Day 16 2Nephi 16-20

 

Whenever I read Isaiah, I pray to Heavenly Father that my eyes and ears will be opened, my mind open to understanding, that I don't worry about what I don't understand, but that I be open to what my heart receives as an unlearned woman. So, with that, let me share what stood out to me in these chapters.  

#1 Isaiah was forgiven and loved by God

#2 Isaiah continued to see visions of Angels and creatures most of us have never seen (Seraphim).

#3 Isaiah was instructed to warn the Jews about their disbelief in Christ and how it would be their downfall

#4 Isaiah was told who to NOT associate with to protect himself from those who could lead him away from God and his favor.

#5 Isaiah saw very dark times that were going to come.

Likening the scriptures unto me

2 Nephi 19:2 says, "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."  

I feel like this verse relates to my life for the 14 years I was away from the Gospel.  I walked in a sort of spiritual darkness that kept me depressed (utterly).  I cried all of the time.  I was miserable, and dare I say oppressed.  It was hard to do things and find joy.  And then...I reconciled to God.  The light came back in to my life, and Christ restored me body and soul!

I love how Isaiah prophesies the coming of Jesus Christ.  Everything he said happened and Isaiah is why I adore our Prophet!  These men Walk and talk of God.  They are instructed by Christ and he doesn't do anything before letting the Prophet know so they can prepare us.  We are not left alone to navigate this world!  We have Prophets and Apostles!  (AMOS 3:7) 

Isaiah warns of the wickedness of the jews at that time and how their suffering would be ignored because they rejected God.  I was reminded of a Seminary scripture I memorized, Alma 41:10, 'wickedness never was happiness".  Isaiah also taught this principle. 

God will prune the hedges, the briars, the weeds, and overgrowth (wickedness) and there will be a small number of righteous that will believe in Christ.  Isaiah saw them, the remnant of the House of Israel.

I know he saw Jesus, his ministry, his disciples, his crucifixion, and his resurrection.  I believe today we will see many of the same things before the second coming and I am here for it.  I want to be one of the few that are faithful and true!  I've been warned.  Thank you, Isaiah!

One thing I want to mention is that many times we want to hear and spread the "good news' of the gospel, that we sometimes water down God's wrath when it comes to sin.  We should not do this, or assume God tolerates sin.  He does not.  We should strive to live in accordance with his will.  We should not want to offend our father!  Likewise we know He FORGIVES those who REPENT so we should strive to repent DAILY.