11. Obedience

CHAPTER 11

OBEDIENCE

Nephi looked inquisitively at his father who in turn questioned the resistance of his son.  His son was normally very obedient.  There must be a misunderstanding.

Slowly, the face of the older Nephi brightened and his eyes opened wide with understanding.  He grinned in delight.  Then he started to laugh, and kept laughing.  Nephi had not seen his father laugh so freely in a long time.  Seeing him take such delight in his own little secret, Nephi hoped his father would share the amusement.  It took a moment for Nephi’s father to stop chuckling before he sobered himself.

“NOT that record vault,” he teased with a wink.

“Well, what different vault then?”  Nephi was getting impatient. 

Nephi’s father became quite solemn.  A look of seriousness appeared in his eyes.  He spoke with clarity and conviction.  “That record vault is in control of the enemy.  No!  The Lord would not allow His records there.  That is why the sacred records are nowhere near the judgment-seat AT ALL.”

“Oh, father.  I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean… I mean I was not thinking about those sacred records.”

“Naturally, of course not.  Why did I expect you to realize I was talking about the sacred record vault --- when you don’t even know about it yet!?  That’s quite understandable.  It’s my fault we misunderstood each other.  I’m sorry.  But there was always meant to be a time, Nephi my son, that I show you sacred things.   And today is that day.”

Of course Nephi never doubted that they existed – the sacred records, that is.  He knew his father would have access to them.  After all, he was the prophet.  There was never any reason to doubt that.  But he had never asked his father about actually showing them to him either.  Certain things were too sacred, and too personal to ask about.

Many unasked questions flew through Nephi’s mind.  Why today?  This seems more significant than a matter of inheritance, isn’t it?  What sacred records and things does father think it is time to show me?  Where does he keep them?  Most of all, am I really prepared enough to accept the huge responsibility that this must mean for me?

“Son, the Lord has revealed His will to me.  His will is that you be given charge of the plates of brass, and all the other sacred items which have been kept.  I speak of the records which our fathers have kept and handed down from one generation to the next since departing out of the land of Jerusalem.

“I speak of sacred things that connect our past to our future.   The will of the Lord for you is to safeguard and preserve the records of the past -- so that in the future, the promised blessings they hold for our posterity will be evident.  Your future children shall have the records written by our fathers in the past.

“The sacred records have allowed me to remember the past of our forefathers.  The Lord is calling me to return to the past.  He has revealed to me that the past is my future.  I am to go in the opposite direction.  In the coming days, my future goes back to our past.”

Nephi’s mind was a whirlwind.  The past is future: the future is past?  What does that mean?  In charge of the plates of brass!?  Other sacred items?  Is this another big misunderstanding?  What is father trying to tell me that I am not getting?  Is father expecting me to somehow take over for him?  Or am I confused by what he means in the future? 

“We have a short distance to go.”  Nephi’s father was still speaking, unaware that his son’s head was so puzzled and full of amazement that he was not listening.

“We must prepare to take a little hike.  Go find some flasks and fill them with water to take with us, all right?  Thanks, we’ll need the water later.  I also have to go get something needed for our trek, and then I’ll meet you back here.”

Normally, Nephi would have gone for the flasks and immediately filled them with water from the nearby spring.

This time, he remained motionless and paralyzed.  His jaw hung half open and his eyes were glazed over, not focused on anything in particular.  In his mind, doubts about his preparation and worthiness crowded out the other things his father was saying.  His father was not the typical father.  His father was the prophet of the Lord who knew and did the will of the Lord.  His father could perform miracles.  Am I prepared enough to take care of sacred records like father does?  Am I worthy enough to serve the Lord like father does?  Am I capable of doing the things that I know father does?

“Neffy!  Neffy!”  Nephi could discern the questions which had temporarily clouded the mind of his son.  With complete understanding, he paused and waited until he thought Nephi was listening again.  Then he dismissed each doubt with positive reassurance.

“You have been faithful your entire life, Neffy.  And you are prepared and capable of filling the sacred trusts and responsibilities that the Lord has in His wisdom for you.  You shall be highly favored of the Lord in all your sacred duties because you have never disobeyed.  When a hard thing has been required of you, such as my leaving for a lengthy mission, you never murmured.  Whatever the Lord has commanded you to do, you have done it.  Is this not so?”

Despite any lingering doubts in Nephi’s young mind, the feelings in his strong heart told him that the things that his father was saying were true.  He desired to express to his father the faith that filled his bosom and the confidence in the Lord that expanded into his soul.

“I will go and do whatsoever things the Lord commands.  I know that the Lord gives no commandment to man unless He also provides a way for man to accomplish the thing which He commanded.” 

When Nephi’s father heard these words, he was exceedingly glad.  He knew that his son was blessed of the Lord.  His face beamed proudly.  He knew that if he did not return from his upcoming mission, everything would still be all right.

“That is well, son.  I have no doubt that the Lord will bless you as you take over for me.

“So --- why don’t you go now and get some water for our hike like I asked?  Or is that too hard of a commandment to accomplish?”

Nephi finally jumped into action and went in search of flasks he could fill up with water at the spring.  He found two flasks made from animal skins with straps that could be hung over the shoulders.  He took the flasks and dashed out of the hut.

He quickly returned to his father’s hut with the flasks filled with fresh water to drink.

To his great astonishment, as he approached the opening of the hut, he beheld an object on the ground of very curious workmanship.

10. Agency

CHAPTER 10

AGENCY

The hut of father Nephi was practically identical to his son’s.  They were both silently pondering in their hearts about the events already taken place that morning when they arrived at the father’s hut.  Many things, both past and future weighed on their minds.

They prepared a simple mid-morning meal of fruit, fish, and beans.  When they sat down together to eat, they had some time to talk.

“Where’s Timothy?” Nephi asked his father.  “Why isn’t he here with you?”

“Oh, Timothy is pretty much staying full time in the village now.  He is sixteen, you know.  Some of those village girls are beginning to attract his attention.  Speaking of which, when are you finally going to get serious with someone?  You’re not getting any younger, you know.”

“Oh, father, stop!”  Nephi’s face reddened noticeably.  “And why didn’t you re-marry?  The right girl will come along.  I’m not that old yet, you know.”

“No.  You’re not.  And I’m sure you’re right.  The right girl is out there somewhere for you.  Sometimes I just think you are older than you really are because of your maturity and your spirituality.”

“Thanks, father.  Maybe I’d better change the subject before you lose your confidence in me.  Have you ever regretted giving up the position of chief judge?”

“No, never, not at all!  I think it was a good decision then, and I would do it again.  I was able to dedicate my life to more fully preaching the gospel of Christ.  That’s more important to me than anything else.”

“But don’t you sometimes miss the excitement?  The attention?  I mean, really, you could be living at the palace like a king and dining on rich food instead of these beans.  And you could have all kinds of servants waiting on you instead of being here by yourself.”

“Hah!  Well, that’s true.  But let me tell you something.  I choose Christ over worldly status.   Eternal spiritual things are of greater value to me than any temporary, earthly glory.  It’s a good thing I stepped away from the government.  I couldn’t tolerate the wickedness that has taken over now.  Members of the band of Gadianton are everywhere.  They are seeking that worldly power and glory you say I am missing.  They will eventually find that all their worldly glory is nothing but a tempting trap that catches Satan’s worshippers.”

“Oh, I know.  I agree with you.   I was just saying.  Still…”

“Yes?  So are you wishing I hadn’t made the choice I did?  Stayed in the government and remained the chief judge?  So I could leave you with more of an inheritance today?”

“Ulp --- no.  No, of course not.”  The younger Nephi blushed again.  Flustered and momentarily distracted, he reached for another small fish on a stick by the fire.  A flame jumped out of the fire and singed his finger.

“Ow!  Ouch!  My finger!”  Nephi jerked his hand away from the fire and waved it frantically in the air before slamming his fist to the ground.

“Hey!  That won’t help!”  Nephi reproved his son mildly.  “Take this cup of water.  Put your finger in it and leave it there until it stops hurting.”

 

“All right.”  Nephi put his finger in the water and stirred it around.  “That’s better.  My, that hurt!  But it didn’t blister so I’ll be fine.”

“That’s good.  So what were you trying to ask me before you burned your finger?  Is it do I hate that all the glory and wealth is going to other people who don’t deserve it?  Is that it?”

 Nephi was amazed by how accurately his father could discern the real questions behind his thoughts, even though he hadn’t verbalized them yet.  “Well, that’s not really it.  But it’s close.  It’s not so much about hating other people or envying what they have, it’s more about justice.  Don’t you want justice?  If you were still the chief judge, you would be in position to fight those who are corrupting the government with their wickedness.”

“Of course I want justice,” replied Nephi’s father.  “And I thought I was fighting the corruption in government by preaching the word of God.”

“Oh, you are, you’re right!  Sorry.  I’m not really saying it well.  Father, our enemies are winning!  I’m saddened by that.  I got upset this morning because I remembered Tyreantum and Alumon at the judgment-seat.  Where is the punishment they deserve for their crimes?  They are rich today, and getting richer!  Why?  Because they’re evil!  Shouldn’t they be punished!?  Wouldn’t it be nice if they felt the pain they have inflicted upon you?”

Nephi did not answer his son right away.  Both of them were silent for a time.  Finally, the elder Nephi spoke.  “In other words, wouldn’t it be nice to take vengeance for the death of mother?  Get our revenge!”

“Oh, father, I didn’t mean to have it sound that nasty.”

“That’s all right, Neffy.  I understand.  I do.  I really do.  Sure, I’ve wondered how long God will allow the wicked to prosper.  He is patient with us, isn’t He?  So I guess we need to be more patient with Him.  Besides, does it make your burned finger better to punish it by breaking your hand?  No, you just add to your pain.  Would it bring your mother back to see Tyreantum thrown in prison?”

Nephi realized his finger was still in the cup of water and took it out.  He looked at the lingering small red spot where the fire had hurt him.  Then he dried his finger gingerly with a cloth.

“No.  That would not bring mother back.  I understand that.  I know that God will make things right in His own way and in His own time.  Do you know what I would like to see, father?”

“No.  What?”

“I would like seeing the scared look on Tyreantum’s face when the night without darkness comes.  Maybe then he’ll get God’s message.  Even he won’t be able to miss that one!  It seems to me that already there are indications of some signs and wonders in the heavens.  If only people would open their eyes they would see.  But Satan has managed to grab hold of the hearts of so many people.  I don’t think they are even looking anymore.”

“Good point, son.  Which reminds me, did you get enough to eat?  We have to get going.”

“Yes, thank you.  I’ve had enough.  What?  I thought our business for today was done.  Where are we going now?”

“I’ll show you.  First, let’s clean up.”

The bowls and cups were moved so they could be washed, and water was sprinkled on the fire to extinguish the flames.  The ashes were spread around to make sure no hot spots remained.  Nephi continued to ask his father questions while they worked.

“Do you remember my friend, Heli'·ves?  He came to you once requesting baptism.  Right after Samuel came to prophesy.  He was so impressed that nobody could hit Samuel with either stones or arrows.”

“Of course I remember him.  What about him?”

“He tells me that he doesn’t believe any more.  He tells me that they figured out how Samuel used mirrors on the walls.  With the mirrors, the arrows and the stones missed.  That’s because they were aimed at the reflection instead of at Samuel himself.  Everything was just an illusion!

“Now he tells me he’s entirely stopped going to church.  Plus, he is constantly listening to all that priestcraft of the Nehors.”

“I see.  I’m very sorry to hear that.  How unfortunate.  Is he persuaded by the teachings of the Nehors?”

“I think so.  He was pretty passionate about it when he argued with me.  He said that it is merely a wicked tradition handed down by our fathers that such a being as Christ shall come.  He reasons, in effect, that we can’t really know if there is a Christ.  And even if there is a Christ, we’ll never know if that is true or not because He is supposed to come to a far distant land, not to us in this land.  Therefore, to believe in Christ is to believe in a fable.  The fable has been invented to keep us in ignorance.  And it can never be seen with our own eyes if the fable is true or not.

“What can I do or say to help Heli'·ves choose to believe once again?  I know that there is still a lot of good in him.  But unless something miraculous happens, I’m afraid he will be lost forever.”

Nephi’s father did not answer the question about Heli'·ves right away.  Instead, he walked to the opening of his hut and stood quietly by himself, gazing off to the mountain tops in the distance.  Sunlight shone upon the highest peaks.  Nephi waited patiently for his father.  He knew his father sometimes prayed standing up, and took the time necessary to listen for an answer to his prayer before taking action on important matters.

After a period of silence, Nephi turned back inside to face his son and declared, “All right.  It’s time.  We should leave for the record vault right away.  Let’s get ready to go.”

Nephi’s jaw dropped and he stared back incredulously at his father.  “But, father, are you mad?  Why go back to the record vault now?  Arumor and his guards are still probably searching around and harassing everybody in sight.  We were lucky enough to get by him and out of there as it is!”

9. Mother

CHAPTER 9

MOTHER

He sees a clearing in the forest.  The clearing is a large and spacious field.  In the center of the field is a large tree with much fruit.  A straight and narrow path leads to the tree.  A stream runs through the field beyond the path.  But there is no sound of water flowing from the stream.  In fact, there is no noise of any kind, not from any birds, insects, or animals of the forest.  The field is brighter than midday of a cloudless sky, yet not a shadow of any kind is visible under the tree.  A blanket of animal skins is under the tree.  And on the blanket is fruit from the tree.

          A lovely, slender young woman appears on the path.  She is wearing a flowing white dress that reaches to the tops of her bare feet.  The dress highlights her long, straight black hair that falls down and covers her shoulder blades.  Her skin is lighter than most.  Her eyes are bright.

          She approaches the tree and kneels down on the blanket.  With her soft hands she picks up some fruit and carefully caresses it before taking a bite.  Eating the fruit makes her happy.  The fruit is white inside; to exceed all the whiteness ever seen.

After eating the fruit, the attractive woman leaps up from the ground and twirls in joyful circles around the tree.  She leaps gracefully from one foot to the other.  She is dancing!  She arches her back slightly, throws both hands up high over her head, and stands smiling for a time by the tree.

          A handsome young man appears at the edge of the forest near the beginning of the path.  The woman sees him and waves her arms in his direction to beckon him to join her.  He comes forward along the path and meets her at the tree.  She looks up to him as he takes her in his arms.  She talks to him and gives him some of the fruit from the tree.  He eats and also is happy.  They smile at each other.  The couple dances together around the tree, arm in arm.  They lovingly and gently kiss one another on the lips.

          Two small boys appear at the head of the path.  One is perhaps eight years old, the other a mere toddler of two.  The older boy looks confused.  He doesn’t know whether to return to the forest, or join the couple at the tree.

The couple looks around as if searching for the boys.  When they see them on the path, they excitedly motion with their arms and hands.  They are inviting the boys to come forward and join them.  As the boys approach, the couple kneels down together and holds out their arms to tenderly embrace them.

          The boys come and join the couple under the tree.  The woman takes each boy in her arms and hugs him close to her.  She takes some of the fruit from the tree and gives it to them to eat.  They all partake of the fruit together and are exceedingly happy.