I love the Book of Mormon and how even the narrative parts contain amazing principles and patterns. In this instance, Nephi is talking about finishing the ship and preparing for the journey to the promised land. The thing that stood out to me the most was how Nephi kept mentioning that he worked the timbers and built the ship the Lord's way not after the manner of men. Man's knowledge is limited and flawed and can lead to disaster. Whereas, following the Lord's way brings great joy and blessings that transcends this mortal existence. Nothing is impossible when following Christ's way.
How is the Lord's way found? The scriptures are full of examples illustrating this. In short, anything that leads to Christ leads to the knowledge of His ways. I will outlined a few of the most important ones that Nephi provides in these verses.
"I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft." The Temple of the Lord is a special place where the Lord teaches His ways—it is His higher education or the Lord's university. Not only that but it can bring one incredible peace from the outside world. I had the opportunity to attend the Temple a few days ago after not having been for several months and was amazed at how much peace and comfort that I felt as soon as I walked in. I think that the Lord's way becomes more clear while in an environment of peace and while pondering upon the eternities.
"I did pray oft unto the Lord." Prayer is an amazing thing, it is a conduit directly into heaven. Family and personal prayer like temple worship can be a quiet reflective time where the Lord can teach and show His ways.
"Therefore, ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened." 3 Nephi 27:29
"The voice of the Lord came unto my father." Follow the prophet because he knows the way. His counsel will lead to the Lord and His paths.
"Learn to keep your eye on the prophet. He is the Lord’s mouthpiece and the only man who can speak for the Lord today. Then live close to the Spirit so you may know the truth of all things." Ezra Taft Benson p.148
"We had prepared all things." Preparation is essential to finding the Lord's way. This includes scripture study, pondering, meditation, and prayer. Putting on the full armor of God each day will prepare the mind and heart to know the will of the Lord.
"According to that which the Lord had commanded us." The Lord's way is outlined through His commandments. His path can be seen more clearly as His statutes are kept, and as His statutes are kept, more of His way will be revealed.
"Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart." Psalms 119:33-34
The Lord's way may not be attractive especially to the natural man, and it may not follow worldly wisdom. However, the end results is glorious and beyond comprehension even to the worldly. Even Nephi's hard hearted brothers were affected by the Lord's way after His work was completed. It led to humility and thankfulness for a time.
"My brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord." 1 Nephi 18:4
I am grateful for Jesus Christ and His ways. I have been extremely blessed as I have tried to follow His path. It is difficult at times to trust His will, but as I look back, I am always amazed at the workmanship of His hand in my life.
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