Nephi and Jacob took comfort from God's words to "the isles of the sea." They saw those scriptures as directed to them, reminding them that God was aware of them and also that they were not alone, that their people were all over the world.
Comfort Ye My People
Nephi quoted Isaiah 48 and 49 to "more fully persuade" his brothers "to believe in the Lord their Redeemer." Those chapters repeatedly refer to God as our Lord and our Redeemer, and similar references appear throughout Isaiah 40-49. We can rely on God to deliver us from everything that holds us captive.
The Musician King
King David expressed his love for God through music. Book of Mormon prophets also emphasized worship through music. Alma associated conversion with "[singing] redeeming love." Singing requires us to overcome our self-consciousness and prioritize our love for God over our concern for what others maythink.
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.
Tender Blades, Lawful Heirs
Commenting on the parable of the Wheat and the Tares, the Lord taught the following principles: 1. Be grateful for the good things you have inherited. 2. You are "hid with Christ." 3. God restores all things, but not all at once. 4. Wheat can be a light to tares.
The Islands of the Sea
Lehi's family took comfort in knowing that God remembers people who live on islands. Whether we are isolated geographically, or whether we isolate ourselves, He is always mindful of us, and we are more connected with other people than we may realize.
The Acceptable Year of the Lord
David pleaded with God to save him "in an acceptable time." Paul and Amulek both testified that the acceptable time is now. Part of the Savior's mission was to proclaim that grace is available to us immediately if we are willing to receive it.
Hunters and Fishers
The gathering of Israel is underway, and each of us can be part of it. Jeremiah said, "The days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north,... Continue Reading →
“Thou Art My Servant”
To be a servant of God is a great honor. King Benjamin reported to his people that God had preserved him so that he could serve them. Then, he added, "Because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been... Continue Reading →
Waiting Upon the Lord
At the end of Isaiah 40, the prophet draws a sharp contrast: The strongest among us will eventually fail. "Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall." Our strength and our endurance is limited, and we will all face challenges we cannot overcome on our own. But if... Continue Reading →