2 Nephi 3-5 Part 1 • Dr. Jan J. Martin • Feb 12 - Feb 18 • Come Follow Me

How do we address difficult topics in the scriptures? Dr. Jan Martin explores the importance of record-keeping and covenant-keeping throughout trials.
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00:00 Part 1-Dr. Jan Martin
01:48 Introduction of Dr. Martin
02:56 The concept of covenants
05:38 Nephi’s purpose
08:05 Enduring difficulty through covenantal relationships
11:22 Remembering what the Lord has done
13:26 Lehi’s conversation with his family
17:11 Purpose alleviates suffering
20:12 Joseph of Egypt and Joseph Smith
24:22 The Book of Mormon is to maintain covenants
27:51 God’s perspective and many Josephs
35:25 Wilfred Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow
37:55 Joseph Smith and testimony
39:12 Covenant renewal among the Lehites
42:02 2 Nephi 5:4
43:54 Grief and death
50:45 An imperfect family
52:53 Suzerainty
55:07 Six essential parts
1:03:15 Ishmael’s daughters fearful of the future
1:06:25 Commandment to be cheerful
01:11:15 Gratitude and journaling
01:12:55 End of Part 1-Dr. Jan Martin
Thanks to the followHIM team:
Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, Sponsor
David & Verla Sorensen: Sponsors
Dr. Hank Smith: Co-host
John Bytheway: Co-host
David Perry: Producer
Kyle Nelson: Marketing, Sponsor
Lisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show Notes
Jamie Neilson: Social Media, Graphic Design
Annabelle Sorensen: Creative Project Manager
Will Stoughton: Video Editor
Krystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, Website
Ariel Cuadra: Spanish Transcripts
"Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonald
www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

[@ruthboehmer8483]

For years, I battled a sugar addiction and frequently found myself in Nephi's lament and psalm likening this scripture to my own wretched state. I frequently prayed 'awake my soul, no longer droop in sugar!' and 'make me that I may shake at the appearance of sugar!'

[@jenme7926]

I have the same addiction.. the struggle is real!

[@susiewilkinson8948]

Me too!

[@laurawestover589]

Me too!

[@loisparrish2146]

However, "if you are what you eat, why not be rich and sweet?"

[@user-sk4vp8gu1f]

Great insight! I love that scripture.

[@jennifernielsen599]

Having to pause and say thank you Dr. Marin for sharing about your dad. Back in 1991, when I was 18 years old and taking the missionary discussions, my special Elders were shocked by my reaction when they taught me about eternal families. I was definitely not interested in that principle due to abuse in my family. It sounded like the worst plan ever! Now with time, a family of my own and some spiritual maturity, I get it. Having no contact with my folks for over 20 years now in order to protect my own children - a non traditional family model- can often feel lonely in gospel settings, so I’m grateful for your vulnerability and courage to share your reality Dr. Martin! Thank you! ❤

[@loisparrish2146]

I am so sorry for your pain. May it at sometime be "beauty for ashes." I keep praying for softening of hearts in my and my husband's families. It is hard, isolating, and lonely.

[@arleyjarman3401]

As I listened to this episode I could definitely feel the love of my Savior Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. I lost my brother 11 years ago. When he passed away all I could think about was doing his temple work. Yes I still miss dearly but knowing that we have been sealed together brings me such comfort. I love my Savior Jesus Christ for his atonement.

[@sallynicora7148]

Super grateful Jan shared about her dad. I’m on the other side of that. My father, who I tried to connect with, but couldn’t, was not a “good man.” He has passed and I honestly felt relief at his passing. Then guilt for feeling relief!! I prayed a lot about it and I know I am not his judge, so I have to repent often for thinking him not a “good man”. But the spirit does whisper comfort to me, and one day I was very humbled when a voice came to my mind and said “He is my son” and I knew Heavenly father loved him and understood why he was the way he was. This both humbled and comforted me ❤

[@feral664]

Lost my dad to mental health long before he died 6 months ago. He never met my kids. I feel the relief you're talking about. I look forward to continuing our relationship on the other side when we're all less encumbered by mortality.

[@venusreyes3061]

I agree Dr. Jan Martin really the gospel of Jesus Christ heals me and gives me hope. Me and my siblings too don't have that great relationship with my mother when we were young.. she got colon cancer then I got baptized in lds church I truly forgive my mother and myself because of the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Grateful for the Book of Mormon and the elder Missionaries who gave me that book. It saves me🙏🙏

[@rebeccacall5960]

Thank you for your insights Dr. Martin, Hank & John. I learned so much from both of these episodes this week. As I was pondering again the messages & the notes I typed up, I was reflecting on Nephi's Psalm & thinking about how he had just been called to be the next prophet. I wonder if part of his Suzerainty Treaty was making a covenant with the Lord as he stepped into the role of the prophet. As I thought about this, I also realized that in Ch 3 you discussed as Joseph Smith was translating, he must have realized at some point that he was the Joseph, Joseph of Egypt had seen & was feeling overwhelmed by all he was prophesied to do. How inspiring it was that the very next chapter, he had another prophet, Nephi, feeling overwhelmed by all the Lord had just asked him to do. Joseph Smith, Jr had no one on the earth that knew what he was feeling. But here was Nephi who was also feeling unworthy & overwhelmed by the heavy mantle a new prophet is asked to carry. I don't think that is a coincidence.

[@jaguarangel1107]

John, "...and it will surprise you what the Lord has done." 😅 I just get such a kick out of your sense of humor. Thank you for letting it show through. It's as much balm to my soul as the podcasts, themselves. 🙏😊🙏

[@jimscott2998]

I appreciate Dr. Martin’s perspective on these terrific chapters. Thinking about Joseph born into the midst of the living difficulties in the wilderness. Sam Levinson, the Jewish comic relates in his book, “Everything but Money” , they didn’t know how poor off their family was. Born in the depression in a New York ghetto with no jobs, money or relief agencies they were abjectly poor. But! They knew nothing else, vis a vis Joseph so were able to eke out the living to survive and cope. They, the Levinson’ and the Nephites’ children only worked to survive and become better. The covenants had to be a great source of comfort and encouragement that things would be improved over time.

[@kerstin7464]

It was one of the best Podcasts I've ever heard. I even listen to it twice and made many notes for my sunday school class. I loved the approach of' covenants'.Now I discover in the following chapters much more about covenants which increases my understanding and testimony of belonging to the covenant people of the Lord. Even though I love the Book of Mormon I had always problems with Joseph in 2.Nephi 3. Thank you for helping me increasing my appreciation and love for these chapters.

[@Valerie-qo7wr]

Thank you for including those family dynamics that are different from the "cultural" norm. Not every one has had loving family relationships, and the fact that families can be together forever does not necessarily ring dear to folks who have investigated our faith, or even those within our faith. Thanks for wrapping the lesson around messy family dynamics.

[@carolynwheeler7651]

Thank you for sharing about your dad, that was exceedingly personal, and it takes courage to make it public. The Church teaches the ideal about family relationships (as well it should), but it can be pretty isolating for those who have never experienced such and are not sure they want to continue current relationships. The thought of eternal families becomes something to put on the shelf and trust that Christ will take care of it.

[@cherigoff8501]

So grateful for this lesson. Gives hope for those troubled family relationships in my own life. Everyone has passed away now, so I've told myself "We'll figure it out in the "afterlife". This just cements that thought process, and I can keep moving forward with confidence that we can eventually mend.

[@marymiller2329]

❤

[@terrybroadbent6001]

Such a powerful discussion. I love the focus on covenants. It just increases my faith in God's promises to those who make and keep covenants. Thanks, Dr. Martin, Hank and John.

[@sandylmcallister]

Dear Sweet Sister Martin, and brothers thank you for this fantastic lesson.!

[@denisegossling5353]

L A

[@dinocollins720]

Such a fantastic lesson thank you three!

[@ruthmartin9424]

Thank you for this special reminder about our covenants.

[@robinluker7359]

Thank you! You have been an instrument in answering my prayers about painful family relationships! 🙏

[@saragroves4103]

Thank you so much for this lesson. It has come at a time in my life that I'm facing uncertainty. I'm grateful for the gospel and the covenants I've made. I know they will be a strength to me as I face the uncertain outcome of the trial that is just beginning. Your insight from this week's lesson is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you, all three, for your ability to help me focus and prepare. ❤

[@shauniyoung801]

What astute observations. It's great for me as a woman to listen to and learn from a fellow female traveler who understand the deeper meanings in scripture. Thank you for all you've done, Sister Martin, to bring you such insight and understanding.

[@kristinanoall]

Thank you, thank you for mentioning the grief that comes from not having a great relationship with your parent. My dad died a few years ago, and tbh, I don’t miss him much. He had extremely remote parents and didn’t know how to show much affection, and we had next to nothing in common. I know he loved me, but there just wasn’t much relationship there. I feel so envious when I see friends post about losing their dads, and how close they were, and how much they miss them every day. How blessed they are! I hope things will be better on the other side between my dad and me.

[@danielyoung8910]

Dr. Martin is amazing! I learned so much about covenants! Thank you! :)

[@debrashipley4262]

Bless you, Dr. Martin. You really brought up a true struggle many of us have with our family.

[@maryhunsinger6493]

Listening to your podcasts is often me getting answers to prayers or confirming thoughts I have as I on spiritual pondering.

[@ldrake1256]

I love your testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I particularly liked Sister Martin's statement, "The gospel came through Joseph."

[@mchabries]

Dr. Martin brilliantly provided another lens to view such complex topics as ancient covenant structure and race. I am now able to read the text with eyes that see more clearly. Thank you.

[@dnbutler100]

This was excellent! I made a point this year to focus on faith in Jesus Christ in all that I can, but now I can add to that an increased desire to have faith to keep my covenants. I love the covenant perspective here and want to add that to my focus on the Book of Mormon. I loved the Sovereignty Treaty. Nephi had a broken heart and a Contrite Spirit for sure through that exercise. What a great thing to do to prepare for the Sacrament! As part of our own review we can look at our Patriarchal blessings and reconnect to them.

[@CapTeancum]

Thanks for the Suzerainty Treaty Structure of 2 Nephi 1. This is incredible! It does help me to put into a larger context the medieval feudal relations in Europe.

[@Davishope4Us]

In Jan Sharing the Estrangement with her Father, It truly brings sorrow and grief. I am on the other side, I have children that have cut me off. I have reached out and have only received anger & contempt. I never imagined such a situation occurring without in Love, without any forgiveness & void of any seeking reconciliation. I am grateful for a Savior that can heal these relationships at sometime.

[@kristayates8942]

Suzerainty Treaty. One more evidence that Joseph Smith couldn't have made up the Book of Mormon. How could he know? Because of our covenants, we can trust in the Lord. I'm so grateful for the words of Nephi. My family is living this right now, and there is hope because of the covenants I've made.

[@molokaibowhunterscom]

So awesome perspective and scripture applications. Ty!!

[@vickydittfield9822]

Dr.Jan J. Martin ,You have been very kind to address the facts that many do not have Fathers who are righteous… Many Had-absent fathers!And the Hope that in the Eternities,details might be better helps.Surrogates help also!

[@emilyosborne2640]

I loved this so much! You should see how many notes I wrote in my scriptures! 😍

[@nefipereira]

The lesson was truly incredible, a heavenly feast that filled my soul. Thank you immensely.

[@CalebBrown228]

Thanks!

[@byutobcs]

It just came to me. Look at the "sweet" faces (countenances) in front of us. I am so grateful to be a Latter day Saint.

[@paulinew5089]

What another fun lesson! Loved the suzerainty lesson. Thank you!

[@carolyngough3033]

Really helpful!

[@BeckyWaters_]

Excellent 😊

[@darlenepedersen4145]

Enlightened by another, Follow Him empowering testimony awakening to broader understandings of Jesus Christ and His glorious plan in bringing His children into His fold and those who are called to be a voice to carry these profoundly important directions., the leaders in all the Scriptures, our brave and dedicated Prohets through the times,including President Russell M. Nelson, who is exactly as a Prophet, should be. And then you wonderful presenters of Come Follow "Me, Him," you are my earthly protecting guiding spiritual mentors and hero's. I'm so intune to these teachings, my understanding of the Scriptures has been enlightened to a desirable degree that I'm dreaming about them as I sleep at night and this leads to some very interesting dreams. If you could feel the depths of my gratitude, you know that you're contributing your time to this cause of glorifying Christ is your reward that compensates for any monetary pay as you donate your time, grounding people in Christ.

[@darlenepedersen4145]

Dear Jan, when you were talking about your father. I'm reminded of my own completely dysfunctional father, the man a child should look to for protection is the man I feared the most. So, I was wondering how I would react when my father died. Well, he did die, and while exercising at Tosh pool, I was talking with a Jewish man, I said to him that I was surprised that I was able to cry for "2" minutes. He said to me, "You weren't crying about what he was, but what he wasn't!,,!! You're so spiritually beautiful.

[@MsEva9470]

This Scriptures are assume thank you you all

[@54redhen]

Please post the link to the suzerainty treaty. I couldn't find it in the show notes. Thank you for the wonderful episode

[@gbank44]

Page 13 in the show notes

[@emagil1474]

💙💙

[@judithgiacomino3190]

I’ve tried, and failed, to identify what the titles are for item #’s 4, 5, and 6 of the Suzerainty Treaty. Any chance you could provide them here? Thank you so much for this captivating lesson and for the great contributions of Dr. Martin.

[@ginnymart5124]

Just realized that there is no mention of either of the mothers passing away. Just a thought.

[@suzannaylor653]

Joseph must have been incredibly righteous to be entrusted with the final restoration of the gospel. And yet, there is also a lot of evil spoken of him, some of it based in truth. Imagine, then, if so much evil can be spoken of Joseph, how much could be dug up in our own lives if people were determined to destroy us? Ironically, where there's a will, there's a way. Let us all extend grace to those around us and even to ourselves. WWJD? 😉

[@makenziemoore1758]

I love the analogy that we're in a maze, trying to find our way, but God has the bird's eye view of the maze, and we have to listen to and trust the whispering of the Holy Ghost to find our way. ❤

[@deannawilley8178]

What is the document called that Jan said she would share about the Suzerainty Treaty. I would love to read that. I don’t see anything in your show notes with that word in the description.

[@awiborny2226]

Why don´t you talk about 2.Nephi 5?

[@anthonyrippa686]

If there was no concept of skin color until the 1600s. Then the verse in 2 Nephi about all being alike unto God "black and white" means ... what?

[@dianasimkins2]

Don't you think for the little boys it is all a big adventure? They didn't know a live of ease.

[@lydiastevenson8502]

53 minutes in talking about family 😢😢😢😢

[@anthonyrippa686]

If black in 2 Ne 5 doesn't mean black ... then Joseph in 2 Ne 3 doesn't necessarily mean Joseph Smith ... and the promised land in 2 Ne 2 doesn't necessarily mean America. It's all up for different interpretations according to what these do called scholars say ... so much for the most correct book being plain and precious ...

[@user-iu7rc7dp3q]

"For all the moms out there who are listening" Really, John? Really? Dads aren't expected to listen? You are talking about LEHI, who is a father, teaching young Joseph! But now in modern times only mothers teach their children? Jan, you say "How cool would it be for moms to remind their children of their baptismal covenants " and "Any mom could say right, you are having a hard time. How can your baptismal covenants give you this perspective...." Really? Dads (who we hope actually baptized said child) can't counsel with their child about those baptismal covenants? I am deeply disappointed in the message in this podcast that moms continue to be expected to carry the burden of teaching their children.