2 Nephi 18

Yesterday, I blogged on the inadequacies and lacking confidence Isaiah must have felt as the Lord called him to the work. But it did not end there. Isaiah's calling was not trivial. It must have been quite overwhelming to Isaiah and his family what he was commanded to do. You can tell that Isaiah never solicited this great calling. If fact, you can almost sense that Isaiah would have preferred to be left alone as he tells us -

"For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 18:11)

Speaking with a strong hand would suggest that Isaiah needed some strong persuasion. I see Isaiah as a very faithful and obedient man, but I also sense that he wasn't jumping at the chance to condemn his fellowmen for that is what the Lord commanded him to do -

"...saying:
12 Say ye not..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 18:12)

And you can sense that this did not only affect himself but his family as the Lord commanded -

"..I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived and bare a son. Then said the Lord to me: Call his name, Maher-shalal-hash-baz." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 18:3)

This effort was a family affair with a promise -

"...neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
13 Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
14 And he shall be for a sanctuary..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 18:12 - 14)

As I read these words, Isaiah becomes more real and human to me.