Skip to main content

"In So Much Mercy," 2 Nephi 4:20-27

2 Nephi 4:20-27

Nephi's optimism is based on one profound argument: "If the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow...?" (vs. 26) The depth, breadth, and scope of such optimism embraces all.

I was reading in the morning paper about the passing of Elder Worthlin and one particular observation noted that he strove to live his life according to the knowledge that he possessed. This thought seems to be akin to the feelings that Nephi is feeling here. It is motivation to me to live my life more in harmony with the knowledge that the Lord has blessed me with.

With so many evidences of the Lord's influence in one's life -- Nephi has a long personal list (see verses 20-25) -- the compelling argument becomes "why" (vs. 27).

  • Why should I allow myself to commit sin?
  • Why should I give temptations the time of day in place of peace and contentment?
  • Why should I ever let anyone get me angry?

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

"The Lord Seeth Fit to Chasten His People," Mosiah 23:19-24

Mosiah 23:19-24 There are footnotes on the word "chasten." I've found the reference in Deuteronomy 11:1-8 speaks directly to me. Therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway. And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the Lord your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm... But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the Lord which he did. Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it; ( vs. 1,2,7,8 ) The admonition to be diligent in all commandments is particularly more applicable to those who know and have witnessed the power of His almighty hand.

"Behold, Here Are Six Onties of Silver," Alma 11:1-22

Alma 11:1-22 I finally arrive at chapter 11 of Alma. We have at the beginning of the chapter an explanation of the currency of the day among the Nephites. It is laid out as such: Nephite Coinage Chart Gold Silver Value limnah onti ( vs.22 ) Equal to a senine, a seon, and a shum of gold combined, or equal to a senum, an amnor, and a ezrom of silver combined. (7 senines, 7 senums, or 7 days of work) ( vs. 10, 13 ) shum ezrom 2 seons (4 senines) or 2 amnors (4 senums) ( vs. 9, 12 ) seon amnor 2 senines or 2 senums ( vs. 8, 11 ) antion 3 shiblons, which means it should be 1½ senine ( vs. 19 ) senine senum This is the base measurement from which all other coins are valued. A day's wages for a judge. Also, the worth of a measure of barley and every other kind of grain.( vs. 3, 7 ) shiblon half a senum, half a measure of barley ( vs. 15 ) shiblum half a shiblon (4 shiblums = a senum) ( vs. 16 ) leah half a shiblum (8 leahs = a senum) ( vs. 17 ) In verse 20 , we learn that the motivation...