I Will Go and Do

1 Nephi 3:1-8, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 10

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, returned from speaking with the Lord, to the tent of my father.  And it came to pass that he spake unto me, saying, Behold, I have dreamed a dream in the which the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brethren shall return to Jerusalem.  For behold Laban hath the record of the Jews and also a genealogy of thy forefathers, and they are engraven upon plates of brass.Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brothers should go unto the house of Laban and seek the records and bring them down hither into the wilderness.  And now, behold, thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord.  Therefore go my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord because thou hast not murmured.  And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father, I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.  And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words he was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord.

Is it significant that it is mentioned that Lehi receives so many communications from the Lord in dreams?

"And now I, Nephi, do not make a full account of the things which my father hath written, for he hath written many things which he saw in visions and in dreams..." (1 Nephi 1:16, NC 1 Nephi par.4 )

"For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream...And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart..." (1 Nephi 2:1 - 2, NC 1 Nephi 1 par.6 )

"And it came to pass that he spake unto me, saying: Behold I have dreamed a dream, in the which the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brethren shall return to Jerusalem." (1 Nephi 3: 2, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 10 )

"And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness he spake unto us saying, Behold, I have dreamed a dream. Or in other words, I have seen a vision." (1 Nephi 8:2, NC 1 Nephi 2 par. 7 )

This last entry does also state that in other words Lehi had seen a vision.

But later Nephi declares, "...it came to pass, after my father had made an end of speaking the words of his dream,..." (1 Nephi 10:2, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 2 )

Nephi's experiences are different than his father's as far as what is recorded in that Nephi does not record that his communications with the Lord are through dreams like what is recorded with his father Lehi.

Nephi also receives the vision of the same things his father recieved concerning the tree and the fruit and the path and the iron rod with the great and spacious building in the air, but his experience entails him being taken up where he is looking down on the earth instead of a dream.

Is this recorded in this way so as to show that the Lord works by gifts that vary from individual to individual?

"And that you may not be deceived, seek earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given, for verily I say unto you, They are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeks so to do, that all may be benefited that seeks or that asks of me, that asks, and not for a sign that they may consume it upon his lusts.  And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember and always retain in your minds what those gifts are that are given unto the church, for all have not every gift given unto them, for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the spirit of God.  To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby." (D&C 46:8 - 12, T&C 32 pars. 4 - 5)

Is this whole account written with the descritptions of the differences between how Nephi received communication with the Lord and how Lehi did likewise in order to demonstrate to us, as the readers, that there are many gifts and they are given to profit all?

Were those at Jerusalem and those in the fleeing group with Lehi profited by Lehi's gift(s)?

Although Nephi did not prophesy at Jerusalem was the whole group fleeing with Lehi likewise profited by the gift(s) that Nephi received even though they differed from his father Lehi's gifts?

Did Nephi and Lehi both manifest gifts that were overlapping in sameness as well?

If we had a fuller account would we see others in the group manifesting gifts that profited the whole group but that were diffent than those manifested by Nephi and Lehi?

Was the following a manifestation of a different type of gift of the spirit that profited the group overall?

"And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness, and our women did bare children in the wilderness.  And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings?" (1 Nephi 17:1 - 2, NC 1 Nephi 5 par. 11)

Is the record of the manifestations of these differing gifts of the spirit a profit and benefit for all of us?

If the above was a gift of the spirit is it a demonstration that heavenly gifts may exist in many forms we would consider not normal or strange; things possibly unknown or completely unfamiliar to us?

If we were to look around us would we maybe encounter the gifts of a loving Father outside of where we traditionally consider the gifts to exist?

The Lord said that those gifts are given to the "church".

Remeber how the Lord defined the "church" or His "church" where the manifestations of the gifts exist?

"Behold this is my doctrine: Whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church." (D&C 10:67, T&C 1 JSH part 10 par. 21)

Does that mean that someone with very little understanding of God, someone who is not part of any organization, someone who does not subscribe to any type of creed could by the above definition manifest gifts of the spirit?

"And it came to pass that when Aaron had said these words, the king did bow down before the Lord upon his knees yea, even he did prostrate himself upon the earth and cried mightily saying, O God Aaron hath told me that there is a God and if there is a God and if thou art God wilt thou make thyself known unto me and I will give away all my sins to know thee and that I may be raised from the dead and be saved at the last day." (Alma 22:17 - 18, NC Alma 13 par. 10)

For anyone who is familiar with this account, did this Lamanite king, who did not even know if there was a God, manifest any spiritual gifts at this time?

How was this possible?

Were all the household and even the nation of the Lamanites benefitted by the manifestion of the gifts of the spirit in Lamoni's father, this king?

If Lamoni's father manifested a spiritual gift would that mean that he was a part of the "church" that the Lord defined?

If all spiritual gifts come from God to bless all, should we be observant because maybe someone, who we would not imagine, manifests a gift or gifts of the spirit to benefit all, which means us as well?

Are we losing benefits for ourselves by supposing that God will only manifest His spiritual gifts to certain individuals in certain ways thereby limiting what we consider to be a manifestaion of His gifts?

Even if we consider a gift of the spirit or a person manifesting a gift of the spirit "odd" or "weird" can we still be benefitted by the manifestation of the gift if we humble ourselves and receive what God is giving?

As a caution, though, the Lord stated to Joseph,

"And unto the bishop of the church, and unto such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the church and to be elders unto the church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts, lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God." (D&C 46:27, T&C 32 par. 6)

Is it possible for the gifts of the spirit to be compromised?

If the Lord explains about discerning the gifts because of those professing a gift but being not of God is it important for each one of us to carefully consider the matter in all our observations of "gifts?"

Is this admonition from the Lord important as we discern these things?

"He that asks in the Spirit, asks according to the will of God, wherefore it is done even as he asks.  And again, I say unto you, All things must be done in the name of Christ, whatever you do in the Spirit, and you must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatever blessing you are blessed with.  And you must practice virtue and holiness before me continually. Even so. Amen." (D&C 46:30 - 33, T&C 32 par. 7) 

When it comes to gifts of the Spirit and not having them compromised is the will of God important?

Is it important for things to be done in the name of Christ?

"And there were great and marvelous works wrought by the disciples of Jesus insomuch that they did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear.  And all manner of miracles did they work among the children of men, and in nothing did they work miracles save it were the name of Jesus." (4 Nephi verse 5, NC 4 Nephi par. 2)

Are giving thanks to God and practicing virtue and holiness before God important elements involved in having the gifts not compromised?

What constitutes virtue?

What constitutes holiness?

Was Nephi receiving a gift of the Spirit as he was being directed to kill Laban?

If so, how does that fit with virtue and holiness?

Is the will of God at work in this event?

Could it be that gifts of the Spirit is a complex issue that we ought to look into diligently, relying on scripture and revelation from God to assist us?

There is a section in the Teachings and Commandments, section 147, which is an editorial by the Prophet Joseph published in the TIMES AND SEASONS, 1 April 1842 entitled "Try the Spirits."

We would encourage an inclusion of the study of this editorial for anyone who is serious about  studying the gifts of the Spirit.

A conversation of what Lehi said to Nephi that he, Nephi, would be favored of the Lord because Nephi had not murmured we will save for a later post.

As we come to the well known statement of Nephi that he would go and do as the Lord commands, knowing that the Lord would prepare a way to accomplish the command we considered a question or two.

As stated before, as a group we believe that God Himself translated the Book of Mormon and told the Prophet Joseph what to write down.

"...the interpretation thereof by the gift of God." (Book of Moromon Introduction)

As such it is God who gave us these words of Nephi.

Why these specific words?

Are these words from Nephi related to an attribute the Lord desires us to possess?

"Meekness  This is difficult to recognize.  The attribute is found in the relationship between man and God, not man and man.  That is, to be meek is to follow the Lord's will, even when you don't want to do so.  Even when it brings you into conflict with your friends, family or community.  You measure meekness as between the servant and the Lord, not as between the servant and his critics." (Denver Snuffer Blog, "Power in the Priesthood, Part 3", May 22, 2012)

Remember that the Lord declared that the gifts of the Spirit are given to those who keep all His commandments and to those who seek so to do?

Is the Lord including this account and these words to allow us a practical definition of meekness?

Could we reasonably state that the meek are those who will receive gifts of the Spirit?

The Lord tells us that the meek will inherit the earth.

Would it be the meek who manifest the gifts of the Spirit according to the will of God?

Is this an easy thing that Nephi and his brothers are commanded by the Lord to do?

As we continue to read further into the account will we discover that the Lord is willing to test Nephi's resolve to be meek?

Could we expect that if we likewise determine to be meek and go and do whatsoever the Lord commands that the Lord will also test our resolve to do so?

Is a testing of this or any other attribute of godliness neccessary in order to determine our true resolve to follow the Lord in all things and at all hazards?

We talked about sacrifice a little in the post "God's Mighty Power to Deliver".  

We talked about sacrifice being the means whereby men may know that they are living their lives in accordance with the will of the Father; a requirement for salvational faith.

Does the Lord ordain these sacrifices to test our resolve to be meek and thereby "set up" so to speak the situations to increase our faith by our follow through?

Is there going to be sacrifice and conflict and a test of resolve for Nephi and his brothers in order to do as the Lord has commanded them?

Will God keep His word and do His part?

Nephi stated that he knew that the Lord would never give a commanment unless He prepared a way for the children of men to complete it.

"And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled.  And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God, he doth nourish them and strengthen them and provide ways and means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; Wherefore, he did provide ways and means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness." (1 Nephi 17:3, NC 1 Nephi 5 par. 12)

What about His command, "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect." (3 Nephi 12:48, NC 3 Nephi 5 par. 13) ?

What about, "...I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you..." (3 Nephi 12:44, NC 3 Nephi 5 par. 13)?

Our little study group is part of a larger "movement" that seeks to unite as equals into one people to serve the Lord in righteousness.

The Lord has given commandments to any who would desire to be a part of this "movement."

"I descended below it all, and know the sorrows of you all, nad have borne the grief of it all, and I say to you, Forgive one another.  Be tender with one another, pursue judgment, bless the oppressed, care for the orphan, and uplift the widow in her need, for I have redeemed you from being orphaned and taken you that you are no longer a widowed people.  Rejoice in me, and rejoice with your brethren and sisters who are mine also.  Be one." (T&C 157 par. 50)

"As I have said before, I say again, Love one another, labor willingly alongside each other.  Learn what you ought, and when I ask you to labor, do so wisely even if you know not beforehand what you will find.  I do not ask what you cannot do.  Trust my words and proceed always in faith, believing that with me all things are possible." (Answer:Build A House, Denver Snuffer Blog Downloads)

To keep all of the above commands from the Lord, to be meek, will the resolve of anyone seeking to do so be tested?

Will sacrifice be required to keep the above commandments?

Will keeping these things have the effect of putting us in conflict with the world?

Will the Lord prepare a way that these commandments may be kept?

when Nephi's resolve was being tested, after sacrificing, remember that as he entered Jerusalem in the dark he received a gift of the spirit.

He was led by the Spirit not knowing beforehand what he should do.

Does this match up with the Lord's command to us, "...when I ask you to labor, do so wisely even if you know not beforehand what you will find?"

May we be meek as well as Nephi and go and do as the Lord commands us knowing that the Lord will use His gifts to prepare a way for us to accomplish what He has commanded.

We must expect that He will test our resolve and set up the opportunity to sacrifice in order to accomplish His command but if we follow through we will eventually arrive at the point where we know that our lives are being lived according to His will.

How great is the Lord who teaches us these things.