After Lehi had given his children spiritual instruction regarding his vision, and things revealed to him by the Holy Ghost, Nephi explains to us, through his writings, that he too was desirous to know the things his father had seen. He wanted to know for himself. In 1 Nephi Chapter 11, Nephi gives us another amazing example of how to receive revelation.
1 Nephi 11:1 For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot.
- 1) He had the desire to know
- 2) He believed that the Lord could make them known to him. AKA Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
- 3) He pondered about what he had been taught.
- 4) He was given further light and knowledge.
It is amazing to me that this is already the second time Nephi explains this process in his record. Remember the first time was in Chapter 2:
16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.
Nephi wants us to know the process. Perhaps the process itself is even more important than the information he received by following that process, which was the same dream his father saw, and the interpretation thereof.
Another important detail that Nephi records is the fact that he was literally transported upwards to receive the information he sought. He describes the experience as taking place on an “exceedingly high mountain”. We see an ascension process taking place. Usually, when a mountain is referred to in the scriptures, it can be equated with a sacred experience similar to a temple experience. In the temple we also have an ascension experience as we move upwards toward the Father. We literally ascend the “Hill of the Lord.”
To receive the information Nephi received, I believe, an ascension process was necessary. As we explore it I believe you will think so too.
More…. great stuff coming!
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3 comments:
And then, later, when his brothers are complaining that they don't understand, he challenges them, "Have ye inquired of the Lord?" They answer that the Lord makes no such thing known to them -- because they're not willing to humble themselves enough to follow the process. No wonder angels were insufficient to keep them on the right track.
Exactly Shelli! I believe that the major difference between Nephi, and Laman and Lemuel, was that exact thing. They wouldn't humble themselves to simply ask. That is a BIG lesson for us today as well.
You have explained this so well. I have really enjoyed reading your site. Thanks for sharing.
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