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.