The Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 10

Today’s scripture is in 1 Nephi 10.

According to Nephi, much of the contents of this chapter are things Lehi has said to Laman and Lemuel following his recitation of the dream mentioned in chapter 8.  After that, Lehi began to prophesy about Jerusalem (v3-14).

1. Jerusalem will be destroyed.
2. Many will be carried away into Babylon
3. They will be brought back out of captivity
4. 600 years after Lehi left Jerusalem, a Messiah will be born among the Jews.
5. Many prophets have spoken of a Messiah
6. All Mankind were in a fallen state and would always be unless they rely on this Messiah
7. A prophet will come to prepare the way for the Messiah
8. He will speak certain words concerning Messiah being greater than he is.
9. He will baptize in Bethabara beyond Jordan
10. He will baptize Messiah with water
11. He will witness that he has baptized Messiah
12. The gospel will be preached among the Jews
13. The Jews will dwindle in unbelief
14. They will slay Messiah, after which he will rise from the dead
15. He will then make himself manifest to the world, even the Gentiles.
16. Lots about the Gentiles and the Hebrews.
17. The children of Israel compared with the branches of an olive tree that are broken off and scattered over the earth.
18. After the Gentiles have received the gospel, they and the children of Israel will be grafted in and come to a knowledge of the true Messiah.

Nephi notes that Lehi said lots of other things that Nephi didn’t feel like they were all as important as the ones mentioned above.  After hearing all of this, Nephi was filled with a desire to see, hear and experience the things that his father did when he had his vision. 

At this point, Nephi bears his testimony about God and the Holy Ghost.  He testifies that God is and has always been and will always be the same.  He says that the mysteries of God will be unfolded to people who diligently seek them through the power of the Holy Ghost.  Nephi reminds us that we will all be judged by our actions.  He finishes up by informing us that the Holy Ghost has given him the authority to write the things he’s just said.

Applying the Scriptures to My Own Life

I think the piece of information that touched me the most this time through the Book of Mormon was the knowledge that the Lord is, has been and will always be the same, forever.  So, the fact that the Lord loves me means that he has always loved me and he will always love me, forever.  This is an important fact for me to remember because I have difficulty loving myself.  So, knowing that there is, has, and always will be someone to whom I can look for constant love and care is a comforting thought.