2 Nephi 8&9

This is not going to be an extensive review of what happened on Friday, but I will try to highlight some of our thoughts that we discussed.  Many of us had either read the material a couple of weeks ago or had not got through both chapters, but thanks to notes in the margins and a quick review of what was being said.  We had a great discussion.
 
We started discussing in Chapter 8 verse 5  about the line "mine arm shall judge the people."  We figured that it meant Jesus Christ.  Other verses also reference his arm through out the chapter.  Like verse 9. 

Once again we saw reference to "Awake".  Every time I read verses that say that I think, this is obviously important and we need to review what is being said.  Verses that say Awake and those that follow have much meat in them.  After verse 9 says Awake - then we read in verse 12 that "I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you."  Do we remember that when we are entrenched in sin or as we drift away from right?  Even verse 13 says ". . . forgettest the Lord thy maker, that has stretched forth the heavens,. . . "  vs 15 "I am the Lord thy God, whose waves roared; the Lord of Hosts is my name."  vs 16 " . . . Behold, thou art my people."  It is just amazing to hear those words.  There is much that can be taken from these verses, but if we see it as a reminder that GOD IS WITH US AND FOR US.  Then maybe we can do a little better each day.

We also liked the reference in chapter 8 vs 2 about Sarah.  Again we discussed how important that Isaiah (and God) for that matter feel about women.  There are many women referenced in both the bible and Book of Mormon.  We are told here to not only look to Abraham, but to also look to Sarah.  We felt that these verses although directed at the Children of Israel are also directed to any who accept the gospel.  That is us.

Chapter 9 has a beautiful reference to the plan of salvation starting in verse 6.  I loved how it talks about the atonement and how important it is in helping us to overcome death.  But also to overcome our carnal natures and be able to overcome Satans power.  This chapter is one that needs to be read over and over again.  To help us see that the atonement and God's love for us are eternal and that the value is beyond anything we might imagine.  Read it if you haven't had a chance.

We discussed all about the "Wo UNTO's"  and each of us had one that stuck out clearly in our minds.  I loved Diana's memory of verse 31.  And wo unto the deaf that will not hear; for they shall perish."  Her deaf companion read it and was totally offended,  her knowledge of the gospel had been limited by her deafness.  She didn't realize that being deaf in this verse is all about those who chose not to hear - not those who are born deaf or lose their hearing.

Vs 47"Would I harrow up your souls if your minds were pure?"  is about how these words would not be as hard for us to listen to if we were free from sin.  Vs 48 says.  "Behold, if ye were holy I would speak unto you of holiness; but as ye are not holy,  . . . I teach you the consequences of sin."

Sorry this has gone on and on.  It is hard to put on paper(computer) what was discussed in an hour long group.  There is so much more then what I have written.  Plus you are getting my perspective only.  I love this group and know that my testimony of the Book of Mormon increases each day as I read from its pages.  Thanks for putting this together and thanks to those who contribute each week.

NEXT WEEK we will discuss 2 Nephi Chapters 10 and 11.  Are we still meeting on Friday or should we change it to a new day?  I will leave that decision up to Naomi and she can add or change my note here to give us a heads up to when we will be meeting.