1 Nephi 21
Chapter 21
The Messiah will be a light to the Gentiles and will free the prisoners—Israel will be gathered with power in the last days—Kings will be their nursing fathers—Compare Isaiah 49. About 588–570 B.C.
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Isaiah is hard to understand. I know that we are supposed to study his words, for they are great, but it's difficult. Desolate places, kids on shoulders, nursing fathers. It takes me an extra study guide or two to really get what he means.
I think that's why I love Nephi so much. He glories in plainness. I love plainness. President John Taylor once said, "It is true intelligence for a man to take a subject that is mysterious and great in itself, and to unfold and simplify it so that a child can understand it."
Now, I'm not calling Isaiah unintelligent. On the contrary. He was brilliant. He is the most quoted Old Testament prophet. Even the Savior Himself quoted Isaiah and said that we should study and understand his words. His prophecies a tapestry of images and pros.
It's kind of like the French language. It's beautiful- but I have no idea what they are saying. So, like I said, I have my study guides (interpreters) and they help me out :)
But (long-winded intro aside) I am nestled on my couch this morning and my guide is upstairs, so I am left on my own to interpret and understand this chapter (yikes!)
This is what struck me today.
Verse 16. The Lord says, "I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hands."
That is a stunning and moving visual for me, and brings the Atonement to life. The Savior was a real person, who lived and breathed, loved and hurt, laughed and cried. He felt joy. And he felt pain. And he has done it all, in part, for me.
I am responsible for the marks in his hands.
That is a sobering and humbling realization and moved me to tears (even at 6am.)
I love my Savior and am so grateful for his sacrifice for me. I feel unworthy (I am) yet grateful (I am) for the love He has and his willingess to have me engraven on his hands.
I am a part of Him now.
Where ever He is, He takes me with Him.
And that makes me want to do the same for Him. I can't engrave him on my hands, but I can on my heart, so profoundly and so deeply that even resurrection cannot remove it- only perfect it.
Thanks Nephi. Thanks Isaiah. That was a good read this morning and a great experience.
What did you think/learn today?
Wow, Beautiful! What an amazing site you have! Thank you for such a noble mission; to ponder and...then to share what you've learned!
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MormonMomsWhoBlog
Oops, I guess I'd better give more information;
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Just did. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteI love what Isiah says in v 1 Listen...unto me. Then later, can a women forget her child? they may forget, yet I will not forget thee. I feel such love, devotion.
ReplyDeleteSuch comfort! The Savior will not forget me and I am motivted even more to keep His commandments that I may His Spirit to always be with me
It took me a couple of readings to get a visual for this chapter. I finally got stuck on the thought of being a shiny, strong arrow hidden in the quiver of God.
ReplyDeleteIt's not about being out in front all the time, but being that secret weapon the Lord can call on when He needs us to step up and get the job done. I think I much prefer being a hidden arrow.
See- this is why I love this blog! I love reading your comments and learning from them. I love seeing things in a new or different light. Thank you so much for always writing and sharing with me. You make me better :)
ReplyDeleteWell... my dear... it goes both ways!
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