1 Nephi 8

Thursday, June 27, 2013

                        

In this particular chapter, Lehi sees a vision of the Tree of Life. Laman and Lemuel, refusing to entirely have faith in the Lord refuse to eat the fruit of the tree. The Tree of Life represents God’s love for us, the fruit represents eternal life and the iron rod symbolizes the Word of God – the Gospel. I believe in this chapter we can say that this is where Heavenly Father openly shows His love for Nephi and his brother Sam. They, throughout all of the hard times, have remained faithful to the Lord. They trusted him when He asked them to go to Laban’s house to get the plates and never doubted that he would safely deliver them back to their family. Laman and Lemuel on the other hand had a very hard time trusting the Lord. Even when an angel appeared to testify of the truth, they still doubted the Lord. Obviously, we do not want to be like Laman and Lemuel. Even when the trials of life are difficult, we need to remain faithful and trust that what the Lord says is the right thing to do.

My personal example for trusting the Lord is I have to trust that even with my parents, everything will turn out alright in the end. I have so much that I could easily lose simply by converting and I hope and trust the Lord will not only help me through this, but that He will also help my family see that this is the correct path and faith. Another part to this is my mom told me that while I am on vacation, I am not allowed to read The Book of Mormon. I have found that when I don’t read this book, my faith is easily moved; I have a much harder time standing my ground faith wise. So I asked Heavenly Father what I should do and the answer was to read The Book of Mormon, anyway, even if my mom does not approve.

In the chapter, where Sariah, Sam and Nephi are waiting unsure of where to go, I think it symbolizes how we are. We really aren’t sure what to go and road to follow unless we have someone telling us. Lehi is a prophet and he guides the three others so that they may come join him at the tree of life. The tree of life symbolizes eternal life. So, if we follow the commandments of Heavenly Father and do good acts as well as have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and be baptized by total immersion for the remission of sins, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end, we too can have eternal life.

Lehi beckoned Sariah, Sam and Nephi to come over to the tree to partake of the fruit, “And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the fruit also.” They listened to Lehi and have done all other things which makes them good in the eyes of Heavenly Father. Notice that Laman and Lemuel are not here. They don’t have faith in Heavenly Father and because of their stubbornness, they will not partake of this fruit.

When we look down at verses 19 and 20, it says “And I beheld a rod of iron… And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the iron rod, which led to the tree.” The iron rod symbolizes the Word of God or scriptures, like the Book of Mormon and the Bible. These books are our guide to lead us on a straight and narrow path, which is God’s path. The last part of that verse says that. The tree holds fruit which symbolize eternal life. So we are on a straight path to return to Heavenly Father as long as we do all that He says.

There were some people who did not or were not able to follow Lehi to the tree. Those that chose not to follow, once they did taste the fruit, were ashamed because of their actions. They saw all of the blessings following Heavenly Father would bring and yet, they did not do that before.

Those who were not able to find the path were lost. I think the path can symbolize the Word of God as well. I know that at the time when I was not listening to God, I was truly lost. I was also very, very unhappy with myself and everyone around me. Honestly, at the time, I did not think God was such a big deal. I did not think the Bible really meant anything or that it was anything to really care about. Heavenly Father gave me an opportunity to change that, and I can say that I’ve never been happier. It helps so much to have someone you can always rely on and trust. The missionaries have also been absolutely amazing. I would not trade for them. I think that if it had not been for all the help they’ve given me, through the power of the Holy Ghost, I would not have made it as far as I have.

As we continue to strive down the straight and narrow path the Lord has set for us, and as long as we do all that He says, we can one day be in His presence again. The trials and all may be tough now, but it will totally be worth it. I encourage all that have not given the Mormon faith a try to do so, it literally saved my life and I truly believe it can do the same for others. Heavenly Father will welcome you back with open arms no matter what you have done. He did for me, He will do it for you. Ask and you shall receive, that is a promise He made us. Ask for help and He will give it to you; ask for an opportunity and you will receive one. Take advantage of it and allow yourself to change your life for the better. It is entirely worth it, this I can promise.