1 Nephi 19 and 20

1 Nephi 19: Nephi is commanded and instructed of the Lord to make plates of ore and engrave thereon: 1) a record of his people 2) the record of his father and their travels in the wilderness, 3) The prophecies of his father, 4) His own personal prophecies. These plates were in addition to the “large” plates which held the genealogy of his fathers and the more part of the proceedings in the wilderness. Nephi states that the “more plain and precious parts” should be written on these small plates that he had made. “I do not write anything upon these plates save it be that I think it be sacred.” Nephi refers to the scriptures and speaks prophetically concerning Christ’s crucifixion and death and the destruction that will accompany that event. He also speaks of all peoples of the earth, including the House of Israel’s, acceptance one day of Christ. Here also Nephi urges us to “liken all scriptures unto us, that it may be for our profit and learning” “that we may have hope.”

Application: We should be keeping a personal sacred record of OUR own dealings with the Lord and OUR journeying through this life. When we read the scriptures we need to be asking ourselves how this applies to us in our day and listen for the sweet promptings which will follow that we may profit, learn and abound in hope.


1 Nephi 20: The Lord calls to the house of Israel-(born into the genealogical line of Judah) and those who are born out of the waters of baptism (adopted into the House of Israel) The Lord declares and shows all things (through His prophets, visions, scriptures) so that we will acknowledge that they are from the Lord and so we can’t attribute them to idols or our own strength. He has declared them from the beginning, even before our births that we may know that he is God. Great blessings are often lost because of sin and stiffneckedness. We should take his word to all the world.

Application: Do I remember the Lord in all things? Am I obedient and grateful? Do seek out missionary experiences?