1:1 and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days It is Nephi’s ability to see God’s love and tender mercies in the midst of his afflictions that distinguishes him from his brothers, and from most of us. Too often we see these two experiences—affliction and favor—as mutually exclusive; but Nephi sees them as complimentary (1 Ne 17:1). Laman and Lemuel could not see this. Can we? When have you seen in your own life an event be both an affliction and a blessing?
1:4-5, 18 Lehi, as he went forth, prayed…with all his heart, in behalf of his people I am struck by Lehi’s love. He is the opposite of Jonah. Jonah is called, sees Ninevah’s wickedness, judges them as unworthy, and runs away. Lehi sees Jerusalem’s wickedness, considers them worthy of his love and prayers, and is then called.
1:9, 10, 19 he saw One descending…a Messiah Moroni told us that the purpose of Mormon’s record is to “convince Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ.” From the first chapter to the last, the Book of Mormon is drenched with Jesus’ name and mission. Christ’s name is mentioned on average every 1.7 verses in the Book of Mormon, or about 25% more frequently than in even the New Testament, where it appears on average every 2.1 verses (Susan Easton Black’s research).
1:11 gave unto him a book Lehi’s vision wasn’t enough. Instruction and revelation came to him as he read a book. Joseph Smith, despite his first vision, also had to read a book, during which he too was instructed and received revelation. So we, despite being called to the work, must read the Book of Mormon to receive more instruction and revelation.
1:20 I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all Nephi learns this truth from his father (v14), and it becomes the main thesis of his writings. He returns to it over and over. Moroni ends the entire book with the same thesis, “remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men” (Moro 10:3), just as he begins the book “to show…what great things the Lord hath done” for us, and that mankind, despite our brokenness, is “not cast off.” It’s what Laman and Lemuel never could grasp. Like them, when we are challenged by life, we tend to feel abandoned, castigated, and unloved; but the Book of Mormon affirms we are held close, encouraged, and deeply loved. As Jacob says, “God cleaveth unto you….and his arm of mercy is extended towards you…all the day long.” (Jacob 6:5-6). Isaiah says it best: “But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not. For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. (1 Ne 20:14-16; Isaiah 49:14-16)
Holy Envy 