2 NEPHI 6-8

Nephi asked his brother, Jacob, to speak to the people about some of Isaiah's writings. In chapter six we learned that Jacob was qualified to teach the gospel because: he was called of God (verse 2); was ordained after "his holy order" (he held the priesthood -- verse 2); was consecrated, or set apart, by the prophet Nephi (verse 2); he cared deeply about his people (verse 3); and Jacob had already put a great deal of effort into teaching the gospel (verse 3). Is our prophet as qualified as Jacob? How about our stake president, bishop, parents and even ourselves?
Chapter 7 tells us that the Lord has not abandoned covenant Israel in spite of their transgressions. In likening the scriptures unto ourselves we learn that the Lord will not abandon us....ever. We may abandon Him, but He will never abandon us. How can we abandon Christ? We learn from verses 10 and 11 that God is the source of light and truth. If we walk in our own light we will only have sparks, which last only an instant and give off little light. It was compared to fireworks....not very bright and can be a distraction.
Chapter 8 wants us to wake up and remember all the things the Lord has done for us. In verse 25 we are told to arise from the dust and sit down. Sounds like a contradiction at first but when we learn that dust was a symbol of mourning it makes more sense. We are to arise from our mourning and sit down in a place of dignity and loose thyself from the bands of thy neck (huh?). Invaders often took conquered inhabitants of the land as slaves, and often they would place bands around their necks. Symbolically, sin is like a band around our necks. So, get up....stop your mourning. We should find joy and hope in the promises that the Lord has made. We have knowledge of who we are and where we can go. This chapter teaches us that the Lord has not lost His power....we need to have faith that He knows what is best for each one of us.