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.
Contributing to the Hastening
In 1832, the Lord promised a group of missionaries, "I will hasten my work in its time." In recent years, President Russell M. Nelson has repeatedly declared that the time of hastening is now. As we see God's work moving at an accelerating pace, we might feel prompted to increase the velocity of our efforts.
Relentless
God's love for us is unwavering. Eight times in Zenos's Allegory of the Olive Tree, the Lord of the Vineyard says, "It grieveth me that I should lose this tree." Elder Patrick Kearon testified, "God is in relentless pursuit of you."
“Wise in Their Own Eyes”
Isaiah said, "Wo unto the wise in their own eyes." God wants us to be wise, but it's apparently dangerous to think we're wise. This is probably because a fundamental characteristic of wisdom is a willingness to listen and learn, particularly from God.
“From Darkness to Light”
Jesus came to bring light to those who walk in darkness. No wonder He told Paul that his mission was "to turn [people] from darkness to light." We all pass through periods of darkness, but we will receive the Savior's perfect light as we follow Him.
Tzedakah/Tze’akah
One of the hard things about being a parent or a teacher is when your children or students fall short of their potential. You can give them guidance, you can help them find opportunities, and you can provide encouragement and support. But the decision of whether to follow that guidance, take advantage of those opportunities,... Continue Reading →
“None Shall Slumber”
In 1837, Thomas B. Marsh was concerned about the state of the Church. In Missouri, church members had been driven from their homes. In Ohio, many members and even church leaders were becoming disaffected. As president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Thomas must have felt a deep desire to help curb the chaos... Continue Reading →
Loftiness, Haughtiness (2 Nephi 12:11, 17, 2 Nephi 15:15-16)
lofty - proud, aloof, or self-important haughty - arrogantly superior and disdainful (Oxford English Dictionary) A recurrent theme in the writings of Isaiah is the impermanence of worldly power. Physical strength, wealth, and positions of authority are all transitory—any control or influence we derive from them will evaporate over time. Only God's power is permanent.... Continue Reading →
Isaiah’s Six Woes – 2 Nephi 15:8-23
After sharing a discouraging parable about an unresponsive vineyard, Isaiah delivered six warnings to his readers, each beginning with the word "wo." He must have observed these imprudent behaviors among his own people, but they are just as relevant in our day. Here are the six warnings: Don't prioritize things over people (2 Nephi 15:8-10).... Continue Reading →
How Can the Words of Isaiah Bring Us Joy?
Nephi explained why he quoted so much from Isaiah: "My soul delighteth in his words." He introduced thirteen consecutive chapters of Isaiah by saying that he hoped the words would make us "lift up [our] hearts and rejoice for all men" (2 Nephi 11:2, 8). Immediately after, we begin to read, and we find phrases like... Continue Reading →