After the brothers had failed to obtain the brass plates and nearly lost their lives in the process, Laman and Lemuel attempted to harm Nephi and Sam - their method of persuasion. After the angel intervened they still lacked courage to act on the purpose of their journey.
Nephi counseled, "Let us be faithful..." and struck out toward Jerusalem with murmuring L & L in tow. Leaving his brothers outside the gates, Nephi went on as led by the Spirit not knowing beforehand where he should go or what he should do. He is directed to Laban's compound and is further directed to take Laban's life. He is repulsed by the thought, but has enough experience with the Spirit to know that he should put aside his own thoughts and fears to be obedient.
Continuing to follow the promptings of the Spirit, he brings the plates and loyal Zoram with him to his father's camp, where there is great rejoicing for the family was not certain that they still lived.
During their sons' absence, Sariah lost hope and accused Lehi of causing the death of their sons by acting on his visions, which seemed less powerful to her now. Lehi bore testimony and recalled the detail of the visions to her. The Spirit bore witness and because her heart was receptive and contrite she was comforted. Nevertheless, she was relieved at her sons' return, as was Lehi and the rest of the camp. Lehi and Sariah would have been comforted, no matter what the outcome might have been, because the Spirit bore witness of the correctness of Lehi's actions. They were relieved that the outcome was what they had hoped it would be.
Once the plates were in Lehi's hands and they had a chance to review their contents, Lehi began to prophesy of their value and their future.
Lessons: 1. Faith becomes faithfulness when it is acted upon. 2. When acting in faith we are led by the Spirit. 3. When following the promptings with faith, our ability to accomplish the will of God increases. 4. Bearing testimony in faith is persuasive to the unbelieving and convincing to those whose hearts are contrite. 5. The spirit of prophesy can come to those who are faithful to their office despite great opposition.
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