Laman and Lemuel; what are we going to do with them? The absence of the Holy Ghost in their lives contributed to their quickness to anger and murmuring against their father. Interesting how they would feel anger towards Lehi, who was simply being obedient to the Lord. Would they have been respectful of him if he hadn't been obedient? I doubt it. Lehi's integrity is quite admirable. In 1 Nephi 2:11, Laman and Lemuel's stiffneckedness, murmuring, and their hearts set on the wealth of the world were a result of their absence of the Spirit (chased away by their rebellion, no doubt). According to 1 Ne. 2:12-13, they knew not the dealings of God, and they didn't believe in the words of the prophets. No witness and no testimony of these things.
In contrast to them, Nephi follows the pattern in yesterday's lesson. In 1 Nephi 2:16-17, Lehi testifies of what he knows is true, and Nephi seeks to know for himself after hearing him. Nephi's exertion of FAITH is prayer. He receives his own personal witness from the Lord, and thereby testifies of what he now knows is true to Sam. Sam now seeks to know for himself, and the cycle goes on. It's a beautiful pattern on how testimonies are sparked and how the Holy Ghost works through us in every step.
Nephi's experience is relayed in contrast to his brothers' experience. Without a "course correction" for Laman and Lemuel at this point, they are headed down a road of darkness and sadness. Meanwhile, we watch as Nephi, because of his faith, obedience, humility, and willingness to follow the Lord's will, receives light, knowledge, understanding, and blessings.
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