Arise and Get Thee Into the Mountain

1 Nephi 17:4 - 10, NC 1 Nephi 5 par 13 - 15

And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yea, even eight years in the wilderness. And we did come to the land which we called Bountiful, because of its much fruit and also wild honey; and all these things were prepared of the Lord that we might not perish. And we beheld the sea, which we called Irreantum, which (being interpreted) is many waters.
And it came to pass that we did pitch our tents by the seashore. And notwithstanding we had suffered many afflictions and much difficulty, yea, even so much that we cannot write them all, we were exceedingly rejoiced when we came to the seashore; and we called the place Bountiful because of its much fruit.
And it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had been in the land Bountiful for the space of many days, the voice of the Lord came unto me, saying, Arise and get thee into the mountain. And it came to pass that I arose and went up into the mountain and cried unto the Lord. And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying, Thou shalt construct a ship after the manner which I shall shew thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters. And I said, Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shewn unto me? And it came to pass that the Lord told me whither I should go to find ore, that I might make tools.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 5 pars. 13 - 15

And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yes, even eight years in the wilderness. And we did come to the land which we called Bountiful, because of its much fruit and also wild honey; and all these things were prepared of yhwh that we might not perish. And we beheld the sea, which we called Irreantum, which (being interpreted) is many waters.
And it came to pass that we did pitch our tents by the seashore. And even though we had suffered many afflictions and much difficulty, yes, even so much that we cannot write them all, we rejoiced exceedingly when we came to the seashore; and we called the place Bountiful because of its much fruit.
And it came to pass that after I, Nefi, had been in the land Bountiful for the space of many days, the voice of yhwh came unto me, saying, Arise and get you into the mountain. And it came to pass that I arose and went up into the mountain and cried unto yhwh. And it came to pass that yhwh spoke unto me, saying, You shall construct a ship after the manner which I shall show you, that I may carry your people across these waters. And I said, yhwh, where shall I go that I may find ore to molten that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which you have shown unto me? And it came to pass that yhwh told me where I should go to find ore, that I might make tools.

It is interesting to me to consider how the Lord in His wisdom prepares things to nourish His children as they are obedient to Him and cooperate with Him as He goes about doing His work to fulfill the promises He has made to the ancient fathers.

My present understanding is that Lehi's migration was a fulfillment of a promise that was made to Joseph who was sold into Egypt through his father Jacob (renamed Israel by the Lord) in a final blessing.

Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well, whose branches run over the wall. The archers have severely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him; but his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob (from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), even by the God of your father who shall help you, and by the Almighty who shall bless you with blessings of Heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies under, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. (Genesis 49:22 - 26, OC Genesis 12 par. 29)

My understanding is that Lehi was a descendant of Joseph and Lehi's branch ran over the wall to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills (the Americas).

And now Joseph, my last born whom I have brought out of the wilderness of mine afflictions, may the Lord bless thee for ever, for thy seed shall not utterly be destroyed. For behold, thou art the fruit of my loins, and I am a descendant of Joseph who was carried captive into Egypt. And great were the covenants of the Lord which he made unto Joseph. Wherefore, Joseph truly saw our day. And he obtained a promise of the Lord that, out of the fruit of his loins, the Lord God would raise up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel, not the Messiah, but a branch which was to be broken off, nevertheless to be remembered in the covenants of the Lord, that the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter days in the spirit of power unto the bringing of them out of darkness unto light, yea, out of hidden darkness and out of captivity unto freedom. (2 Nephi 3:3 - 5, NC 2 Nephi 2 par. 2)

His family, like his ancestor Joseph, was separate from their brethren; having left the land of Jerusalem to cross the many waters.

The record that Lehi's righteous descendants left is calculated to save the rest of the House of Israel by breaking into pieces the image that Nebuchadnezzar saw; all of the corrupt influences permeating the entire world which began with the kingdom of Babylon; which influences still hold sway today. 

Since the Lord obviously gave this promise to Joseph through his father Jacob at least a millennia before the promise was put in motion, when did the Lord begin to prepare the land of Bountiful for Lehi's group so that they would not perish?

Was the preparation of Bountiful begun when the promise was given?

How did the Lord keep the land Bountiful from becoming completely overrun by others before Lehi's company arrived?

I have seen some evidence that persuades me that there were others living in the land Bountiful when Lehi's group arrived but am I correct in my understanding of the record that there were not great multitudes of people at that time in that area?

Why these questions?

What other promises has the Lord made to the original Fathers that are yet to be fulfilled?

For the sake of the promises to the fathers will I labor with you as a people, and not because of you, for you have not yet become what you must be to live together in peace. If you will hearken to my words, I will make you my people and my words will give you peace. Even a single soul who stirs up the hearts of others to anger can destroy the peace of all my people. Each of you must equally walk truly in my path, not only to profess, but to do as you profess. (T&C 157 par. 19)

What other things has the Lord prepared to nourish an obedient group of believers who desire to cooperate with the Lord as He goes about doing His work now?

What about the land where Zion will be established?

The very day all the prophets have look forward to, from the beginning of the days of Adam
down till now, (as we looked at in Centerville) are upon us. You doubt God can bring this to
pass? You doubt what I have been talking about since we began in Boise, and have now arrived
here? If God can send someone to declare these things to you, in the confidence and the faith and
the knowledge that I'm speaking to you on His errand, and I can do it in this room, in this
building housing a casino, in this city built on gambling and desperation, salvation comes to you
today by the word of God. You doubt God cannot make a holy place somewhere that has not
been trodden under the foot of the Gentiles? You doubt that God cannot bring to pass His work
in culminating the ages? Have the faith of a grain of mustard seed, because it is coming, it is
going to happen, and if you lack the faith, you will not be invited. (Forty Years in Mormonism, Lecture 8, "A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit", Denversnuffer.com, Downloads, pg. 274)

These words from the Lord were spoken as the Lord was again beginning to extend His hand again the second time to the Gentiles in order to recover His house the House of Israel.

Where is this place that God has kept that will become a holy place and has not been trodden under the foot of the Gentiles?

My present understanding is that it will require work and effort by those who would dwell there to cause it to be a fruitful place but it has been prepared nonetheless.

When did the Lord first prepare this land?

From the days of Adam when the promise was originally made?

What things must be completed in order for the Lord's promises to the original Fathers to be vindicated?

What work will a cooperative group of individuals be willing and required to do in order to have the blessing of working alongside the Lord?

If I understand it correctly, this all applies to right here and right now in world history so it concerns me if I desire to have the blessing of being involved in the Lord's work and if I desire to live so that I might be invited to go to a place of peace with my family.

How long is "many days"?

Would the Lord be aware of how long it would take, or in other words how much time would be appropriate, for the group to recover from "many afflictions and much difficulty, yea, even so much that we cannot write them all"?

Was the Lord in a hurry to get Nephi to build a ship?

Is the Lord in a rush to get His work done?

I used to believe so.  I really viewed in my mind that the flight of Lehi and his family from Jerusalem all the way to the Americas was a frantic push, required by the Lord, only interrupted by the wanderings in the wilderness due to disobedience.

My present understanding is completely opposite.

I believe the following.

I think the “Answer to the Prayer for Covenant” is the Lord pleading with us to take the time to talk through our differences. There is nothing in those words of counsel that require us to quickly resolve matters. Quite the opposite. The “Answer” is filled with instruction to us about the process, leaving the result to be obtained eventually—through a respectful process, no matter how much time may be needed. To the extent the Lord cares about time at all, He warns us against “haste.” ("The Religion of the Fathers," Denver Snuffer, 27 Mar. 2021, pg. 43)

My present understanding of the new revelation titled "Answer to Prayer for Covenant", found in the Teachings and Commandments section 157, is that it contains many commandments given to whoever comprises the group of people today who the Lord is working with to bring about His purposes in vindicating His promises to the early Fathers.

I believe now that the Lord is very serious about His work being done with a willing heart but not in haste which He declared brings pestilence.

Is this in any way related to what King Benjamin declared here?

...And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order, for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize. Therefore, all things must be done in order... (Mosiah 4:26 - 30, NC Mosiah 2 par. 6)

If such is the case, what constitutes doing things in wisdom and order?

I don't believe that the Lord is okay with purposely dawdling or wasting the time He gives to accomplish a work.

He declared the following to those who were in Nauvoo concerning the building of the Nauvoo temple.

For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they my saints may be baptized for those who are dead; for this ordinance belongs to my house and cannot be acceptable to me, only in the days of your poverty wherein you are not able to build a house unto me. But I command you, all you my saints, to build a house unto me, and I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me, and during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me. But behold, at the end of this appointment, your baptisms for your dead shall not be acceptable unto me. And if you do not these things, at the end of the appointment you shall be rejected as a church with your dead, says the Lord your God. For verily I say unto you that after you have had sufficient time to build a house unto me, wherein the ordinance of baptizing for the dead belongs, and for which the same was instituted from before the foundation of the world, your baptisms for your dead cannot be acceptable unto me, for therein are the keys of the Holy Priesthood ordained that you may receive honor and glory. And after this time, your baptisms for the dead by those who are scattered abroad are not acceptable unto me, says the Lord. For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem — those places which I have appointed for refuge — shall be the places for the baptisms for your dead. (D&C 124:29 - 36, T&C 141 par. 11)

The sad history of Nauvoo is that they ran out the clock and did not complete the temple in the sufficient time that was given.

They were moved out of their place.  The Lord rejected the church with their dead just as He said He would.

So how did the Lord determine what was sufficient time?

Please consider the following.

There are no private lives. Every life counts. Your private devotions are more important than your public notice. The salt which preserves may be unknown, likely is unknown, to most people. But if you are the salt, then your private life of devotion to the Lord is saving the lives of many others. The angels want to begin the harvest. They are impatient to begin reaping and cutting down the wicked now. (D&C 86: 5.) There is only time given because of a few who deserve more time to grow in faith before the harvest begins. (D&C 86: 6-7.) Your growth is all that is keeping the harvest from beginning now. Therefore, how you proceed has consequences far beyond your own life.
When wheat is ripe it will be protected. When tares are ripe they will be burned. But the tender plants worthy of preservation are the only ones allowed more time. (D&C 86: 4.) I advocate for them and realize how tenuous a position humanity itself is in at present. But you are the ones in the balance and for whom time is granted. How much longer no one knows, but your sins are not private. Your repentance is critical to all of creation. Do not think your life is your own. All of us have a share in your good works. ("3 Nephi 12:13," Denversnuffer.com, 8/Oct./2010)

Does the Lord measure "sufficient time" by the actions of some few tender plants that are developing into wheat?

Should this be something I consider very seriously as I look at my own repentance or lack of it?

Does the Lord know that this life brings setbacks and is full of failures that are all a part of the mortal condition?

Do these things, the failures and the setbacks, count against those who have been given "sufficient time"?

What about the following?

There is a process that is underway. People are increasingly accusing, opposing, and fighting with one another without good cause. It is as if they are submitting themselves to listen to obey the spirit of Satan (or the spirit of strife, envy, jarring, accusing). That course is not going to change. I hope it may plateau for a season. There are things we have to do, and we need something other than chaos and warfare, in order to accomplish the things that we need to achieve. But I believe when the command is given, that we’re going to have to act with alacrity if we are going to be able to fulfill the covenants and the obligations that have been promised by God and handed to us to do. (The Book of Mormon Holds the Covenant Pattern for the Full Restoration, Denver C. Snuffer, Jr., 22 September 2019, pg. 27)

What does it mean to act with alacrity when the command is given?

Does that represent haste or hurry?

Should I feel fear or a need to rush when I consider the term alacrity?

Please consider the following,

We’re not going to arrive where we need to arrive if we perceive ourselves as unequal, if we think of ourselves as greater and lesser, if we don’t think of ourselves as simply common servants, inadequate as we may be, to a Lord who loved and sacrificed Himself for our redemption. He is worthy. We can do our best and we can make a lot of mistakes along the way. Joseph did his best and it just didn’t work out. But what would have happened if the people, in July of 1840 when no commandment had yet been given, rose up and with alacrity decided that they were going to labor for the accomplishment of the task that Joseph was telling them was coming? What would have happened had the money raised and donated for the temple not been diverted by the temple committee to their own purposes? What would have happened if the lumber sent down from the Wisconsin mission been used for the construction of the temple rather than being diverted for the homes of the leading citizens? What would have happened if instead of God requiring yanking on the reins to pull the bit in the mouth of the horse of the restoration, what would have happened if all that was needed was for the reins to be lightly put on the neck of the horse of the restoration, to guide it where it needed to go? Horses are so sensitive that when a fly lands on their skin they can twitch to remove it. The people of the restoration are nowhere near as sensitive to what God would have them do, then or now, as is a horse. ( Remembering the Covenants, Denver Snuffer, 4 August 2018, pg. 6)

If we look at alacrity in the context of the above statement, doesn't it represent more of a cheerful willingness to respond to God's commands than a rushed response to God's command?

Is it possible that the fear associated with a rushed response to the Lord's commands is the root of causing pestilence?

If such were the case, would that be related to what the Lord declared here?

And now verily I say unto you that as I said that I would make known my will unto you, behold, I will make it known unto you, not by the way of commandment, for there are many who observe not to keep my commandments. But, unto him that keeps my commandments, I will give the mysteries of my Kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water springing up unto everlasting life. And now behold, this is the will of the Lord your God concerning his saints — that they should assemble themselves together unto the land of Zion, not in haste, lest there should be confusion, which brings pestilence. (D&C 63:22 - 24, T&C 50 par. 6)

Is it possible that the "sufficient time" the Lord gives is whatever time is necessary for the Lord to determine if there are sufficient tender plants worthy of preservation?

Is it possible that "sufficient time" is whatever time is necessary for those tender plants, who respond with alacrity, to pass through whatever failures and setbacks this mortal existence incurs to reach the point where they become wheat and are able to cooperatively work alongside the Lord as He completes His work to vindicate His promises to the Fathers?

If the Lord is going about to do His work now, at this very time in the history of the world, should such thoughts be of critical importance to me personally?

Should I be ever asking myself, Am I working daily works that qualify me to be a tender plant acting with alacrity?

If I, by my actions, qualify as a tender plant, responding with alacrity, will I be given "sufficient time" to complete whatever the Lord commands me to do personally without a need for me to run faster than I have the strength or a need for me to feel fear?

Is it possible for tender plants acting with alacrity in responding to the commandments of the Lord to be filled with full confidence and to be at peace regardless of what is happening all around them?

I have wondered it the command that Nephi was given after the many days to "arise and get thee into the mountain" is part of what Nephi declared here?

...And upon the wings of his spirit hath my body been carried away up on exceeding high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great things — yea, even too great for man — therefore I was bidden that I should not write them. (2 Nephi 4:17 - 25, NC 2 Nephi 3 par. 7)

We have already addressed the subject of these exceedingly high mountains in this previous post An Exceedingly High Mountain

I wonder how many times the Lord visited and taught Nephi in such places?

This is what the Lord has declared about such places.

But know also that I can do my work at any time, for I have sacred space above, and can do my work despite earth and hell. The wickedness of men has not prevented my will, but only kept the wicked from what they might have received. (T&C 157 par. 40)

During such an event Nephi is given the command by the Lord to build a ship.

Is it because Nephi had always responded to the commandments of the Lord with alacrity that he had the confidence to build a ship and only felt to ask where to go to find ore to construct the tools to build the ship?

Did Nephi feel confident that he had "sufficient time" to build the ship?

When Nephi went "into" the mountain the record states that he "cried" unto the Lord.

What am I to learn from that event?

What does it mean to cry unto the Lord?

Is it the same as praying?

The following is from the Glossary of Terms found in the back of the Teachings and Commandments.

There is a difference between praying and crying to God. A petitioner who cries comprehends his desperate and lowly position. It is used eleven times in the Ether chapters to describe the brother of Jared.1 Amulek’s sermon to the Zoramites advises them eight times to cry unto God (see Alma 16:35).2 In these examples the petitions to God are not called “prayer,” but are called “crying” to Him.3Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you (Alma 16:35). For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night because of them. And I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry (2 Nephi 15:1). ("Cry Unto the Lord," Glossary of Gospel Terms, Teachings and Commandments)

I believe the above.

My present understanding from the record is that Nephi comprehended his desperate and lowly position.

I believe that anyone who is shown the reality of God's great unfathomable work comes to that understanding.

Consider the following.

And it came to pass that Moses looked and beheld the world upon which he was created. And as Moses beheld the world, and the ends thereof, and all the children of men who are and who were created, of the same he greatly marveled and wondered. And the presence of God withdrew from Moses, that his glory was not upon him, and Moses was left unto himself. And as he was left unto himself, he fell unto the earth. And it came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before he did again receive his natural strength like unto man. And he said unto himself, Now for this once I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed. But now my eyes have beheld God — but not my natural eyes, but my spiritual, for my natural eyes could not have beheld, for I should have withered and died in his presence. But his glory was upon me and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before him. (Moses 1:8 - 11, OC Genesis 1 par. 2)

I also believe that anyone who has been moved upon by the Holy Spirit after hearing the message of God sent to them by an authorized messenger understands their own nothingness.

As an example.

And it came to pass that when Aaron saw that the king would believe his words, he began, from the creation of Adam, reading the scriptures unto the king: how God created man after his own image, and that God gave him commandments, and that because of transgression, man had fallen. And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state, and also the plan of redemption which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name. And since man had fallen, he could not merit anything of himself. But the sufferings and death of Christ atoneth for their sins, through faith and repentance, etc., and that he breaketh the bands of death that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory. And Aaron did expound all these things unto the king. And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said, What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his spirit that I may be filled with joy? That I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom that I may receive this great joy. But Aaron said unto him, If thou desirest this thing, if thou will bow down before God — yea, if thou repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.
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. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck as if he were dead. (Alma 22:12 - 18, NC Alma 13 pars. 9 - 10)

So, I believe that I must ask myself this question.  

Do I truly understand my own nothingness and my desperate situation?

Can I ever look at a time in my life where I have felt this way?

Is this fearfulness; to understand my nothingness and my desperate situation?

How can I come to the point where I can "cry" unto God?

Is this also something that ought to be on my mind continually?

If I come to the point where I am able to "cry" unto the Lord, would that qualify me as a tender plant, at that moment in time, worthy of preservation?

Would it be incumbent upon me to live my life in a way so as to retain that understanding?

How would I do that?

Can I find examples of that in the scriptures?

Is coming to the point of being able to "cry" to the Lord a way for me to eliminate fear from my life?

Is being able to be in a situation where I can constantly "cry" unto the Lord a situation that will allow me "sufficient" time to cooperate with and work alongside the Lord while He goes about working His works?

My present understanding is that the record is literally pouring out all of these things for our consideration.

The Commandments of God Must Be Fulfilled

 1 Nephi 17:1 - 6, NC 1 Nephi 5 pars. 11 - 14

And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness, and our women 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.

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.

And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yea, even eight years in the wilderness. And we did come to the land which we called Bountiful, because of its much fruit and also wild honey; and all these things were prepared of the Lord that we might not perish. And we beheld the sea, which we called Irreantum, which (being interpreted) is many waters.

And it came to pass that we did pitch our tents by the seashore. And notwithstanding we had suffered many afflictions and much difficulty, yea, even so much that we cannot write them all, we were exceedingly rejoiced when we came to the seashore; and we called the place Bountiful because of its much fruit.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 5 pars. 11 - 14

And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth.  And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness,
and our women bore children in the wilderness. And so great were the blessings of yhwh upon us that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of milk for their children
and were strong, yes, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings. 

And thus we see that the mitzvot of Elohim must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the mitzvot of Elohim, he does nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide ways and means by which 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. 

And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yes, even eight years in the wilderness. And we did come to the land which we called Bountiful, because of its much fruit and also wild honey; and all these things were prepared of yhwh that we might not perish. And we beheld the sea, which we called Irreantum, which (being interpreted) is many waters.

And it came to pass that we did pitch our tents by the seashore. And even though we had suffered many afflictions and much difficulty, yes, even so much that we cannot write them all, we rejoiced exceedingly when we came to the seashore; and we called the place Bountiful because of its much fruit.

I would like to consider these paragraphs from Nephi's record together in this post.  With them together, for me personally, they form an important context.

I would also like to add in for consideration, either in this post or the next, the last part of the preceding paragraph from 1 Nephi 5 par. 10

...the voice of the Lord came and did speak many words unto them and did chasten them exceedingly. And after they were chastened by the voice of the Lord, they did turn away their anger and did repent of their sins, insomuch that the Lord did bless us again with food, that we did not perish.

Is it possible that this statement from Nephi, And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled, is in any way related to The works, and designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught, for God does not walk in crooked paths, neither does he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither does vary from that which he has said; therefore, his paths are straight and his course is one eternal round. (D&C 3:1 - 2, T&C 2 par. 1) ?

Given the Lord's statement "the purposes of God cannot be frustrated neither can they come to naught",

or Nephi's statement "thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled", if it is related to the Lord's statement, how can we declare that there is always agency at play in the lives of those who are involved in the day to day living of bringing about the "purposes" or "commandments" of God?

Do we see such a possible paradox in action in the times and travels of Lehi and his family?

If so, is there anything further that ought to be considered in relation to such a paradox?

What about the additional statement Nephi made concerning the matter?

 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.

This is why I wanted to include a portion of the previous paragraph from the Book of Mormon.

I wanted to consider if what Nephi said about Laman and Lemuel's repentance related to what Nephi declared concerning God nourishing Lehi's group on their journey and that God's commandments must be fulfilled.

Nephi declared that it was only after Laman and Lemuel's repentance following the Lord speaking many words to chasten them that the Lord saw fit to provide food for them again so that they did not perish.

This brings up some questions for me because if I understand the record correctly this is the second mentioned time when repentance was required in order to obtain food.

1) Did Laman and Lemuel hear the actual voice of the Lord speaking to them and chastening them?

If so is this an escalation, not in a good way, of what the Lord decides He must condescend to do in order to drive the point home that they need to repent?

Is this one of the times Nephi is referring to when he speaks the following to Laman and Lemuel?

...Yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time, and he hath spoken unto you in a still, small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words. Wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder... (1 Nephi 17:43 - 47, NC 1 Nephi 5 par. 21)

Should I consider that Nephi shared this as a warning for me?

I believe that the answer to this is yes.

Should I look inside and consider the times the Lord has spoken to me in a still, small voice?

I believe the answer is yes to this as well.

What does it mean to "feel" the Lord's words?

This is a hard one for me.

Does everyone "feel" the Lord's words in the same way?

I don't know.

How would I come to know how to "feel" the Lord's words?

I am still working on this one.

When something, a teaching or a command, comes across as delicious to me is that similar to what Nephi declared about "feeling" the Lord's words?

On what occasions in scripture has the Lord determined it was necessary to speak with a voice of thunder?

Why not do it all the time; why only in specific circumstances?

If the Lord is unable to reach me with a still, small voice and so He then determines to condescend to speak with the voice of thunder does that create more of a situation where condemnation rests on me?

2) How does such an event relate to still allowing Laman and Lemuel to exercise their agency?

If this happens to be one of the times when the Lord spoke to them with the voice of thunder, how is it to be determined that Laman and Lemuel had a choice in the matter?

This is a serious question for me.

I have sometimes wondered how anyone in a culture, where I can see from the scriptural record of Laman and Lemuel, that they believed in the scriptures and were a couple of times persuaded by the scriptural narrative to move forward to accomplish the commandments of God how they would have had the ability to choose a different course after hearing God with a voice of thunder.

I believe it to be so; that they always were allowed to act with agency.  I trust it to be so.  I just don't understand it how that works.

I have wondered the same thing about Alma the younger; having the angel appear to him along the way which astounded him, if I understand it correctly, to the point of him remaining unconscious so to speak.

3) What would have happened if Laman and Lemuel had not responded?

Isn't it curious that the entire group of Lehi, during this event, is affected by the actions of Laman and Lemuel?

The Lord does not seem to be providing a way for Nephi and others to leave the rebellious and continue on without them, if I understand the record correctly.

Am I to assume that the entire group would have perished and the world-altering migration of Lehi's group would have ended right there at that point?

I believe so, if I understand the record correctly.

Wasn't the same principle at play on the ship?

Is it possible to determine from the record that the entire group of Lehi would have been lost at sea if Laman and Lemuel had not repented there for what they had done at that time?

I remember during the events of the recovery of the brass plates Nephi and his brothers were "required", so to speak, to stick together through the entire exercise to be able to return together to their father with the brass plates.

Was that following the same principle?

Was there a covenant extended by God to the entire group that obligated them to succeed together or fail together?

Has God ever done something, such as extending a covenant, that obligates a group in that way?

Salvation is individual. There is only individual salvation and no such thing as collective salvation. While I accept this as true, there is something else that is equally true: God wants “people” to collectively be His. In the revelations of July 14, 2017 and October 4, 2018 received from God (those are in the Teachings and Commandments as sections 157 and 176), the emphasis has been on “people.” Both responses by the Lord have gone beyond individual salvation to focus on people, Zion, and the New Jerusalem... People claim they have kept the covenant, but such claims cannot possibly be true. God’s covenant is for and about “people”—His people. It is not possible for an individual to keep the covenant. Everybody rises together, or everybody falls together. The covenant can only be kept as a community. Individuals acting alone can never accomplish what is required of the group... I cannot keep the covenant. You cannot keep the covenant. Only we can keep the covenant... Only we can keep the covenant. Only those who keep the covenant together can establish a new civilization with God’s holy House at its center ("Civilization", Denver Snuffer, 21/Apr./2019, pg. 1, 4, 31, 32)

How would the commandments of God have been fulfilled if Laman and Lemuel had not responded and repented?

What if the entire company of Lehi had perished, what then?

Is it possible that the Lord might have led Mulek and those who were with him to discover the brass plates, buried in the desert, as they fled to the promised land in a similar fashion that the people of Limhi found the gold Jaredite record among the deceased Jaredite people?

Would such preparation of having a second group fleeing Jerusalem at a proximate time as Lehi's group be similar to having Nephi prepare two records in anticipation of a person, Martin Harris, using his agency later in the future to lose the first record?

If the above is not the case, but agency is always in play, even though the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, how did God know that Laman and Lemuel would respond sufficiently for the migration to continue?

I believe the following statement.

Patience is very hard to summon when you're stirred up to anxiety—“Oh, my God, my God, my God!!”—over something that your God has control over. He defeated an invading Assyrian army using fleas. He fed the Israelites who were tired of manna with quail that flew in to be feasted upon. The God of Nature is not troubled by what troubles you. And the God of Nature is probably nothing more than bemused at how you're acting in this moment of confusion and dread. Our Lord is unflappable and affable. And He's not dancing around, doing a pee-pee dance because He's afraid of what's happening today. He has absolute confidence in the ultimate outcome, and it's going to be exactly as He said it would be. (Equality Living Waters Ranch Retreat Denver C. Snuffer, Jr. Challis, ID 5 September 2021, pg. 4)

 

I also believe the following.

"Being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God," Why does God have foreknowledge of these things? Why does God know that, if He gives His trust to such persons they will be true to it? Why does God know these are the very people who will not break His trust in them? Why does God have such foreknowledge? His foreknowledge is not based upon conjecture but proof. It is not based upon merely hope, it is based upon God’s knowledge of them. He will never ask soft lead to do what He knows will require iron to endure. Therefore He chooses a suitable instrument based upon His foreknowledge that has been "prepared from the foundation of the world." 

And what does God foreknow about them? He knows this: "On account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place." That is, He knows they exercised exceeding faith and based on that performed good works before the foundation of this world. This was in the first place. This was long ago on some other rung of the ladder of progression. It was long ago, a great while in the past, when they were previously “proven.”
"In the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such." Did you get that? They have already been the beneficiaries of a “preparatory redemption” given to them before. They were redeemed before this, so they could be reclaimed for this ministry. They had chosen good rather than evil, and exercised great faith. They qualified to become something greater and minister to others so they, too, could look forward to their redemption by the “Son of God.” But now we find ourselves here, in this cycle of creation, and once again the game’s afoot.  Once again we are left to choose between good and evil. Once again we are asked to exercise great faith and to rise up. We are once again in a position in which it is possible to qualify here and now for what will come after. You have the opportunity before you today. Choose good. 

At this moment you have the opportunity to exercise exceeding faith. Choose faith.  You have the opportunity at this moment, in this dark place where we presently reside, to be identified by your good works, to become proven to God. Then, for the next cycle of creation, His foreknowledge of you will include the record of your exceeding faith and good works from here. (Forty Years in Mormonism, #7 - Christ: The Prototype of the Saved Man, Denver Snuffer, Denversnuffer.com, Downloads, pg. 200)

Is it possible that all those who were engaged in the migration as part of Lehi's group were selected from the foundation of the world, some to prove and others to be proven herewith, by the experience of the migration and the hearing of God's words through Lehi and Nephi?

Was God's foreknowledge involved in having Laman and Lemuel and others be a part of Lehi's group so that they (their hearts) could be proven by the experience?

Paul stated the following concerning the times and habitations of everyone in the human family in this creation cycle.

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill and said, You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious; for as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription: To the Unknown God. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God, who made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands, neither is worshipped with men’s hands as though he needed anything, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things; and has made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth; and has determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation, that they should seek the Lord if they are willing to find him. For he is not far from every one of us, for in him we live, and move, and have our being. As certain also of your own poets have said: For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold or silver or stone, engraved by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance, God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by him whom he has ordained; and he has given assurance of this unto all men, in that he has raised him from the dead. (Acts 17:22 - 31, NC Acts 10 par. 14)

Did God's foreknowledge of Laman and Lemuel from previous cycles of creation allow them sufficient observation to be 100% confident that even if Laman and Lemuel ultimately rejected what was being offered to them that at the very least they would respond sufficiently for the migration to be completed?

Was it God's foreknowledge that informed them to set the times and bounds of the habitation of Laman and Lemuel at this time as members of Lehi's family?

Were Laman and Lemuel added upon by this experience?

If any of what I understand is correct, what would that mean for me or for anyone else for that matter?

Are there things being offered to me now and to everyone in the world, as part of a work God is doing, that we have the agency to accept or reject?

Was God's foreknowledge of us from previous creation cycles involved in Them setting our times and the bounds of our habitation to have our hearts proven during this time in the history of the world?

Are we willing to seek the Lord and willing to find Him now?

Just like with Laman and Lemuel, is our agency to ultimately reject what God is doing right now preserved?

Is it just like Lehi's group that no matter who ultimately rejects what God is offering, God's work will not be frustrated or as Nephi declared God's commandments must be fulfilled?

Would such a proposition mean that God has always provided sufficient inhabitants, according to Their foreknowledge, who are both here to prove and to be proven in order that the work will be completed no matter how many of those who are here to have their hearts proven either accept or reject what God is offering? 

Now, another question.

Did God "nourish" Lehi and his group by providing food for their families?

What about this part of Nephi's account?

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.

Is it possible that God "nourishing" Their children is related to spiritual gifts?

Is the above event, recorded by Nephi, a description of a spiritual gift God bestowed upon Lehi and his group?

This type of event, if I understand it correctly, is reminiscent of another event in the Book of Mormon  record.

And now it came to pass that Amulon began to exercise authority over Alma and his brethren, and began to persecute him, and cause that his children should persecute their children. For Amulon knew Alma, that he had been one of the king’s priests, and that it was he that believed the words of Abinadi and was driven out before the king; and therefore he was wroth with him. For he was subject to king Laman, yet he exercised authority over them, and put tasks upon them, and put taskmasters over them. And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God. And Amulon commanded them that they should stop their cries, and put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death. And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.
And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying, Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me. And I will covenant with this my people and deliver them out of bondage. And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage. And this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them, that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord. (Mosiah 24:8 - 15, NC Mosiah 11 pars. 8 - 9)

Was the supplying food for Lehi and his group so that they could eat a spiritual gift from God to them?

These are asking questions because I really don't have an answer.

I see in the scriptures that healing, which affects the temporary mortal body, is a spiritual gift.

What about other miraculous events that affect the temporal mortal body?

What about this event?

And Moses called unto all Israel and said unto them, You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land — the great trials which your eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles. Yet the Lord has not given you a heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day. And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not grown old upon you and your shoe has not grown old upon your foot. You have not eaten bread, neither have you drunk wine or strong drink, that you might know that I am the Lord your God. And when you came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us unto battle, and we smote them. And we took their land and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh. Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do. (Deuteronomy 29:2 - 9, OC Deuteronomy 9 par. 1)

If I understand this correctly, their clothes and their shoes did not wear out and they were supplied with food and drink for forty years?

Are these things that pertained to and affected their temporal mortal bodies?

The reason I ask this question is that I have always been very circumscribed in what things I have viewed as spiritual gifts and I am beginning to wonder if I have passed over noticing or even scoffed at people and events in people's lives that I ought to have stopped and thought about and asked God if They were extending a spiritual gift.

Would such an attitude of thinking about and asking God about people and events in people's lives be in line with the following teaching?

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit all; for to one is given by the spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge by the same spirit, to another faith by the same spirit, to another the gifts of healing by the same spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But all these work that one and the selfsame spirit, dividing to every man separately as he desires. (1 Corinthians 12:4 - 11, NC 1 Corinthians 1 par. 48) 

Should I have always been more liberal than I have been, in considering the "differences of administrations" and "diversities of operations"?

The truth is that I have never understood what the phrases "differences of administrations" and "diversities of operations" meant.

Have I missed opportunities to praise God and to stand in awe of Their liberality and mercy and extension of gifts among the human family because I was putting Them in a box, so to speak, in the ways that They were allowed to work by faith in Christ among the children of men?

I have been a pharisee for so long in my thinking.  I hope that I am beginning to break free of such hellish restraints. 

We Had Suffered Many Afflictions

1 Nephi 17:1 - 6, NC 1 Nephi 5 pars. 11 - 14

And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness, and our women 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.

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.

And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yea, even eight years in the wilderness. And we did come to the land which we called Bountiful, because of its much fruit and also wild honey; and all these things were prepared of the Lord that we might not perish. And we beheld the sea, which we called Irreantum, which (being interpreted) is many waters.

And it came to pass that we did pitch our tents by the seashore. And notwithstanding we had suffered many afflictions and much difficulty, yea, even so much that we cannot write them all, we were exceedingly rejoiced when we came to the seashore; and we called the place Bountiful because of its much fruit.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 5 pars. 11 - 14

And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth.  And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness,
and our women bore children in the wilderness. And so great were the blessings of yhwh upon us that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of milk for their children
and were strong, yes, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings. 

And thus we see that the mitzvot of Elohim must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the mitzvot of Elohim, he does nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide ways and means by which 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. 

And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yes, even eight years in the wilderness. And we did come to the land which we called Bountiful, because of its much fruit and also wild honey; and all these things were prepared of yhwh that we might not perish. And we beheld the sea, which we called Irreantum, which (being interpreted) is many waters.

And it came to pass that we did pitch our tents by the seashore. And even though we had suffered many afflictions and much difficulty, yes, even so much that we cannot write them all, we rejoiced exceedingly when we came to the seashore; and we called the place Bountiful because of its much fruit.

I would like to consider these paragraphs from Nephi's record together in this post.  With them together, for me personally, they form an important context.

I would also like to add in for consideration, either in this post or the next, the last part of the preceding paragraph from 1 Nephi 5 par. 10

...the voice of the Lord came and did speak many words unto them and did chasten them exceedingly. And after they were chastened by the voice of the Lord, they did turn away their anger and did repent of their sins, insomuch that the Lord did bless us again with food, that we did not perish.

Nephi is describing several things in this part of the record that seem to demonstrate a pattern the Lord uses if I understand some things correctly.

Could we first consider Nephi's following statement?

And even though we had suffered many afflictions and much difficulty, yes, even so much that we cannot write them all, we rejoiced exceedingly 

Are there other places in Nephi's record where he speaks of suffering, affliction, and difficulties while at the very same time speaking of rejoicing or being blessed?

What about Nephi's statement just previous to the above statement?

 And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness, and our women 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.

What about the very first statement Nephi makes as he begins his record?

...And having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days...(1 Nephi 1:1, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 1)

What about on the ship after being tied up?

...Wherefore, they came unto me and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold, they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof. Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long, and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions... (1 Nephi 18:16, NC 1 Nephi 5 par. 30)

What is Nephi, by constraint of the spirit, pointing out here?

Why is there an overt effort on the part of the Lord through Nephi's record to bring this to light?

The following is an excerpt from a talk delivered on the 03rd of March 2019, titled "Signs Follow Faith". 

I agree with the premise being presented.

Wisdom literature is about mature faith, where disappointments and difficulties are accepted and anger against God for life's setbacks is exposed as foolishness. Wisdom literature teaches about enduring, patient, determined, and resilient faith. Job's friends mistook his suffering with divine disfavor. One of the major themes is faithfulness through adversity and trials. 

The first verse of the Book of Mormon echoes with Wisdom. It contains a profound lesson learned over a lifetime. Nephi explained: Having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days (1 Nephi 1:1 RE). He saw many afflictions. He was highly favored of the Lord in all his days, including those in which the affliction was visited on him.

How can one suffer many afflictions and be highly favored of the Lord? Wisdom literature would suggest that perhaps they are related to one another. Do those who are highly favored need to encounter afflictions to understand God's grace and favor toward them? That is a Wisdom theme. 

When we say life should be easier, we are foolish. We're not wise. 

In his final blessing to his son Helaman, Alma says something similar: I...know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions (Alma 17:1 RE). Trusting God does not remove life's trials. Trusting God will not keep afflictions from you. Trusting God will not prevent troubles in your life. 

The Book of Mormon explains a mature form of faith in God: resilient in the face of difficulty, enduring in the day of trouble, comforting in the moment of affliction. The faith of the Book of Mormon writers is not superficial, conditional, and weak. It bears up under trial; it is proven in troubles; it accompanies during afflictions. 

The Book of Mormon is, among other things, a Wisdom text. What if trials, afflictions, and troubles are not negative? What if they are gifts provided as an opportunity to prove us therewith so that we and God may show what is in our heart? 

Job asks: Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? (Job 2:3 RE). Christ taught: In this world there are difficult trials to be faced by my followers, but those who remain devoted will, like me, finish the path and experience the fullness of joy (Testimony of St. John 10:29 RE). (Signs Follow Faith Denver C. Snuffer Jr. Centerville, Utah 3 March 2019, pgs 1 - 2)

Was Nephi able to demonstrate what was in his heart by his reaction to the afflictions and trials he endured?

Did God prove Nephi's heart by such experiences?

Do we see this pattern in other events in the Book of Mormon?

What about the events of Alma and his people being in bondage to Amulon and the Lamanites and not being allowed to cry out loud to the Lord?

Didn't they cry unto the Lord in their hearts?

Did the Lord hear their cries?

And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying, Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me. And I will covenant with this my people and deliver them out of bondage. And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage. And this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them, that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying, Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage. And he said unto Alma, Thou shalt go before this people, and I will go with thee and deliver this people out of bondage. (Mosiah 24:13 - 17, NC Mosiah 11 pars. 9 - 10)

Did the Lord immediately remove them from bondage?

Did He remain with them and even eventually ease their burdens while they remained in bondage?

What was the resultant characteristic that these people obtained by being left in bondage but being accompanied by the Lord?

Is the experience with Alma and his people in any way similar to the following?

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.

Is this an important pattern?

Should we expect this to be the case all the way along the path?

When the Lord came to dwell in a temporal tabernacle He declared that He had come for a specific purpose.

Now I confront the final trial on my path, and what should I say? Father, save me from the difficulties I now face? When this is the reason I have come into the world. Father, let all honor be given to you... (Teachings and Commandments, Section 171, The Testimony of St John, 9 par. 4)

Christ testified that He was finishing the path in order to become like His Father.

As I presently understand it, even at this point, at the end of the path, Wisdom required that He, Christ, must pass through the experience of the final trial.

And they came to a place which was named Gethsemene, which was a garden. And the disciples began to be utterly amazed, and to be very heavy, and to complain in their hearts, wondering if this was the Messiah. And Jesus knowing their hearts, he said to his disciples, Sit here while I shall pray. And he takes with him Peter, and Jacob, and John, and rebuked them, and says unto them, My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death. Wait here and watch.

And he went forward a little and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto you; take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done. And he comes and finds them sleeping, and says unto Peter, Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. And they said unto him, The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. (Mark 14:32 - 38, NC Mark 7 pars. 10 - 11)

Was Christ's completion of the trial and affliction of the atonement a sure indication of His mature faith and trust in His Father?

Did Christ long for the trial to end just like we long for our trials to end?

He longed for it to be over, and thought it would end long before it finally ended. With each wave he thought it would be the last, but then another came upon Him, and then yet another.
The one beholding this scene was pained by what he saw, and begged for the vision of the Lord’s suffering to end. He could not bear to see his Lord suffering in this manner. The petition was denied and the vision did not end, for the Lord required him to witness it.
The man saw that the Lord pleaded again with the Father that “this cup may pass” from Him. But the Lord was determined to suffer the Father’s will and not His own. Therefore, a final wave came upon Him with such violence as to cut Him at every pore. It seemed for a moment that he was torn apart, and that blood came out of every pore. The Lord writhed in pain upon the ground as this great final torment was poured upon Him.
All virtue was taken from Him. All the great life force in Him was stricken and afflicted. All the light turned to darkness. He was humbled, drained, and left with nothing. It is not possible for a man to bear such pains and live, but with nothing more than will, hope in His Father, and charity toward all men, He emerged from the final wave of torment, knowing he had suffered all this for His Father and His brethren. By His hope and great charity, trusting in the Father, the Lord returned from this dark abyss and found grace again, His heart being filled with love toward the Father and all men. (Teachings and Commandments, 161 pars. 9 - 12)

The above scripture declares that it was by the hope and trust in His Father as well as charity towards all men that Christ was able to complete the ordeal.

He, Christ, passed through this infinite suffering and the Father was with Him as He passed through it.

...Behold, the hour comes, yea, has now come, that you shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone — and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me... (John 16:29 - 33, NC John 9 par. 18)

The Gospel reflects that an angel came strengthening Him—which is not altogether an accurate description of what went on. He… The Father's presence never left the Son throughout all His sufferings. And indeed, part of the Son's sufferings was caused by the necessity to reconcile peacefully His experience of this unclean, unworthy state (with the feelings of shame and guilt that are caused by not being reconciled with God), and then overcoming that and being able to reconcile Himself again with the Father and coming to a place of peace and harmony and at-one-ness with the Father that this awful experience had disrupted.

It shattered the harmony that existed between the Father and the Son that had existed throughout His entire ministry, and it put the Son into the same position as the worst of the sinners who had jarringly disassociated themselves unworthily with the Father. And now here He is—feeling all of that—but being in the presence of the Father, as if He were advanced to the moment of the final judgment and coming before the bar of a perfect and pure God—but doing so unprepared, unworthy, unreconciled, unrepentant, and filled with guilt and shame. And all of that was put upon Him so that He could reconcile Himself to the Father, reconcile Himself and overcome the feelings of guilt and remorse of sin.( Easter Fireside “Stand Independent” Fireside Series Denver and Stephanie Snuffer April 3, 2022, pgs. 3 - 4) 

Yet, given the infinite trial and suffering for the infirmities of the human condition and also for the bondage caused from the sinful actions of the entire human family, that Christ passed through, He has arisen triumphant and possesses all of the power glory and honor that the Father has; Who went before Him.

What personality and character does Christ possess after patiently passing through such things?

I know of no more cheerful a being in the universe than Christ. When He says, Be of good cheer, we ought to all accept that as the mantra. There is nothing that any of us will ever go through that He hasn't gone through, with a considerable greater degree of difficulty. He lived with a higher ‘specific gravity’ than any of us had to ever fight against. And He won for each of us a prize that is potentially eternal. It will be eternal, one way or the other. But if you take full measure of what He offers, it will be delightfully eternal. Cowardice is largely predicated upon fear. Don't be cowardly. Don't be fearful. Fear is the opposite of faith. For goodness sake, you're already in the battle! You're already going to be overtaken. The fact of the matter is that no one gets out of here alive. Live this life nobly, fearlessly. When you take the wounds that come your way, you make sure that they come to your front! Don't let ‘em shoot you in the back. Go about your life boldly, nobly, valiantly. Because it is only through valiance in the testimony of Jesus Christ that you can hope to secure anything—not valiance in your fidelity to anything other than Jesus Christ. (Denver Snuffer, Forty Years in Mormonism Series, Talk 1, "Be of Good Cheer", pg. 2)

What did Christ learn by passing through this terrible experience?

As a result of what the Lord suffered, there is no condition — physical, spiritual, or mental — that he does not fully understand. He knows how to teach, comfort, succor, and direct any who come to Him seeking forgiveness and peace. This is why the prophet wrote: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. [Isa. 19:2] And again: Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. [Isa. 19:2] He obtained this knowledge by the things he suffered. He suffered that we might avoid sin by being obedient to His commandments. None of us need harm another, if we will follow Him. He knows fully the consequences of sin. He teaches His followers how to avoid sin.
The prophet Alma taught and understood our Lord’s sufferings as he wrote: And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. [Alma 5:3]
He can bring peace to any soul. He can help those who will come to Him love their fellow man. He alone is the Perfect Teacher because he alone has the knowledge each of us lack to return to being whole and at peace with the God and Father of us all after our transgression of His will. He is wise to what is required for each man’s salvation. (Teachings and Commandments, 161 pars. 24 - 26)

As an individual passes through trials and troubles and afflictions, trusting in God to remain with them through the ordeal, do they learn things by experience that allow them to pass on knowledge to others who pass through similar if not the same trials, troubles, and afflictions?

Is it possible that such experiences might be able to be likened to learning a new "language"?

If I have not passed through a certain trial that another is passing through am I able to speak their "language"?

I believe that I can and should try in all the capacity I have to assist anyone afflicted with anything but if I myself do not know the "language" they are learning by their experience with their affliction I would not be surprised that in many things I might find myself at a loss in how best to assist.

I would be unable to say, "I know how you feel and..." I would at best be able to declare, "I believe you when you tell me that you feel ....  I am sorry you are passing through this.  I want to listen to you."

By Christ descending below all things, would it be unreasonable to liken that experience to Christ having learned all of the "languages" of trial, burden, trouble, bondage, and affliction that exist and is able to communicate with any individual in any of these languages in a way that will lead them to peace and a completion their learning of the particular "language" they are learning?

Is Christ truly able to say now, "I know exactly how you are feeling and I know the way through"?

Is it possible that part of the reason for this temporal existence is to learn new "languages" so to speak?

Is it possible for us with our agency to work to avoid the experiences in this temporal state that were meant to teach us new "languages"?

How would we feel if we have succeeded and end this life coming to the other side of the veil with a realization that we had squandered an opportunity to learn?

Does the pattern Nephi and really the entire Book of Mormon put forward of development of mature faith fit into the context of the following teachings from the Prophet Joseph?

...you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pgs. 346 - 347)

and 

...A fanciful and flowery and heated imagination be aware of, because the things of God are of deep import, and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Your mind, O man, if you will lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost Heavens, and search into and contemplate the lowest considerations of the darkest abyss, and expand upon the broad considerations of eternal expanse. You must commune with God... (Teachings and Commandments 138 par. 18)

By learning new "languages" are we given the opportunities of learning to become Gods; knowing how to succor others in their afflictions after we have suffered through them ourselves?

Are we given opportunities to go from grace to grace by receiving God's grace while gracefully passing through the experience(s)?

Are the capacities of those who patiently pass through the experiences increased?

Are trials and troubles that we must pass through part of contemplating the lowest considerations of the darkest abyss?

For those who pass patiently through such things, are their minds stretched?

For those who pass patiently through such things, do they find themselves in constant communion with God during the experiences?

Do those who pass patiently through such things experience careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts over the time of their experiences?

Have those who have patiently passed through such things had experiences that have enlightened their minds to the utmost Heavens and allowed them to expand upon the broad considerations of eternal expanse?

Do people become more grounded, less given to fanciful, flowery, and heated imaginations, by patiently passing through such experiences? 

Is this pattern of obtaining mature faith, demonstrated by Nephi and others, the intended path to progress in faith?

In truth, for me, the thought of such things is terrifying right now. 

I understand that God knows what is best for me to experience in this temporal estate behind a veil. I believe that I can with honesty state that I trust that to be so. 

I hope that whatever those experiences may be I will respond with patient trust in the Lord so that I may develop a mature, enduring, and resilient faith in Christ.

Our Father is Dead

 1 Nephi 16:33 - 39, NC 1 Nephi 5 pars. 9 - 10

And it came to pass that we did again take our journey, traveling nearly the same course as in the beginning; and after we had traveled for the space of many days, we did pitch our tents again, that we might tarry for the space of a time.

And it came to pass that Ishmael died and was buried in the place which was called Nahom. And it came to pass that the daughters of Ishmael did mourn exceedingly because of the loss of their father and because of their afflictions in the wilderness. And they did murmur against my father because he had brought them out of the land of Jerusalem, saying, Our father is dead. Yea, and we have wandered much in the wilderness, and we have suffered much afflictions, hunger, thirst, and fatigue; and after all these sufferings we must perish in the wilderness with hunger. And thus they did murmur against my father and also against me; and they were desirous to return again to Jerusalem. And Laman said unto Lemuel, and also unto the sons of Ishmael, Behold, let us slay our father, and also our brother Nephi who has taken it upon him to be our ruler and our teacher, who are his elder brethren. Now he says that the Lord has talked with him, and also that angels have ministered unto him. But behold, we know that he lies unto us; and he tells us these things, and he worketh many things by his cunning arts, that he may deceive our eyes, thinking perhaps that he may lead us away into some strange wilderness. And after he has led us away, he has thought to make himself a king and a ruler over us, that he may do with us according to his will and pleasure. And after this manner did my brother Laman stir up their hearts to anger. And it came to pass that the Lord was with us, yea, even the voice of the Lord came and did speak many words unto them and did chasten them exceedingly. And after they were chastened by the voice of the Lord, they did turn away their anger and did repent of their sins, insomuch that the Lord did bless us again with food, that we did not perish.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim,  1 Nefi 5 pars. 9 - 10

And it came to pass that we did again take our journey, traveling nearly the same course as in the beginning; and after we had traveled for the space of many days, we did pitch our tents again, that we 
might remain for the space of a time. 

And it came to pass that Yishma’el died and was buried in the place which was called Nahom. And it came to pass that the daughters of Yishma’el did mourn exceedingly because of the loss of their father and because of their afflictions in the wilderness. And they did murmur against my father because he had brought them out of the land of Yerushalayim, saying, Our father is dead. Yes, and we have wandered much in the wilderness, and we have suffered much afflictions, hunger, thirst, and fatigue; and after all these sufferings we must perish in the wilderness with hunger. And thus they did murmur against my father and also against me; and they were desirous to return again to Yerushalayim. And Laman said unto L’mu’el, and also unto the sons of Yishma’el, Behold, let us slay our father, and also our brother Nefi who has taken it upon him to be our ruler and our teacher, who are his elder brothers. Now he says that yhwh has talked with him, and also that angels have ministered unto him. But behold, we know that he lies unto us; and he tells us these things, and he works many things by his cunning arts, that he may deceive our eyes, thinking perhaps that he may lead us away into some strange wilderness. And after he has led us away, he has thought to make himself a king and a ruler over us, that he may do with us according to his will and pleasure. And after this manner did my brother Laman stir up their hearts to anger. And it came to pass that yhwh was with us, yes, even the voice of yhwh came and did speak many words unto them and did chasten them exceedingly. And after they were chastened by the voice of yhwh, they did turn away their anger and did repent of their sins, insomuch that yhwh 
did bless us again with food, that we did not perish. 

I just learned something concerning the daughters of Ishmael from a footnote in the Stick of Joseph.

It is something that demonstrates to me that my own understanding of scripture is colored by my own cultural biases and life experiences.

This leads me to believe that I would be greatly benefitted in my understanding by learning about different cultural norms as they appear in scripture.

I have always considered that the daughters of Ishmael here were completely in the wrong right from the get-go to murmur after the death of their father Ishmael; they were part of a divine endeavor after all.

This is the footnote in the Stick of Joseph dealing with this event.

121 They were “sitting shiva,” at which time such murmuring would have been excused.

I looked up what sitting shiva means.

In the Jewish culture, for seven days following the death of a family member the family sits in mourning. 

My present understanding is that during this time of mourning for their father the daughters of Ishmael were doing something that was culturally excusable because of the consideration for their grief.

This leads me to ask myself, "How many times have I read the scriptures, imposing my western cultural traditions upon the text, accusing the participants in the recorded events of wrongdoing, and lost opportunities to gain understanding because I pass over something without considering the original cultural context?"

I wouldn't blame anyone for thinking that I am obsessing over something small.

I just wonder about my own arrogance with respect to the scriptures.  How many people in the world from different life experiences than mine or from different cultural and family traditions than mine or from lives filled with heartbreak, sorrow, and difficulties can and do see and share insights and light and understanding from the scriptures that I have never considered because, in my own arrogance, I feel that I have some inside track on things?

Would it be of great benefit to me to look around and take in, for consideration, the insights that others share about scripture?

Would it be a good exercise for me to simply listen to others without trying to interject my own scriptural ideas and interpretations?

The following talks about Enoch.

Zion cannot be brought through a “Strongman.” The talk I gave about the priesthood in Orem was given in part to inform you about what is necessary as a priesthood component for the existence of Zion. But a Strongman will not work. Remember the character of those whom God has called in times past when Zion was offered. In the case of Enoch, who established Zion, he described himself as “but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?” (Moses 6: 31.) I‟ve explained in the talk on Elijah Reconsidered that “slow of speech” does not mean some speaking impediment. It meant he would rather not talk, because he was more reflective and contemplative than vocal. Enoch was not a “Strongman” in the Gentile fashion, but was a man of meekness and mildness, rather more like our Savior than like the rulers of the Synagogue. ("Zion", Denver C. Snuffer, Jr. © 4-12-14 All Rights Reserved. Lecture 6 Grand Junction, Colorado, pg. 2)

Is it possible that Enoch was more interested in listening to and considering what others had to say than in voicing his own understanding of matters?

If such was the case would that be a trait that made him weak or meek?

If I honestly look at myself presently I have to declare that I presently have so much more in common with the rulers of the Synagogue than I have in common with Enoch.

The following is from a paper entitled "Other Sheep Indeed"

Of all faiths, Mormonism has the greatest canonical incentive to search for and embrace truth known to others. The “keystone” of Mormonism is the Book of Mormon. That book alerts its readers that there are many others from vastly different places with vastly different scriptures who are nonetheless Christ’s sheep. Book of Mormon readers are expected to search for, welcome and learn from them. In contrast, institutional Mormonism of all stripes confine trustworthy new religious ideas to their authorized leaders. Early in the text we learn that our faith, like our scriptures, is unfinished, and to anticipate a flood of additional sacred texts to help remove our ignorance. The portion of the Book of Mormon translated by Joseph Smith is carefully censored, with its greater content withheld.  2 Nephi 29:11-12 states: For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; … Obviously the Gods of Mormonism view Their role as all-inclusive. The entire world and all mankind belong to Them.  Their global audience has received and recorded sacred words directly from the Gods’ “one” mouth.  We have no way to define the extent to which that has happened. Nor do we have any concept of the number of sacred records that exist somewhere among unknown others, nor any idea what truths they were given that we lack. Mormonism cannot, or at least should not, consider itself the exclusive possessor of THE sacred canon or that there is only one canon containing the Gods’ teachings. There are words from heaven spread throughout our world by the deliberate planting of the Gods.

Continuing, for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written. These “books” hold terrible importance for Mormons because we are going to be judged by the Gods based on a comparison between our “works” and “that which is written.” With such a warning we Mormons ought to be humble about our claims to know more than other faiths. We should be modest in thinking we are especially graced by the Gods’ words and should be anxious to scour the globe to discover the sacred texts of other cultures. In humility, we should invite them to share the truths they value most with us because we have shown that we will respect what they regard as sacred. ("Other Sheep Indeed," Denver Snuffer, © 2017 Presented at the Salt Lake City Sunstone Symposium, pgs. 2 - 3)

If I desire to be brought out of the darkness I am in presently, I would consider that responding to the above invitation would prove to be a great blessing for me.

What Nephi is recording here concerns the rebellions of Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael; a reoccurring event.

Did Nephi inscribe these reoccurring events in order to demonstrate a principle to us?

I don't believe that Nephi recorded these events to poo-poo his brothers.

I don't believe that I am able to learn what I ought to learn from considering these events if my only reaction is "Boy, look at these lunkheads.  What idiots."

I have mentioned before that I believe that Laman and Lemuel, initially at Jerusalem, were "rationally" considering their father Lehi's message and actions; which message and actions ran totally counter to their life experience, culture, and traditions.

They were living a life that was well off in Jerusalem, a very religious area of people who were strict to keep the law of Moses.

They lived as part of a family that possessed bank accounts, real estate holdings, a prosperous business, etc.  

Their father, Lehi, went off the deep end.  

First, he began to testify that the very religious people of Jerusalem were wicked.  According to their understanding of things, that was quite laughable.

Then he began to testify of a Messiah who would come.  Such a witness really caused a stir in the community of Jerusalem. Their father's life was threatened because of that testimony.

Then they were informed by their very controversial father that they were leaving everything and departing into the wilderness never to be able to enjoy their wealth and real estate. 

Is it possible to see how in today's society a diagnosis of mental illness would not be difficult to obtain for Lehi in order to commit Lehi to an institution so that Lehi's insane actions would not continue?

Nephi also expressed, in the beginning, at the very least, reservations about what his father, Lehi, had been declaring. That is why Nephi inquired of the Lord to know concerning the words of his father, as I presently understand it.

Is it possible that by recording these reoccurring rebellions, Nephi is trying to get me to take a serious look at whatever I hold as "rational" concerning my traditions, culture, and life experience that would not allow me to move past my reservations and even healthy skepticism to ask of God?

Is it possible that I am capable of following a path that will lead me to murderous rebellions against those who are declaring the words of God?

The devil has no power over us only as we permit him. The moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the devil takes power. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 181)

If I remember correctly, their past rebellion involved them leaving Nephi tied up to die in the wilderness but it did not involve a plan to also murder their father, Lehi.

Now they are actively involved in the consideration of murdering both Nephi and their father Lehi as well.

I have written before in this blog about how it presently appears to me that we must be informed of the negative results of our disobedient actions towards God and not just apprised of potential blessings if we are obedient to God.

I am wondering if that is one reason we benefit from repeatedly reading about Laman and Lemuel and the Sons of Ishmael's rebellions.

If we are exposed to light from heaven does that put us in greater peril?

Alma, or maybe Mormon as he was abridging the record, gave the following observation concerning the events when many of the people of Ammon were killed by their fellow Lamanites.

...Now the greatest number of those of the Lamanites who slew so many of their brethren were Amlicites and Amulonites, the greatest number of whom were after the order of the Nehors. Now among those who joined the people of the Lord, there were none who were Amlicites, or Amulonites, or who were after the order of Nehor, but they were actual descendants of Laman and Lemuel. And thus we can plainly discern that after a people have been once enlightened by the spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened; and thus their state becomes worse than if they had never known these things. (Alma 24:26 - 30, NC Alma 14 par. 12)

The Lord also, during His mortal sojourn, taught concerning this same reality.

Then came some of the scribes and said unto him, Master, it is written that every sin shall be forgiven, but you say, Whoever speaks against the holy ghost shall not be forgiven. And they asked him, saying, How can these things be? And he said unto them, When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. But when a man speaks against the holy ghost, then he says, I will return into my house from which I came out. And when he has come, he finds him empty, swept, and garnished, for the good spirit leaves him unto himself. Then goes the evil spirit and takes with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. And the last end of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. (Matthew 12:43 - 45, NC Matthew 6 par 7)

At one point at the beginning of Nephi's ministry to his brothers, Nephi makes the following observation concerning Laman and Lemuel.

...And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did exhort my brethren with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord. And it came to pass that they did humble themselves before the Lord, insomuch that I had joy and great hopes of them, that they would walk in the paths of righteousness... (1 Nephi 16:1 - 6, NC 1 Nephi 5 par. 1)

Also, we see a bit further on during the journey the following event happened with them as well.

And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him, Look upon the ball and behold the things which are written. And it came to pass that when my father beheld the things which were written upon the ball, he did fear and tremble exceedingly, and also my brethren, and the sons of Ishmael, and our wives... (1 Nephi 16:26 - 32, NC 1 Nephi 5 par. 8)

Do these events constitute being enlightened by the spirit of God?

Is it possible that for a time they had a change of heart?

If an individual is sent from God with an authorized message and that message is delivered to the intended hearers with fidelity does that also constitute being enlightened by the spirit of God?

Would it be important for me to consider if these events constitute being enlightened by the spirit of God? 

Should I look inside and ask myself if I have ever been enlightened by the spirit of God?

Is this what Alma was inviting the folks who were part of the church in Zarahemla to consider when he declared the following?

And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now? Have ye walked keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say — if ye were called to die at this time — within yourselves that ye have been sufficiently humble, that your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins? Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not, ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold, ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of Heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life. Behold, I say, is there one among you who is not stripped of envy? I say unto you that such an one is not prepared. And I would that he should prepare quickly, for the hour is close at hand; and he knoweth not when the time shall come, for such an one is not found guiltless. (Alma 5:26 - 29, NC Alma 3 par. 5)

Should I seriously consider these recurring events among Laman and Lemuel to be a cautionary tale recorded for my benefit to remind me of my personal obligation to live day by day according to the enlightenment I have or will receive by the spirit of God?

Is this recorded in Nephi's record precisely to inform me of the inescapable internal negative results of my personal disobedience to the gift of God's enlightenment to me?

Are there any other examples that testify to this?

What did the Prophet Joseph teach?

The Messiah’s kingdom on earth is of that kind of government, that there has always been
numerous apostates, for the reason that it admits of no sins unrepented of without excluding the individual from its fellowship. Our Lord said, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for
many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” And again, many are called, but
few are chosen. Paul said to the elders of the Church at Ephesus, after he had labored three years
with them, that he knew that some of their own number would turn away from the faith, and seek
to lead away disciples after them. None, we presume, in this generation will pretend that he has the
experience of Paul in building up the Church of Christ and yet, after his departure from the Church
at Ephesus, many, even of the elders turned away from the truth; and what is almost always the
case, sought to lead away disciples after them. Strange as it may appear at first thought, yet it is no
less strange than true, that notwithstanding all the professed determination to live godly, apostates
after turning from the faith of Christ, unless they have speedily repented, have sooner or later fallen
into the snares of the wicked one, and have been left destitute of the Spirit of God, to manifest
their wickedness in the eyes of multitudes. From apostates the faithful have received the severest
persecutions. Judas was rebuked and immediately betrayed his Lord into the hands of His
enemies, because Satan entered into him. There is a superior intelligence bestowed upon such as
obey the Gospel with full purpose of heart, which, if sinned against, the apostate is left naked and
destitute of the Spirit of God, and he is, in truth, nigh unto cursing, and his end is to be burned.
When once that light which was in them is taken from them, they become as much darkened as
they were previously enlightened, and then, no marvel, if all their power should be enlisted
against the truth, and they, Judas like, seek the destruction of those who were their greatest
benefactors. What nearer friend on earth, or in heaven, had Judas than the Savior? And his first
object was to destroy Him. Who, among all the Saints in these last days can consider himself as good
as our Lord? Who is as perfect? Who is as pure? Who is as holy as He was? Are they to be found?
He never transgressed or broke a commandment or law of heaven—no deceit was in His mouth,
neither was guile found in His heart. And yet one that ate with Him, who had often drunk of the
same cup, was the first to lift up his heel against Him. Where is one like Christ? He cannot be
found on earth. Then why should His followers complain, if from those whom they once called brethren, and considered as standing in the nearest relation in the everlasting covenant they should receive persecution? From what source emanated the principle which has ever been manifest by apostates from the true Church to persecute with double diligence, and seek with double perseverance, to destroy those whom they once professed to love, with whom they once communed, and with whom they once covenanted to strive with every power in righteousness to obtain the rest of God? Perhaps our brethren will say the same that caused Satan to seek to overthrow the kingdom of God, because he himself was evil, and God’s kingdom is holy. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pgs. 66 - 68)

Was the above teaching of the Prophet Joseph what he experienced during his life in his associations with others? 

When a man begins to be an enemy to this work, he hunts me, he seeks to kill me, and never
ceases to thirst for my blood. He gets the spirit of the devil—the same spirit that they had who
crucified the Lord of Life—the same spirit that sins against the Holy Ghost. You cannot save such
persons; you cannot bring them to repentance; they make open war, like the devil, and awful is
the consequence. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 358)

Wasn't it by a conspiracy of those who were once close associates with the Prophet Joseph that both he and Hyrum, his brother, were delivered up to be murdered?

Should it be very sobering to me that in all of the above examples it was a spirit of murder that ended up filling those who had once been enlightened by the spirit of God?

How serious a matter is this?

Now, this may sound like a curious matter, where God has access to mankind, and Satan also has access to mankind. And the narrative reads as if Adam and Eve and their descendants stand in the presence of and have access to God and angels openly and Satan openly, and Satan appears and says, “Don’t believe it,” and he preaches (in their disbelief) things that will make them gratified, carnal, sensual, and devilish.
Well, there was a different order of things long ago and far away, in which the veil that exists predominantly now was easily traversed. It is for the protection of mankind that a veil was installed, so that apparently powerful, spiritual, great beings who are malevolent and evil and corrupting and who urge you to carnality and sensuality, and devilishness don’t get access to you—because there has to be an equal opposition in all things. If your mind ascends to the highest heights (as Joseph put it in his letter from Liberty Jail), your mind also must descend into the darkest abyss—because you cannot ascend without exposing yourself to a larger spectrum of opposition, so that you are left in the balance to choose. ("Righteousness" Salem, Utah, November 20, 2022, Denver C. Snuffer, Jr., pgs. 6 - 7)

Is it possible from all the above that this is one reason the Lord declared the following?

And it came to pass, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow you wherever you go. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow you, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:57 - 62, NC Luke 8 par. 2)

If I begin to move forward on the path in search of light is it critical that I do not go back?

Should I be earnest and true in my effort to receive and follow the words of the Lord?

Is Nephi following the pattern of recording, for our view, the negative results of disobedience in order that we may benefit and learn from the experiences of others?