves to share true principles.