3 Nephi 27 - 4 Nephi
In Mormon’s commentary on the events of chapters 27 and 28 we see an example of personal revelation. This instance stands out to me because the subject of inquiry is not necessarily an essential doctrine, a formal instruction or even necessary for one’s salvation. There are questions like this, posed by others in the scriptures, and they are answered. God wants us to know everything he knows. His revelations do not need to be limited to subjects of doctrine or even of great significance. There are many mysteries about the nature and function of the power of God, the priesthood, that have answers we can receive if we demonstrate our willingness to learn. There will never be an end to learning on any subject. In this case Mormon is wondering about the transfigured nature of those disciples who were blessed by Jesus, “whether they were mortal or immortal, from the day of their transfiguration, I know not” (28:17). And how did Mormon receive his answer? “I have inquired of the Lord, and he hath made it manifest unto me…” Mormon has shown his diligence and willingness to learn by keeping a journal, writing the revelations he receives, and by keeping the commandments. There have been several occasions when I have had questions about things I have read in the scriptures, heard in lessons or in General Conference; the answers to those questions often come as I am writing the questions down in a journal. The answers come by the Holy Ghost which brings light and understanding.
Is there a subject of knowledge that you desire?
What would you do with the knowledge if you obtained it?
Would you preserve it for others, even future generations?
Have you inquired of the Lord to receive it?
29:1 And now behold, I say unto you that when the Lord shall see fit, in his wisdom, that these sayings shall come unto the Gentiles according to his word, then ye may know that the covenant which the Father hath made with the children of Israel, concerning their restoration to the lands of their inheritance, is already beginning to be fulfilled.
Mormon’s commentary continues in chapter 29 where he states in verse 1, “I say unto you…” Who is Mormon speaking to? It is us. Read these verses as if this prophet were talking directly to you individually.
We have already seen the fulfillment of many prophecies that confirm the latter-day generation in which we live. These sayings came unto the gentiles nearly 200 years ago through the publishing of the Book of Mormon. I do not know if even more recent events concerning Israel are part of the fulfillment of this prophecy, but it has given me cause for speculation. Recent events include the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in 2017, moving of the US embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, the new peace accords and recognition by other countries of the existence of the state of Israel, even middle eastern nations that have long been in conflict with Israel are now “normalizing relations”. Beyond these temporal matters, we continue the work of the gathering of Israel even today in our uniquely apocalyptic situation.
Fourth Nephi
This one chapter spans three generations – from Nephi (1-19) who was the son of Nephi the disciple of Christ, to his son Amos (19-21), to his son Amos (21-47) who saw the great division of the people (35), to his brother Ammaron (47-49) who hid up the records and instructed Mormon – in such few verses relates the collapse of an entire society so precious that such had not been written of since the city of Enoch, and will not be heard of again until Christ comes in power and glory. The collapse coming as was prophesied, four generations from the appearance of Jesus (27:32). The precious society that we are blessed to have in small part through our own congregations of saints, but largely lack in other ways. And why is this? Because we have not created it. The joyful condition of the Nephites was not miraculously established overnight. It was ushered in by the appearance of the resurrected Savior but it took work to build, it took faith and lots of ministering and teaching to get there. It seems to me that the thousand years of peace ushered in by the second coming of Christ will in like manner not be established overnight. It will take work, ministering and much teaching by us the disciples to get there.
How are you preparing yourself and your future generations to do this work?
“Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens (Moses 7:18). If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary (1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and (3) to care for the poor and needy with such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us. We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen” (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Come to Zion).
Fourth Nephi 1:7 And the Lord did prosper them exceedingly in the land; yea, insomuch that they did build cities again where there had been cities burned.
This verse probably stood out to me more at this reading than in the past because of the much burning that has and is still taking place around us today here in the western United States, and around the world.
In the recent general conference Elder Christofferson spoke on what makes a sustainable society. Something that may be difficult for some sociologists, and self-declared sociologists to understand; that a society becomes the most sustainable when they turn themselves over to Christ and keep his commandments. Christian societies embrace the virtues of temperance, humility and compassion that are required to care for one another and the earth. This is how conflicts end and peace endures.
“The institutions of family and religion have been crucial for endowing both individuals and communities with the virtues that sustain an enduring society. These virtues, rooted in scripture, include integrity, responsibility and accountability, compassion, marriage and fidelity in marriage, respect for others and the property of others, service, and the necessity and dignity of work, among others.” – Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Sustainability is quite a buzz word these days, used by many for good, but also used as a tool of personal ambition, influence and politics. We absolutely need sustainable systems and societies. This has become very apparent to us this year as we see how many of the systems we have learned to rely on are suffering.
Fourth Nephi 1:16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.
How is it possible for a society to develop such characteristics? We see in the preceding scriptures how this is done, here is our instruction manual, summarized in these three verses:
3 Nephi 26:19-20 And they taught, and did minister one to another; and they had all things common among them, every man dealing justly, one with another. And it came to pass that they did do all things even as Jesus had commanded them.
Fourth Nephi 1:3 And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.
These are four items I have found in these three verses. Each is an activity we can choose to do to the best of our ability, and in so choosing we build again that precious society.
Teach and minister
Tithing and generous fast offerings
Forgive one another
Keep the commandments
