The writings of Isaiah include strong warnings, but they also offer hope and joy. This is one reason Nephi included them in his record: “I write some of the words of Isaiah,” he said, “that whoso … shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice” (2 Nephi 11:8). In a sense, the invitation to read Isaiah’s writings is an invitation to rejoice. You can take delight, as Nephi did, in Isaiah’s prophecies about the gathering of Israel, the coming of the Messiah, and the peace promised to the righteous. You can rejoice to live in the prophesied day when the Lord has “set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel” (2 Nephi 21:12). When you thirst after righteousness, you can “with joy … draw water out of the wells of salvation” (2 Nephi 22:3). In other words, you can “rejoice in Christ” (2 Nephi 25:26).
Lehi’s children had a problem with contention. The problem got worse in future generations, leading to division, captivity, sorrow, and destruction. And contention continues to be a problem today.
With all of that in mind, think about the prophecies in 2 Nephi 21–22. Consider how the Savior is fulfilling these prophecies. What does the prophecy that the wolf will “dwell with the lamb” mean to you? (2 Nephi 21:6). Ponder what you can do to be a peacemaker.
Nephi and his family were witnesses to the scattering of Israel (see 2 Nephi 25:10). Now you can participate in the gathering of Israel (see 2 Nephi 21:12). As you read 2 Nephi 21:9–12, think about how you can help fulfill the prophecies these verses describe.
For example, as you read about the “ensign” (standard or banner) that will be raised to gather God’s people, think about how you have seen God gather His people, physically and spiritually. What attracts people to the Lord and His Church?
What do you feel inspired to do to help gather God’s people?
The kingdom of Babylon was a mighty political and military threat to ancient Israel. But to Nephi’s people—and to us today—the bigger threat is what Babylon represents: worldliness and sin. Consider how the warnings in 2 Nephi 23–24 might have affected people who feared or admired or trusted Babylon’s wealth and power (see, for example 23:6–9, 11, 19–22; 24:10–19). What are some similar things we might fear or admire or trust today? What do you feel the Savior’s message to you might be in these chapters? Think about how you can show that you “rejoice in [the Lord’s] highness” (2 Nephi 23:3).
Nephi was open about sharing his beliefs—especially his testimony of Jesus Christ. Throughout your study of 2 Nephi 25, think about Nephi’s desire to “persuade [his] children … to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God” (verse 23). What did Nephi want people to know about the Savior? (see verses 12–13, 16). How did Nephi try to persuade people to believe in Him? (see verses 19–29). Note passages in this chapter that persuade you to believe in and follow Jesus Christ.
Some of us may not feel as bold as Nephi was about talking of Christ. But maybe you can find something in Nephi’s teachings in 2 Nephi 25:23–26 that inspires you to talk about Him with others more openly. For example, Nephi’s declaration “We rejoice in Christ” might prompt you to think about how the Savior brings you joy—and how you can share that joy with others.
In his message “We Talk of Christ” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 88–91), Elder Neil L. Andersen suggests how we can speak more openly of Christ in various settings. Which of his suggestions stand out to you? What opportunities do you have to talk of Christ with others?
To help your children visualize these verses, see if you can find a tree that has been cut down or a branch growing from a tree (or use the picture below). If the “branch” in 2 Nephi 21:1 represents Jesus Christ, what do verses 2–5 teach us about Him?
What does 2 Nephi 21:6–9 teach about what can happen when everyone follows the Savior? (see also 4 Nephi 1:15–18). How can we make our home more like this? Your children might enjoy looking at pictures of the animals mentioned in verses 6–7—animals that are usually enemies but will not hurt each other when Jesus comes again (see this week’s activity page). Your children could also draw pictures of themselves and these animals living peacefully with Jesus.
Isaiah said that the Lord would set up an “ensign for the nations” to help people gather to Him (see 2 Nephi 21:11–12). Help your children understand that an ensign is like a flag. Perhaps they would enjoy drawing their own flag. They could include pictures or words that represent reasons they come to Jesus Christ and His Church. Let them talk about their flags, and help them think of how they can help others “gather” to Jesus Christ.
After reading 2 Nephi 22:4–5 together, you might talk with your children about some of the “excellent things” the Lord has done. What are some of the Lord’s “doings among [us]” that we can declare? To help your children think about this question, you might sing together a song about the Savior, like “I Believe in Christ” (Hymns, no. 134). You could take turns completing a sentence like this one: “I believe in Christ; He .” How can we help other people know about what the Savior has done for us?
How can you help your children “rejoice in Christ”? Maybe you could tell a story about Jesus Christ bringing joy to others, or you could show a video such as “Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind” or “Suffer the Little Children to Come unto Me” (Gospel Library). Your children could point out joyful moments in the story or video. Then, as you read together 2 Nephi 25:26, they could talk about why they “rejoice in Christ.”
Testify of Christ. Don’t assume your family knows how you feel about the Savior. Tell them, and let your feelings about the Savior influence the way you interact with them.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
