Jacob 1 - That We Might Persuade Them to Come Unto Christ I'm taking an online economics class right now, which prompted me to think of the definition of economics in the context of the scriptures. Economics is the study of the allocation of scarce resources. In the case of Nephi and his successor Jacob, the plates upon which they engraved their record was a scarce resource. They were costly to make and difficult to engrave, and instilling a tradition of passing them through generations was surely cumbersome. Recognizing the great importance of spiritual things and the challenge of maintaining records, Nephi instructed Jacob to prioritize religious instruction saying, " if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I should engraven the heads of them upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ’s sake, and for the sake of our people" (Jacob 1:4). This priority was not only reflecte
Nephi quotes Isaiah 49 to teach about the faithfulness and long-suffering of Christ in saving his people and fulfilling the covenants made to the house of Israel. Isaiah refers to a "servant" believed by some to represent Israel in general terms, and by others to represent Christ. Andrew C. Skinner, a Hebrew scholar and professor of ancient scripture at BYU, identified 12 characteristics of the "servant" described in 1 Nephi 21 (for more information read this article at Book of Mormon Central) that apply to both Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith.
- The servant is “called … from the womb” (1 Nephi 21:1; Isaiah 49:1); (2 Nephi 3:7–9, 14–15).
- His “mouth [was] like a sharp sword” (1 Nephi 21:2; Isaiah 49:2); (D&C 6:2).
- He was hidden “in the shadow of [the Lord’s] hand” (1 Nephi 21:2; Isaiah 49:2); (D&C 86:9).
- He was “made … a polished shaft” tucked away in the Lord’s quiver (1 Nephi 21:2; Isaiah 49:2).
- He will feel that he “labored in vain” (1 Nephi 21:4; Isaiah 49:4); (D&C 121:2).
- He could speak with the authority of the Lord (1 Nephi 21:5; Isaiah 49:5); (e.g., D&C 52:1; 54:1; 55:1; 60:1).
- He knew he had been foreordained, or from the “womb” (1 Nephi 21:5; Isaiah 49:5); (D&C 127:2).
- His life’s work would be “to bring Jacob again to [the Lord]—though Israel be not gathered” (1 Nephi 21:5; Isaiah 49:5); (Title Page).
- He would “raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel” (1 Nephi 21:6; Isaiah 49:6); (D&C 110:11).
- He would be “a light to the Gentiles” (1 Nephi 21:6; Isaiah 49:6); (D&C 86:11).
- He would be despised of men and abhorred by nations, yet, “Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship” (1 Nephi 21:7; Isaiah 49:7); (See Joseph Smith—History 1:33, D&C 1:23).
- He will be given to Israel “for a covenant of the people to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages,” he will free prisoners and enlighten “them that sit in darkness” and shepherd the chosen people (1 Nephi 21:8–9; Isaiah 49:8–9); (D&C 1:17–22).
By preserving ambivalence in the interpretation of the "servant" identified in this chapter, the words of Isaiah can teach us both about Christ and his divine mission as well as the pivotal role of His restored church in fulfilling God's plan of salvation for his Children. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. He created the world, he lived a perfect life, he suffered and died for our sins and pains, and prepared the way for us to repent and return and live with God. Through his word and example He taught us how to live; He established his church to help us learn of him and become more like him. He truly is the loved and chosen Son of God and the central figure in God's plan for us to progress and be happy eternally.
While Christ achieved victory over sin and death through his righteousness and power, we must learn of Him and choose to follow Him if we hope to derive the full benefit of the things He has done for us. After Christ's death and the murder of his apostles. priesthood authority to direct His church was lost from the earth and basic tenets of his Gospel were reinterpreted or misunderstood. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and restored the priesthood and Christ's ancient church. This renewed access to saving ordinances and key points of the Gospel not only blesses members of the Church of Jesus Christ today, but all people. Through missionary work and work done in temples on behalf of those who have died everyone who has ever lived will have an opportunity to hear and accept or reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
God showed Isaiah the eventual victory of Christ and His church. Knowing that Christ lives and that His church was restored by Joseph Smith for our day gives me hope in the face of trials, and motivates me strengthen His church, to share this message with others. For me the beauty of Christ ultimate victory is captured in two metaphors from this chapter:
While Christ achieved victory over sin and death through his righteousness and power, we must learn of Him and choose to follow Him if we hope to derive the full benefit of the things He has done for us. After Christ's death and the murder of his apostles. priesthood authority to direct His church was lost from the earth and basic tenets of his Gospel were reinterpreted or misunderstood. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and restored the priesthood and Christ's ancient church. This renewed access to saving ordinances and key points of the Gospel not only blesses members of the Church of Jesus Christ today, but all people. Through missionary work and work done in temples on behalf of those who have died everyone who has ever lived will have an opportunity to hear and accept or reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
God showed Isaiah the eventual victory of Christ and His church. Knowing that Christ lives and that His church was restored by Joseph Smith for our day gives me hope in the face of trials, and motivates me strengthen His church, to share this message with others. For me the beauty of Christ ultimate victory is captured in two metaphors from this chapter:
"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 Nephi 21:15-16).
First, God is always mindful of us and loves us with an intensity and depth that exceeds a parent's love for a newborn child. Because he has atoned for us and "graven [us] upon the palms of his hands" he has perfect empathy.
"For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captives delivered? But thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children" (1 Nephi 21:24-25).
First, God is always mindful of us and loves us with an intensity and depth that exceeds a parent's love for a newborn child. Because he has atoned for us and "graven [us] upon the palms of his hands" he has perfect empathy.
"For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captives delivered? But thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children" (1 Nephi 21:24-25).
Second, not only does he know and love us infinitely, but he is mighty to save. Because of our mistakes and failing we are all "lawful captives," fit to be punished. But Christ promises that even those "lawful" captives most deserving of punishment for their violations of eternal law will be delivered. Even the "captives of the mighty" and the "prey of the terrible"--those bound by the most pernicious addictions, ailments, and afflictions imaginable--can find freedom and release through the power of Christ.
As I've struggled with my own infirmities and felt despair at my inability to aid or free others from theirs, I have felt powerful confirmations that God is at the helm. "[He] will contend with him that contendeth with [me], and [He] will save [my] children." There is no amount of concern I can feel for others, or effort I can make in their behalf, that does not pale in comparison to the love and efforts of Christ. While I know I have responsibilities in my own life and the lives of others, anxiety for the outcome is not mine to bear.
As I've struggled with my own infirmities and felt despair at my inability to aid or free others from theirs, I have felt powerful confirmations that God is at the helm. "[He] will contend with him that contendeth with [me], and [He] will save [my] children." There is no amount of concern I can feel for others, or effort I can make in their behalf, that does not pale in comparison to the love and efforts of Christ. While I know I have responsibilities in my own life and the lives of others, anxiety for the outcome is not mine to bear.
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