1 Nephi 2:16-24 A Sure Foundation

Unlike his brothers, Nephi actively sought a change in heart and desired to know the things of God.  When Nephi had humbled himself and cried unto the Lord, he believed the words of his father and did not rebel against him.  Once he received this witness of the Spirit, Nephi made it known to his brothers, but only Sam accepted and believed.  Nephi didn't stop at sharing his testimony with his rebellious brothers, he cried unto the Lord for them when they rejected it.  This is when he hears, "Blessed art thou, Nephi."

The Lord tells Nephi that as long as he is obedient, he will be led to a land of promise, for him and his children as long as they are obedient.

These verses build on the exodus theme.  Nephi's land of promise is contingent on his righteousness, just like my eternal promised land is contingent on my obedience and righteousness.  Nephi was blessed for his faith and diligence and was led to the promised land.  His brothers had no power over him, but he still had to endure many afflictions.

Helaman 5:12 is a great verse for giving us hope against adversity,

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his might winds, yea, his shafts in the whirwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

How firm is my foundation?  Do I follow the Savior's admonition to "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and Pray for them which despitefully use you." Matthew 5:44

1 Nephi 2:2-7 Exodus: Physical and Spiritual

Lehi was commanded to leave Jerusalem and depart into the wilderness.  He forsook all his precious worldly possessions, taking only his family and whatever supplies they needed to live in the wilderness.  When he had traveled three days into the wilderness, he stopped and gave thanks.

The exodus theme is not uncommon in the scriptures.  Moses and the children of Israel first come to mind.  They were called out of the wickedness and bondage of Egypt to become clean and worship God.  In the New Testament, the Savior calls on us to figuratively leave the world and prays to the Father that we might be sanctified and kept from evil John 17:14-17.

Questions to ask and to answer:

In my past, do I see the hand of God leading me out of Babylon, either literally or figuratively?  Have I thanked God for that or do I murmur and lust after the "fleshpots of Egypt"?

How am I doing in my current journey out of Babylon?  Am I backsliding or drifting  into bad habits or do I "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ?"

What am I doing to make a difference in my journey, or someone else's journey, today?