When you hear people use terms like house of Israel, do you feel like they’re talking about you? The Nephites and Lamanites were literal descendants of Israel, “a branch of the tree of Israel,” and yet they felt “lost from its body” (Alma 26:36; see also 1 Nephi 15:12). But the Savior wanted them to know that they were not lost to Him. “Ye are of the house of Israel,” He said, “and ye are of the covenant” (3 Nephi 20:25). He might say something similar to you today, for anyone who is baptized and makes covenants with Him is also of the house of Israel, “of the covenant.” In other words, when Jesus speaks of the house of Israel, He is talking about you. The instruction to bless “all the kindreds of the earth” is for you (3 Nephi 20:27). The invitation to “awake again, and put on thy strength” is for you (3 Nephi 20:36). And His precious promise, “My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed,” is for you (3 Nephi 22:10).
In the latter days, God will perform a marvelous work.
In 3 Nephi 20–22, the Savior prophesied about the future of His covenant people (see especially 3 Nephi 20:30–32, 39–41; 21:9–11, 22–29). As you read these verses, remember what President Russell M. Nelson has said: “We are among the covenant people of the Lord. Ours is the privilege to participate personally in the fulfillment of these promises. What an exciting time to live!” (“The Gathering of Scattered Israel,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 79). Which prophecies are especially exciting to you? What can you do to help fulfill them?
Look for inspiring words and phrases. You may find that certain words and phrases in the scriptures impress you, as if they were written specifically for you. Consider marking them in your scriptures or writing them in a study journal.
In 3 Nephi 22 and 24, the Savior quotes words from Isaiah and Malachi that are full of vivid images and comparisons—coals in the fire, purified silver, marriage, the windows of heaven (see especially 3 Nephi 22:7–8, 10–17; 24:10–12, 17–18). What do these comparisons teach you about God’s relationship with His people—and His relationship with you? How have the promises in these chapters been fulfilled in your life or your family’s life?
See also “The Refiner’s Fire” (video), Gospel Library.
Recording spiritual experiences can bless my family.
What impresses you about the Savior’s interaction with Nephi in 3 Nephi 23:6–13? If the Savior were to examine the records you have kept, what questions might He ask you? What important events or spiritual experiences should you record? Why is it important to do so? (see 3 Nephi 26:2).
As you read 3 Nephi 20:10–12; 23; 26:1–12, ponder how the Savior feels about the scriptures. What is the difference between searching the scriptures and simply reading them? (see 3 Nephi 23:1).
God’s people have always been commanded to pay tithing (see Genesis 14:17–20; Malachi 3:8–11). As you study 3 Nephi 24:7–12, think about why God asks His people to pay tithing. These questions can guide your study:
What is the law of tithing? (See Doctrine and Covenants 119. “Interest” in this revelation means income. All members who have income should pay tithing.) How is tithing different from other kinds of donations?
What is tithing used for? You can find a partial list in Gospel Topics, “Tithing” (Gospel Library). In what ways have you been blessed because members of the Church pay tithing?
What blessings come to people who live the law of tithing? (See 3 Nephi 24:7–12). You can find some described in Elder David A. Bednar’s message “The Windows of Heaven” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 17–20). Look, in particular, for blessings that are not necessarily monetary. How have you seen these blessings in your life?
You may also want to watch the video “Jesus Teaches about the Widow’s Mite” (Gospel Library), or read Mark 12:41–44. What does this story teach you?
The Lord sent Elijah to turn my heart to my ancestors.
In our day, our hearts are “turned to [our] fathers” through temple and family history work. How has this happened for you? As you read 3 Nephi 25:5–6 and Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16, ponder why this is such an important part of God’s plan.
The Savior’s instructions in 3 Nephi 23 show how important the scriptures are to Him. To help your children discover this, you could read 3 Nephi 23:1, 5 aloud and ask them to listen for a word that is repeated three times. How is searching different from just reading?
Perhaps you and your children could write down a favorite scripture verse and hide it. Then you could take turns finding each other’s hidden scriptures, read them together, and talk about why these verses are meaningful.
Help your children search 3 Nephi 24:8–12 to find ways to complete this sentence: If I pay tithing, the Lord will … . You could also share an experience in which you were blessed because you paid tithing. If it would be helpful, consider writing a few amounts of money and helping your children calculate how much tithing (10 percent) to give for each amount.
This week’s activity page can help your children talk about some of the ways the Lord uses tithing to bless the members of His Church. Maybe they could draw pictures (or find pictures in Church magazines) of ways tithing blesses them.
Heavenly Father wants me to learn about my ancestors.
How will you inspire your children to search for and learn about their ancestors? How can you encourage your children to perform ordinances for their ancestors when they are older? Consider helping them search 3 Nephi 25:5–6 to find something that was to happen in the latter days. Younger children could put their hand on their heart every time they hear the word “heart” as you read these verses. You could also read about how this prophecy was fulfilled in Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16 (see also Gospel Art Book, no. 95). Tell your children about how your heart has turned to your ancestors. For example, you could share any experiences you’ve had learning about your ancestors and doing temple ordinances for them.
Help your children fill out a family tree with names of their parents and grandparents. What stories could you share about one of your ancestors? Show pictures if possible. You could also sing together “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188) and talk with your children about why families are important in Heavenly Father’s plan.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
