GREAT ARE THE WORDS OF ISAIAH

As I mentioned in last week's thought when writing a thought stimulated by one of the Book of Mormon writers having referred to a chapter in Isaiah, I will be using the following four points as Guide:

1. Attempt to convey what Nephi was trying to have his people apply to themselves in the passages of Isaiah being quoted.

2. Include the chapter headings offered by Bruce R. McConkie in the English LDS edition of the Bible, with additional personal and brief comments that hopefully will not distract from his summation.

3. Attempt to communicate the personal likening I receive from this reading of this chapter quoted from Isaiah.

4. Hopefully, provide a stimulus for whomever might be reading this Thought to receive their personal likening from the passages of Isaiah being written about.

First Nephi chapters 20 and 21 – Isaiah chapters 48 and 49 (it would probably prove of great value to at least quickly review these chapters before continuing to read the rest of this Thought)

An attempt to convey what Nephi was trying to have his people liken unto themselves in the passages of Isaiah being quoted.

And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had read these things which were engraven upon the plates of brass, my brethren came unto me and said unto me: What meaneth these things which ye have read? Behold, are they to be understood according to things which are spiritual, which shall come to pass according to the spirit and not the flesh? And I, Nephi, said unto them: Behold they were manifest unto the prophet by the voice of the Spirit; for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets, which shall come upon the children of men according to the flesh. (1 Nephi 22:1, 2)

The likening’s of Nephi: 1 Nephi 22

House of Israel sooner or later to be scattered upon all the face of the earth.

Many of the tribes are already led away, hated and scattered among the nations.

Gentiles (all the peoples who are not of the House of Israel) will nourish and be a standard for those of the House of Israel who have been
scattered.

A mighty nation will be raised up among the Gentiles upon the face of the promised land.

A mighty work of great worth to be done among the Gentiles.

The promises of Abraham's covenants with the Father to be renewed among the Gentiles.

Covenants of Abraham to be made bare unto all nations bringing all out of captivity and darkness.

All will come to know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.

The church of the Devil to war among themselves falling into the pit they have dug, tumble into the dust and become stubble.

The churches built to get gain, to have power over the flesh, to become popular need to fear and tremble because they shall be made low.

Righteous covenant keepers will be preserved.

A great Prophet (Jesus the Christ – the Holy One of Israel) to be raised up.

Children of the Lord to be gathered into one fold by a One Shepherd.

Because of the righteousness of His people, Satan will be bound for many years and the righteous will dwell in peace.

Nephi’s promise; If his people will be obedient to the commandments and endure to the end, they shall be saved at the last day.

Bruce R. McConkie's likening’s: Chapter headings Isaiah 48, 49

The Lord reveals His purposes to Israel.

The House of Israel have been chosen in the furnace of affliction and are to go forth from evil.

Messiah shall be a light unto the Gentiles.

Messiah shall free the prisoners from the captivity of not keeping their covenants.

Israel to be gathered with power in the last day.

Kings to be the nursing fathers to the House of Israel.

My Personal likening’s:

I am grateful to be blessed to live in the time of the gathering, rather than the time of the scattering.

I am grateful for my fore fathers who had the inspiration and were blessed to join with those covenant people of the restored gospel.

I am grateful for the privileges and opportunities I have had to be involved in the gathering.

I am aware of the need to be more conscientious in honoring and keeping the covenants I make.

I am grateful to live in a day, like many the Book of Mormon people, when I can be instructed by living prophets who help me to understand the meaning of the of the ancient prophet’s words.

I pray that I have the strength and courage to follow the admonitions of Nephi to be obedient to the commandments and endure to the end.

Your personal likening’


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITITADO POR – KATHLEEN W. RILEY