1 Nephi 1:12 - as he read...

1 Nephi 1:12

And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the ^aSpirit of the Lord.

Such a short verse, yet so power packed.  

As Lehi read.  What an interesting word choice.  While there are numerous ways for someone to be filled with the Spirit of the Lord, in this instance, Lehi is in the process of reading.  It is an action, not simply observing a vision unfold.  I wonder why the Lord gave Lehi this format to unfold the things we are about to see that he witnessed.  As he read. 

He was filled with the Spirit of the Lord.  Is this "Spirit" the same as the Holy Spirit?  Or is this the Light of Christ?  Either way, Lehi was filled.  Not just touched, but his whole soul likely emanated with the radiance that comes from an encounter with God.   

Putting these two phrases together is powerful.  How often do you read a book and become so immensely filled with the Spirit of God?  And what does that feel like? 

In Galations 5:22-23 we learn what the fruit of the Spirit is - or the byproduct, basically.  

 22 But the ^afruit of the ^bSpirit is ^clove, ^djoy, ^epeace, ^flongsuffering, ^ggentleness, goodness, ^hfaith,

 23 ^aMeekness, ^btemperance: against such there is no law.

I wonder if Lehi felt love?  Or joy?  Peace?  Longsuffering for the trials he was about to face?  Gentleness for his ever growing family?  Faith that what he was witnessing was REAL?  Faith that was the prophets had testified of in Jerusalem was real as well?  Meekness and love of his fellow beings, and temperance against their wickedness.  Against these things there is no law.  They are good virtues, and part of what is often felt when being filled with the Spirit of the Lord.  Such a Spirit testifies that what is being learned or experienced is true!  

So whatever Lehi read, it is somewhat veiled from our view. but it was bold and powerful, I have no doubt.  Have you read anything lately that produces a similar affect?  Perhaps we should seek out such books.  

1 Nephi 1:11 - a Book

Continuing from 1 Nephi 1:10, 1 Nephi 1:11:

And they came down and went forth upon the face of the earth; and the first came and ^astood before my father, and gave unto him a ^bbook, and bade him that he should read.

It says "they" came down.  I trust that this means "the One" and the twelve, and I will assume that is the case.  (In the previous verses, the One descended and the twelve followed him.  This verse follows, so I trust they is all inclusive.)  So they came down.  Not up, but once again, they are descending from their sphere onto this earthly one.

They went forth upon the face of the earth.  Is this a loaded statement, or was this just a simple description that they came in contact with the earthly elements on this earth?  Did they do more than just walk around?  Did Lehi witness ministering, and then veil it in such a broad statement?

The first came and stood before Nephi's father.  Is this first the Savior?  I assume it is, but I'm not sure why it's not a capital F for first.  But assuming it is him, this is quite a remarkable experience.  At this point, Lehi is having a one-on-one encounter with Jehovah, the firstborn of the Father.  And He - Jehovah - came to Lehi.  This is noteworthy, as this is not just Lehi feeling overwhelmed with the Spirit any longer.  He's not only witnessing the heavens open, but now the One is approaching him, and giving him a gift.  This is a very significant experience, and is changing Lehi's live, milli-moment by milli-moment.

Lehi receives a book.  Of all things!  Not a flower, a hug, or a chocolate ice cream cone.  A book.  Books are one of my favorite things, because in such a small space can be such powerful information be contained.  That is the case with this book, as we will soon find out.

Lehi was then bidden to read the book.  Can you imagine if he received the book, but never took the time to read it?  I've given out lots of books to friends as gifts, and I'm always curious to know if they've read it.  Can you imagine if Jehovah would present you with a book, bid you to read it, and then you just don't have the time?  The horror!  I can't imagine Lehi giving that excuse.

Yet often we do it all the time.

When I come home to my parents', I always love looking at their bookshelves.  I scour them for anything new, and even better–anything old.  Today I found some really great old books.  But I have to think that to be given such a book as Lehi got to read... wow.  That'd be quite the gift!