It has been a struggle to sift through the thoughts and feelings that accompany serious searching of Lehi’s dream described in 1 Nephi 8. It has resulted in a life long exploration! However, the focus of this writing is on the “numberless concourses of people” that Lehi saw in his dream, “many of whom were
pressing forward, that they might obtain the
path which led unto the tree” (
1 Nephi 8:21), as well as “other multitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building” (
1 Nephi 8:31.) There is an interesting footnote for the word “pressing” in 1 Nephi 8:21. The footnote refers to
Doctrine and Covenants 123:12:
For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—
This insight, combined with what Nephi saw relative to this dream (e.g., 1 Nephi 11-15 and 2 Nephi 25-32), makes it easy to argue that the “numberless concourses of people” and the “other multitudes” in Lehi’s dream encompass the whole of humanity past, present, and future. Throughout history people have sought the path of truth, but have been prevented from finding it because of the subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, craftiness of men that seek to deceive. This dream, therefore, is a timeless representation of the human drama. For our purposes we will focus principally on the choices we all confront during this mortal existence as represented in Lehi’s dream. The dream is about you and me, and everyone else who has lived, or will ever live, in mortality. Therefore, while studying this dream it is useful to ask oneself, “where do I see myself in Lehi’s dream?” Hopefully, the following will help the reader answer such a question.
In his dream, Lehi sees at least four groups of people.
Group One
“And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree. And it came to pass that there arose a
mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were
lost” (1 Nephi 8:22-23.)
Group Two
“And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness,
clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the
fruit of the tree. And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were
ashamed. And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the
other side of the river of water, a great and
spacious building; and it stood as it were in the
air, high above the earth. And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the
attitude of
mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit. And after they had
tasted of the fruit they were
ashamed, because of those that were
scoffing at them; and they
fell away into forbidden paths and were lost” (1 Nephi 8:24-28.)
Group Three
“...he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the
rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree...but we heeded them not” (1 Nephi 8:30, 33.)
Group Four
“...he saw other
multitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building. And it came to pass that many were drowned in the
depths of the
fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads. And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of
scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also...For as many as
heeded them, had fallen away” (1 Nephi 8:31-34.)
It is useful to understand the interpretation of the symbols in these few verses. We are indebted to Lehi, Lehi’s son Nephi, and others, for an understanding of what many of the symbols mean in this dream:
- The tree and fruit - After seeing the life and mission of Christ, Nephi was asked by an angel, “Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?” Nephi’s inspired answer was, “Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.” Confirming Nephi’s answer, the angel responds, “Yea, and the most joyous to the soul” (1 Nephi 11:21-23.) Later, Nephi adds “the wicked are rejected from the righteous, and also from that tree of life, whose fruit is most precious and most desirable above all other fruits; yea, and it is the greatest of all the gifts of God” (1 Nephi 15:36.) The greatest manifestation of God’s love is in the gift of His Son and the joy made possible through Him. The tree and fruit symbolize Christ - his life,mission, atonement, grace, and all else associated with him. The effect of partaking of the fruit of the tree is best described by Lehi himself when he said, “as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit” (1 Nephi 8:12.)
- The large and spacious field, as if it had been a world - Lehi’s description provides the meaning of the symbol, “as if it had been a world.” This is a familiar symbol used by the Lord Himself when teaching during his ministry. While explaining the parable of the sower, he taught, “The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one” (Matthew 13:38.)
- Commencing in the path leading from the large and spacious field to the tree - Later in his ministry, Nephi explains that “the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive” (2 Nephi 31:17-18.) Therefore, those who obtain the path in Lehi’s dream are not casual disciples. Rather, these are individuals who have repented of sin and been “baptized by water and by fire and by the Holy Ghost.” Having thereby obtained the path, Nephi explains that “ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20.) Hopefully there is no mystery about the meaning of the path leading to the tree - it is the path of discipleship to partake of the love of God - to come unto Christ.
- Mists of darkness - Nephi explains that “the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost” (1 Nephi 12:17.)
- The rod of iron - Nephi explains that the rod of iron “was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.” (1 Nephi 15:23-25.)
- The great and spacious building filled with people mocking those partaking of the fruit - Nephi was told that “the large and spacious building, which thy father saw, is vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men. And a great and a terrible gulf divideth them; yea, even the word of the justice of the Eternal God, and the Messiah who is the Lamb of God, of whom the Holy Ghost beareth record, from the beginning of the world until this time, and from this time henceforth and forever” (1 Nephi 12:18.)
- River of water - Nephi explains, “that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water. And I said unto them that it was an awful gulf, which separated the wicked from the tree of life, and also from the saints of God. And I said unto them that it was a representation of that awful hell, which the angel said unto me was prepared for the wicked” (1 Nephi 15:26-29.)
With these symbols in mind, what are we to learn from these groups of people? While we do not intend to be exhaustive in this writing regarding the symbols and the people with whom they interact, there are a few choices on which turns the future of the people Lehi saw in his dream.
Choice One - Do I seek the tree of life or not?
The heart of the drama in the dream focuses on the choice to seek the tree or not. The polar opposite choice to the tree is to seek the great and spacious building and the companionship and enterprise of its occupants. The tree and the building are divided by a great gulf representing the justice of God. This symbolism suggests we cannot take up residence in both.
However, there are plenty of options whereby we can “do it our way”, whether we are lost wandering in strange, forbidden, or other paths, or drowning in the river of filth, or just staying in the large and spacious field. Remember, the choice to obtain the path is the choice to turn from all other options - to repent and be baptized by both water and fire (2 Nephi 31:17-18) in an effort to find Christ - the love of God - and partake of the joy He offers. This is the choice confronting every soul, every day, that ever experiences mortality.
Unfortunately, as already noted, “there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are
blinded by the subtle
craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to
deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they
know not where to find it” (D&C 123:12.) Deception, both by self and by others, is pervasive throughout the dream. As a result, multitudes are feeling their way toward the great and spacious building, the “vain
imaginations and the
pride of the children of men” (1 Nephi 12:19.) What wonderful imagery - feeling our way toward vanity and pride. The variously deceived are overcome by an insatiable thirst for sensation rather than the fruits of the Spirit eloquently enumerated by the Apostle Paul - love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-23.) Excitement is more enticing than the less popular, but far more enduring, enticings of the Spirit (
Mosiah 5:19.)
No doubt the building and its occupants are attractive because of their naturally condescending position (high above the tree looking down on the partakers, and everyone else for that matter), appearance (a great building and exceedingly fine dress), numbers (the spacious building was filled with multitudes entering it), and self declared social superiority (they were mocking those not in the building). In the minds of the occupants they were the force with which all others must reckon - not those surrounding the pitifully lonely tree on the other side of river and gulf on which they looked down. To those in the building there was no way those at the tree could be enjoying themselves as much eating fruit of a tree. No doubt the occupants appeared to be having a great time. But they are living a deception and eventually the building and all its occupants and their interests will fall (see
1 Nephi 11:36.) Unsurprisingly, “a great and a terrible
gulf divideth them”, those in the building from those on the path or at the tree, “yea, even the word of the
justice of the Eternal God...” (1 Nephi 12:18.)
This choice of what we seek, moving toward the tree or the building, is not made once, or even a few times. This is the constant choice before us every waking moment of our lives. There are no vacations from this choice. The more often we are conscious of the choice the more frequently we can choose wisely. Otherwise, we become lost. It seems that being lost, in Lehi’s dream, means not being on the path or at the tree partaking of the fruit. This might include wandering off, traveling forbidden paths, drowning in the river, occupying the great and spacious building, or any number of other locations and activities in the dream. The irony is that those who are lost in the dream likely believe they know the way for themselves - they can’t see the “subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (D&C 123:12.) They are blinded and hardened by temptations, adversity, vanity, or pride such that they cannot see “things as they really are” (Jacob 4:13.)Those who are thus blinded and hardened cannot tell what is real and enduring - the love of God, which never failed (see Moroni 7:46-48.)
Choice Two - Do I hold to the rod or not?
Once someone has decided to pursue the path leading to Christ and partake of the joy that accompanies Him, the choice to be made is regarding the rod of iron; will we ignore it, cling to it, or continually hold fast to it. In the dream, those who did not take hold of the rod of iron were confronted with “an exceedingly great mist of darkness” and wandered off and were lost. The symbolism seems rather straightforward - not holding to the rod leaves us vulnerable to the temptations and fiery darts of the adversary and results in our wandering off the path and becoming lost. Why? As already noted, Nephi explains that the rod of iron “was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction” (1 Nephi 15:23-25.) The opposite is also true, “whoso would not hearken unto the word of God, and would not hold fast unto it, they would perish; the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.” This is a simple and straightforward message.
For this reason, to help those traveling the path, the rod of iron runs alongside the path with the river of filth on the opposite side. So situated, if we take hold, it keeps us on the path, helps us press forward through the mists of darkness, as well as protect us from what is on the other side of the rod - the river of filthy water. When we do not take hold of the rod we are essentially trying to create our own path. However, as illustrated in the dream, there is only one path to the tree - no short cuts, no new and improved ways, no “I did it my way.”
The word of God is unadulterated truth that describes God, his nature, his laws, his plan. We do not see “things as they really are” (Jacob 4:13) without the word of God. With the word of God the mists of darkness become less and less relevant or tempting. This point is illustrated by how the mists of darkness are described relative to the first three groups Lehi saw. The description of the mists for the first group who did not take hold of the rod is “an exceedingly great mist of darkness.” The second group, however, confronts simply a “mist of darkness,” while with the third group there is no mention of the mists of darkness at all. No doubt the third group encountered a mist of darkness. But because they were holding fast continually to the rod of iron the mist of darkness did not appear to affect them - it was not worth mentioning. The significance of the mists of darkness appears to be a function of how the traveler utilizes the rod. Why is this so?
There seems to be another precept to be learned from the second and third groups regarding the rod - how we hold to the rod. Remember, the second group “fell away, into forbidden paths” because of those whose were mocking them, while the third group partook of the fruit and gave no heed to the great and spacious building and its inhabitants. The second group is described as “clinging to the rod” while the third group is “continually holding fast to the rod.” The use of the word “clinging” in contrast to “holding fast,” and the absence of the word “continually” when describing the second group is instructive. The absence of the word “continually” seems to add some contrast to the descriptors “clinging” versus “holding fast” to the rod. Could it suggest that those who were clinging were using the rod (the word of God) in a way that it did not have the desired effect?
For example, while writing to the ancient saints to faithfulness, the Apostle Peter admonished, “
account that the
longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable
wrest, as they do also the other
scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:15-16.) Along with Peter’s are Alma’s words issuing the same warning. Speaking to his son Corianton, he taught, “And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the restoration of which has been spoken; for behold, some have
wrested the scriptures, and have gone far
astray because of this thing. And I perceive that thy mind has been
worried also concerning this thing. But behold, I will explain it unto thee” (
Alma 41:1.)
The word wrest, as used in these verses denotes to “misinterpret, misapply and pervert” the word of God. When we misinterpret, misapply, and pervert the word of God, whether in the scriptures, through God’s chosen leaders, or through direct inspiration, we are vulnerable to the mists of darkness. Not only do we misinterpret, misapply, and pervert God’s word, we do the same to ourselves - we misinterpret the purpose of our lives; we misapply our time talents, and resources with which we have been blessed; we pervert our identity. Could it be that because these souls had wrested God’s word they found themselves ashamed or embarrassed when they partook of the fruit of the tree. They were expecting something different than experiencing joying while ignoring the vanity and pride of the world because they had wrested God’s word.
In contrast, “continually holding fast” suggests a steadiness and appropriateness regardless the breadth and depth of the mists of darkness in interpreting, applying, and preserving the word. These souls were undeterred. They were focused on the tree and the fruit. In other words, they were grounded, rooted, established, and settled (Ephesians 3:17, 1 Peter 5:10.) Unless we “hold fast continually” it seems that it is simply a matter of time before we wander off and become lost - leaving the path or the tree.
Choice Three - Do I become ashamed of the love of God or not?
While describing the second group of people who obtained the path Lehi writes that these people “did cast their eyes about as if they were
ashamed.” Ashamed?! Ashamed?! These people were partaking of the love of God and they were ashamed? Ashamed of what? What could possibly cause them to be ashamed? They had passed through the mists of darkness and were partaking of the love of God, which is “the
most desirable above all things...and the most
joyous to the soul.” The image of people becoming ashamed while partaking of the love of God should send a shiver through the souls of every believer. Is it possible that we can become ashamed while partaking of the love of God and experiencing the attending joy? Apparently, yes. This is troubling and sobering imagery.
No doubt Lehi was also troubled by this scene. He had partaken of the fruit and experienced the exceeding joy that caused him to reach out to his loved ones to partake. The people he was seeing pressed their way through the mists of darkness and were partaking of the love of God and the attendant exceeding joy alongside him. What could possibly contribute to someone feeling ashamed to partake of the love of God and the exceeding great joy that accompanies it?
It seems Lehi began to look around in an effort to discover why people were ashamed when he saw “on the
other side of the river of water, a great and
spacious building. It is interesting that Lehi had not mentioned this imposing site prior to this point in his dream. How could he had not noticed it by now? The building was great and spacious - impressive and large. It was filled with people mocking those at the tree - they had to have been noisy. How could he have not noticed such a thing and others at the tree had? As he notes, he and others at the tree gave those in the building no heed. But why? Why would some at the tree fall prey to the mocking and others give them no heed?
There is an important insight that emerges while contrasting the description of those in the great and spacious building, and Laman and Lemuel’s description of Lehi in 1 Nephi 2:11. As already noted, the definition of the building and its occupants as provided through Lehi and Nephi is that embodies the vain imaginations and pride of the world. At the same time, Laman and Lemuel attributed the reason Lehi had lead his family into the wilderness as “the foolish imaginations of his heart.” From this we can conclude that God looks upon the great and spacious building and its occupants as representing the vain imaginations and pride of the worldly while those in the building look upon those at the tree and on the path as being “foolish” - crazy, irrational, or not thinking right.
Those who were mocking had some interesting characteristics:
- They occupied what had to be an impressive building that loomed high above those partaking of the fruit - it was great, it was spacious, and seemed to float high above the earth. It had to be an imposing, intriguing, and even attractive site. Who hasn’t been intrigued by the potential view of a tall building. The building’s position of floating in the air provided a perspective that allowed the occupants to look down on those at the tree, implying a feeling of superiority, but without a visible foundation. How descriptive of our pride and vanity!
- The great and spacious building was filled with people, implying that the mocking multitude were not a few - what could have easily appeared to be a majority since they filled the large and spacious building. Not only were there many of them, they were old and young, male and female, suggesting they came from all walks of life.
- Their manner of dress was exceedingly fine. Appearance mattered to this group. The word exceeding connotes an excess or extreme in their dress. This suggests that it is not just those who may obsess over what are considered the fashion media of the day, but individuals and groups who attempt to distinguish themselves by their clothing or appearance - whether grunge or glamour. The alternative in the Book of Mormon is to be “neat and comely” (Alma 1:27.)
- They were mocking those who were partaking of the fruit. Why? Why would such a large group of people find a relatively small gathering eating fruit at a tree worth their time and energy and interest? Don’t they have better things to do than mock and scoff at those they clearly considered delusional people? The imagery suggests that when size or appearance of our group does not get the attention of others, mocking is that to which the supposed majority resort. In addition, the mocking of the multitude might bely a feeling that the inattentiveness of those partaking of the love of God exposes the mocker’s lack of authenticity - a form of showing the emperor has no clothes. Rather than confess and seek the path leading to the tree they would rather reinforce their apparent superiority by putting down others.
Nephi provides insight regarding the building, its inhabitants, and its future. After seeing the death of Christ on the cross, Nephi “saw the multitudes of the earth, that they were gathered together to
fight against the apostles of the Lamb.” These were “gathered together...in a large and spacious
building” like the building Lehi saw. The angel guiding Nephi through his revelatory experience explained, “Behold the world and the wisdom thereof” (1 Nephi 11:33-34.) Then this disturbing explanation by the angel guiding Nephi, “behold the house of Israel hath gathered together to
fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” What? The house of Israel gathers to fight against Christ’s twelve apostles? Were at least some of the inhabitants of the building actually the apostate children of Israel of every age. Could it be those who had once feasted at the tree, but became ashamed, having succumbed to the mocking multitude with their various types of media that magnify their mocking? What would posses members of the house of Israel to fight against Christ’s apostles? Nephi was inspired to bear record “that the great and spacious building was the
pride of the world” (1 Nephi 11:33-35.) For emphasis, later Nephi learns that “the large and spacious
building...is vain
imaginations and the
pride of the children of men” (
1 Nephi 12:18.) Christ and his apostles call the van and prideful to repentance. So called, the vain and prideful not only mock the faithful, but to fight against the apostles of Christ - even those of the house of Israel, ancient and modern.
Left unchecked, our pride can result in our (including the covenant house of Israel), fighting the apostles of Christ. What was the result? The building and its inhabitants, “
fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly great.” Then a warning from the angel, “Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (
1 Nephi 11:36.) While the building and inhabitants may appear to be an attractive and unassailable force that would endure indefinitely, the reality is that while they may endure for a season - they will fall. Meanwhile, the tree and its fruit will endure forever, as well as those feasting thereof. Hence, they give no heed to the building or its occupants.
Mocking, on the other hand, needs no substance, just vanity and pride - an obsession with self. Ironically, for the mocking to have an effect on the believer, the believer must have some vanity and pride as well. People who share common characteristics are attracted to one another (see D&C 88:34-41 for an intriguing perspective on this principle of likes attract.)
Those in the great and spacious building not only had an effect on some who were partaking of the fruit of the tree, but many others scattered across the landscape that Lehi beheld. Multitudes were seen “feeling their way towards that great and spacious building.” Given the mists of darkness, the imagery of people “feeling their way” makes sense if they have been blinded and hardened by the temptations of the devil. There is no straight and narrow path leading to the great and spacious building. It is the ultimate result when we do it our way. No need for repentance and baptism to join this group. But the focus on “feeling their way” may also speak to the quest for sensation by those who are blind and hard hearted. Interestingly, it appears that sensation demands more and more until one is past feeling and has no feelings for another, thereby making mocking much easier.
What are some precepts that the latter-day disciple can glean from these few verses describing the people in Lehi’s dream?
- Obtaining the path leads the disciple away from the things of the world toward the love of God - At some point the disciple must decide to leave the world and pursue Christ. There is a reason “a great and a terrible gulf divideth” those in the building and those at the tree, “yea, even the word of the justice of the Eternal God” (1 Nephi 12: 18.) We cannot be tourists of the tree and the great and spacious building at the same time. The graphic separation between the tree and the building is illustrative. In the end, we are seeking or arrive in one location or the other. We cannot take up residence on one side of the gulf and vacation in, or visit, the other.
- Mists of darkness confront every disciple - temptation and fiery darts are part and parcel of being a disciple of Christ. No one is immune. “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass” (2 Nephi 2:11.) We must not despair when we confront such opposition.
- The only way to stay on the path (remain faithful) is to continually hold fast to the word of God and to humbly partake of God’s love - later in the Book of Mormon, in one of Mormon’s many editorial insertions, we read, “we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked” (Helaman 3:29.) The underlying cunning and snares of the devil is to encourage vanity and pride - he being the archetype. The word of God is manifest in the form of scripture, modern prophets, or whisperings of the Spirit to the soul. The word of God is always consistent and correlated in whatever form it takes. When truly inspired, they always agree. Casualness toward any of these forms leaves us vulnerable. Holding fast to the rob implies the word will change us, not that we will adapt the word to our preferences.
- Disciples should expect to be mocked, sometimes by large numbers of people who appear superior in a variety of ways, as with position or size or appearance, but faithful disciples will give them no heed - this may be the most demanding choice. It is an incessant as it is important - the test of meekness and humility. As Neal A. Maxwell explained, “Did Paul not speak knowingly of the ‘fellowship of [Christ’s] sufferings’ (Philippians 3:10)? Are we not told that meekness is so vital that God actually gives us certain challenges in order to keep us humble (Ether 12:27)? Did not Peter write regarding how Christians should expect to be familiar with fiery trials (1 Peter 4:12)? Furthermore, as the disciple enriches his relationship with the Lord, he is apt to have periodic ‘public relations’ problems with others, being misrepresented and misunderstood. He or she will have to ‘take it’ at times. Meekness, therefore, is a key to deepening discipleship (https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/neal-a-maxwell_meek-lowly/.) Meekness keeps us from falling prey to vanity and pride, whether in ourselves or others. The greater the vanity in pride in ourselves, the more vulnerable we are to the vanity and pride of others. Humility and meekness protects us from mocking and allow us to enjoy the love of God no matter what others are doing.
So much can be communicated through the use of a few simple simple symbols, and in this writing we have only scratched the surface of what can be explored. No doubt you have had other stretching insights. Such is the purpose of the scriptures - to stretch us and make of us something better than we would naturally become - by confronting us with truth. Such truths are intended to help us see reality and soften us to receive truth into our souls by His Spirit so we can then turn to God - another way of describing the call to repent. The writer hopes these few thoughts have encouraged greater seeking to understand and receive the truths to be found for each one of us in Lehi’s dream.
Often, efforts to seek for and receive truth are aided when we ask great questions. Therefore, we conclude with a question introduced toward the beginning of this writing. While studying this dream it is useful to ask, “where do I see myself in Lehi’s dream?” We could add one more question, “where am I headed in Lehi’s dream?” Such questions can be asked and answered every day. Answering these questions is likely the more important revelation any reader can receive regarding Lehi’s dream and one that we should hope for everyone.
