In 1 Nephi 8, Lehi describes a dream that he had with his family. Nephi did not understand everything from the dream and wanted to. He asked the Lord personally and received an understanding of many, if not all, things. Now, in verse 7 of chapter 15, Nephi is talking with his brothers about understanding the things from Lehi's dream.
There were two specific points that his brothers asked about: (1) the natural branches of the olive tree and (2) the Gentiles. We have discussed the Gentiles in previous posts. However, we have not discussed branches of the olive tree. Nephi said that there were many more things that he and his father taught that are not in this record. I'm thinking that up to this point the natural branches of the olive tree are one of those things. Let's see what Nephi says.
He asks, in verse 8, his brothers if they've inquired of the Lord. They respond that they didn't and that the Lord maketh no such thing know to them. When I read this verse, I thought about saying straight out that their attitude did not reflect one of faith. Nephi handles it a little better.
Nephi begins by asking them how come they have not kept the commandments of the Lord. He also asks, how come they will perish because of the hardness of their hearts (remembering the vision). He brings to their memory that if one does not harden their heart, and asks in faith, truly believing that they shall receive, surely they will be made known. The key that Nephi is stressing here is that you have to keep the commandments. President Packer said once that sometimes the Lord will wait in fulfilling this promise. Sometimes He wants to test you and see if you will lived the commandments a little longer before He reveals what you desire. So, remember that petitions to Him are dependent on His timetable, but He listens and will direct you to what is best for you. The hard part is to listen to Him and obey. I hope that we all can.
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