Day 3: 1 Nephi 11-13

Welcome to Day 3!

                       

After hearing about his father's amazing dream, Nephi wanted to experience the revelation for himself. He got a LOT more than he bargained for! 

"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."(1 Nephi 11:1) 


                        
Nephi not only experienced his father's vision, but lots more. And he had the added bonus of an angel tour guide!
 
"And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?

And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul."  1 Nephi 11:22-23  Love the angel's description of God's love: most joyous to the soul!


Then Nephi witnessed the Savior's visit to America! He learned they would be righteous for four generations, and then destroyed due to wickedness. How sad to carry that knowledge around his entire life.

But thankfully, his vision ended on a positive note. He saw the restoration of the gospel in the latter days and the Book of Mormon coming forth, restoring plain and precious truths to the world!  

And that's where WE come in! He saw us! How exciting to be alive at this time and know we are a fulfillment of prophecy! We have an obligation to learn and love and share the Book of Mormon with the world. And this reading group is part of that quest! Great job learning and loving the Book of Mormon today! Keep it up!!

• Opening Song:

• Begin with prayer

• Watch "Daily Bread: Change"

• Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 11-13
• Study Guide: (here)

• Scripture to Mark and Ponder: 1 Nephi 13:37
• Video: Discussions on the Book of Mormon

                             

"Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?... Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things." 1 Nephi 11:21-22

Interpretation of symbols 

found in Lehi's dream:

1. The tree (1 Nephi 8:10) = The love of God in giving the world his Only Begotten Son (1 Nephi 11:21–22; John 3:16)

2. The fruit (1 Nephi 8:11) = Eternal life (1 Nephi 15:36; D&C 14:7)

3. The rod of iron (1 Nephi 8:19) = The word of God (1 Nephi 15:23–24)

4. Mist of darkness (1 Nephi 8:23) = Temptations of the devil (1 Nephi 12:17)

5. Great and spacious building (1 Nephi 8:26–27) = Pride of the world (1 Nephi 11:36


Children's video: "Lehi's Dream"

Excellent Talk "Lehi's Dream and You" by President Boyd K. Packer. Find transcript (here):

"If you hold to the rod, you can feel your way forward with the gift of the Holy Ghost, conferred upon you at the time you were confirmed a member of the Church. The Holy Ghost will comfort you. You will be able to feel the influence of the angels, as Nephi did, and feel your way through life." Boyd K. Packer

“But after all, it is not the Book of Mormon's dramatic crisis, its history, its narrative that are so important, but its power to transform men into Christ-like beings, worthy of exaltation... My beloved friends, I give you the Book of Mormon. May you read it prayerfully, study it carefully, and receive for yourselves the testimony of its divinity.” – Pres. Spencer W. Kimball

From today's "Daily Bread" video: "With His atonement we become different people. It's power is infinite and can reach down and sanctify and make holy to the uttermost ANY soul. We're not transformed overnight...changes are incremental. People don't see it until they look back and see where they are as opposed to where they were. The Savior says 'I am patient with your progress. I'll just help you along day by day.' As we turn to Him each day and remember Him, we will come to know by experience that He's real, that He does care about us and love us...because He is the Bread of Life." --Elder D. Todd Christofferson

        

Jesus Christ has transformed my life and the lives of so many close friends and loved ones! He miraculously replaces sorrow and anguish for pure love, peace, hope and joy, which then bubbles over and spills into the lives of those around us. His atonement and love are "most joyous to the soul" and make us want to do crazy things like blog scripture reading programs. :)

• Take a moment to write your thoughts and impressions in your journal.

• End study session with prayer and have a lovely day!