Gospel Doctrine Commentary
Lesson No. Two

First Nephi - A Classic Pilgrimage

Introduction – In both sacred and secular literature, there is a common epic of a hero who leaves a comfortable home on an important and dangerous journey to a new land.  This common theme can often be traced back to the account of Adam and Eve.

In both ancient and modern history there are people who leave comfortable homes on an important and dangerous journey through the wilderness to a promised land.  This is the underlying theme in the history of the children of Israel as they wandered for forty years in the wilderness before entering their promised land.  It is the story of Lehi’s family before they arrived at their promised land.  It is the account the Pilgrims as the braved the wilderness of the new world in their promised land, and of our pioneer ancestors as they crossed the wilderness of the American West to their promised land.     

The following examples from First Nephi can be likened to our mortal journey:   

Led by the Spirit – In his final attempt to obtain the brass plates Nephi said “I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do” (1 Nephi 4:6).  We don’t know the details of the future, but we can be certain that if we are led by the Spirit our lives will be eternally blessed and successful. 

Family and Marriage – One of the greatest blessing of this life is to have goodly parents.  (See 1 Nephi 1:1)  Lehi is a good example of a father teaching and testifying of the gospel to his children.     

The Lord told Lehi “that his sons should take daughters to wife that they might raise up seed unto the Lord in the Land of promise” (1 Nephi 7:1). On the voyage to the promised land the character of Laman and Lemuel wives are contrasted to Nephi’s wife.  (See 1 Nephi 18:9, 19)  It is a great blessing to have a righteous companion.

Living prophets - If we are going to prosper in our mortal journey we must give heed to the teachings and council of living prophets.  Lehi and Nephi received direction from the Lord.  When this direction was followed there was happiness and prosperity regardless of the fact that they were asked to do hard things.   

Scriptures – Nephi testified of the importance of scriptures in our mortal journey: 

“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. 

“Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us, as we journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise” (1 Nephi 7:21-22).

Dwelling in a tent and keeping in the most fertile part of the wilderness – While in the wilderness Lehi’s family dwelt in a tent.  (See 1 Nephi 2:15)  Our mortal journey is like living in a tent compared to where we came from and where we hope to return.  Living in the tent of mortality, is a blessing if we are guided by the Spirit. 

The Spirit is our Liahona which "works according to the faith and diligence and heed which we give" and it "will keep us in the most fertile part of the wilderness" (1 Nephi 16: 14, 28).  Alma powerfully applied the working of the Liahona to our lives while we travel the wilderness of mortality.  (See Alma 37:38-47) 

In our mortal journey if we are guided by the Spirit, nurture marriage and family, study the scriptures, and give heed to the council of our leaders we will be able to stay in the most fertile parts of the wilderness of mortality.