 |
| Ishmael and His Family Join Lehi 1 Nephi 7 J. Leo Fairbanks (1878-1946) |
Possibly, I would have reacted like Sariah and feared for the lives of my sons. Even though my children are in their 20s and 30s, I still worry about them. They are all in the forefront of my mind and prayers. When their four sons returned from their perilous journey to obtain the brass plates, Lehi and Sariah rejoiced and showed their gratitude to God. Sariah’s testimony that her husband was a prophet and was directed out of Jerusalem was strengthened.
The Brass plates contained the 5 books of Moses, the Pentateuch, the rest of the Old Testament to Jeremiah plus the genealogy of Lehi's family. Lehi saw in a vision that the Old Testament would be found among all the peoples of the earth, which we see happening today.
Shortly after the return of the four brothers, Lehi was directed to send them back again. This time they were to convince the family of Ishmael to join them. Why? Ishmael's family consisted of many children including several unmarried daughters. The young men and now Zoram needed wives. Although it seems strange that Ishmael would agree to such a thing, the Lord softened his heart and gave him witness of the goodness of this choice.
On the return journey, things got really bad and violent. Laman, Lemuel, two of Ishmael's daughters, and two of his sons decided they didn't want to go. They wanted to return to Jerusalem. Nephi attempted to reason with them, reminding them that Jerusalem would soon be destroyed and the people taken into captivity. He reminded them that they had been told by God's prophet that they were traveling to a new, rich , uninhabited land of promise. He told them they would all perish if they returned to Jerusalem.
Even though Nephi was in danger for his life, he boldly proclaimed the word of God to the rebellious young people. He loved them, because they were his brothers and kins men and because they were children of God. He cried for them in his heart and had compassion for them. We would do well to emulate these qualities demonstrated by Nephi. Everyone has something about them that isn't perfect. A little less judgement, a little more compassion, a little more witnessing just might be the way to treat those on the wrong road. Lehi and Nephi taught us what it means to have courage in the face of difficult things and willing obedience to God's commands. Because of them, millions of people have been blessed. Next time we feel so inspired, we ought to “go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.”
"Courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one’s coveted goal, but even greater courage is called for, when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve. Have the determination to make the effort, the single-mindedness to work toward a worthy goal, and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second effort, should such be required. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, 'I’ll try again tomorrow.'" Thomas S. Monson
