1 Nephi 5

Summary: Sariah complains against Lehi—Both rejoice over the return of their sons—They offer sacrifices—The plates of brass contain writings of Moses and the prophets—They identify Lehi as a descendant of Joseph—Lehi prophesies concerning his seed and the preservation of the plates. Between 600 and 592 B.C

Three topics stood out to me in this chapter:
1: Sariah's murmering
2: Giving thanks
3: The importance of the scriptures

As we have started this study of the scriptures, I have realized how long it has been since I have been in 1 Nephi. I have"started" the Book of Mormon so many times, without finishing it that in more recent readings, I have skipped Nephi and started somewhere in the middle. Does that sound familiar to anyone? So I am really enjoying this study of the first book in the Book of Mormon.

And you know what I realized this time? I realized and appreciated Sariah's struggle. In the past I wondered how she could have ever doubted her husband, for he was a prophet! But reading it this time? Well, she became real to me. I could see myself in her shoes. Here her husband takes them away from their home, then sends her sons back to Jerusalem to face Laban, and all she can do is wait and wonder. This is when she complains. I almost saw my personality in her. I might have felt the same way. She was a mother fearful for her sons, and where there is fear, faith can be lost.

But then, her sons returned. I love these verses:

7 And when we had returned to the tent of my father, behold their joy was full, and my mother was comforted.

8 And she spake, saying: Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath commanded my husband to flee into the wilderness; yea, and I also know of a surety that the Lord hath protected my sons, and delivered them out of the hands of Laban, and given them power whereby they could accomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them. And after this manner of language did she speak.

For a moment she doubted, but then when her prayers were answered, and her sons returned, her testimony was strengthened so much.

And then? They remembered to give THANKS to Heavenly Father. What a good reminder. This is something I have been trying to focus on in my life. The hand of the Lord is in everything we do. I have tried to thank Him more as I see those blessings in my life. For it is all too easy to continue on in life, glad that our prayers were answered, and forget to sincerely thank the Lord.

Third, Lehi pours over the scriptures...and he starts from the beginning. He finds the books of Moses, prophecies....and something else very important to him: His geneology. Isn't that neat? It was of great significance that he knew who he came from.

And when he had seen all these things, he became filled with the spirit. We can also be filled with the spirit as we pour over the scriptures.

21 And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children.

The scriptures ARE of great worth to us. Without them, we would lose the core teaching and commandments of the gospel. The scriptures are what make the gospel pure and unaltered.

-Natalie Sue