Monday, January 16, 2012

Development of a Prophet/Guidance

The story of Lehi is one of successive revelations that guide him and his family in their journey. 1 Nephi 7 is a good example of this because Lehi has already received at least 4 revelations (2 in 1 Nephi 1, 1 in 1 Nephi 3, 1 in 1 Nephi 5), and then he gets a new one. The revelation in 1 Nephi 5 is about his seed and what they will do. Then the Lord reveals to him that his sons need to go get wives before they leave to the Promised Land. Therefore, they go back to Jerusalem and convince Ishmael and his 2 sons and 5 daughters to come with them. It's interesting to see the guidance of the Lord occur over time and piece by piece as Lehi fulfills previous commands. Revelation and life is a process that we receive help with as we do our best. Here's the verse explaining the revelation that came after Lehi prophesied about his seed.

1 And now I would that ye might know, that after my father, Lehi, had made an end of aprophesying concerning his seed, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto him again, saying that it was not meet for him, Lehi, that he should take his family into the wilderness alone; but that his sons should take bdaughters to cwife, that they might raise up dseed unto the Lord in the land of promise.

Also, consider the importance of one of the sons of Ishmael. He was one of the complainers that was going to return to Jerusalem. However, later it appears that he switched sides and helped convince Laman and Lemuel to release Nephi. We don't know how important that decision was to switch sides, but it's important to be flexible and be quick to learn. That can help accomplish so much as being stubborn only helps perpetuate mistakes, which can be so damaging. I admire the son for changing sides so quickly and helping out in this situation. Here's the verses:

6 And it came to pass that as we journeyed in the wilderness, behold Laman and Lemuel, and two of the adaughters of Ishmael, and the two bsons of Ishmael and their families, did crebel against us; yea, against me, Nephi, and Sam, and their father, Ishmael, and his wife, and his three other daughters.

19 And it came to pass that they were angry with me again, and sought to lay hands upon me; but behold, one of the adaughters of Ishmael, yea, and also her mother, and one of the sons of Ishmael, did plead with my brethren, insomuch that they did soften their hearts; and they did cease striving to take away my life.

Have a good day.

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