“Nephi Did Build Ship After the Manner Which the Lord Had Shown Unto Him”

D. Kelly Ogden, Andrew C. Skinner

Nephi received blueprints and technical revelation from the Master Shipbuilder. The young prophet made frequent hikes to his private spot on the mountain, poured out his soul in prayer, and was blessed with great views. “I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.” That passage has at least two meanings: in the temple, the mountain of the Lord, God opens up to all of us the views of great things. Also, when we climb our personal mountains—challenges, trials, difficulties, struggles, hardships, afflictions—he can teach us great things.

Matthew 8:1 says, “When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.” We must also climb to the mountaintop (for example, the temple), where the Lord will also show us great things. Then we must go back down among the people, and because we are full of the Spirit, others will desire to follow us into the kingdom. We must desire with all our heart to go to the mountaintop and then go back down to lead others up.

Verse by Verse: The Book of Mormon: Vol. 1

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