2 Nephi 25

Ok, yes, I did read the other chapters, but, honestly, did not have much to say. More war, more destruction, Isaiah..I'm still working on understanding him. Which is why I found humor in this line:
For behold, Isaiah spake many things which were hard for many of my people to understand; for they know not concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews.

(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:1)

Yeah, Nephi hit the nail on the head. Isaiah spoke many things my people don't understand either. I wonder if it would make more sense if I did understand the Jews better (from that time era). I've never been big on studying history, but I do want to have it be an important part of my children's education. I can't explain why, but I'm driven to teach them the history of this world, and our people. I want them to have a better grasp of people than I do. I believe studying history and religions, and writings of different times is a great way to understand mankind in general. Here's hoping I'm right.

for because the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy. But I give unto you a prophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the plainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:4)

This spirit of prophecy. I wonder if it is a gift attainable. to understand what is to come. See...here is my next argument though. Often, when people mention that there were prophetesses in the bible, it is explained away as a prophet is someone who testifies of Christ. Well, that's all fine and dandy, but this also says that prophecy allows you to understand Isaiah, and of the things to come based on the writings of the scripture and inspiration. So, ummm, do we scratch that limited definition from our Sunday school manuals and use more than one scripture to answer the question?

and according to my prophecy they have been destroyed, save it be those which are carried away captive into Babylon.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:10)

See? According to my prophecy, they have been destroyed, not according to my ability to see or reveal. Semantics? Yes. But are we then using semantics in sunday school to discourage people from prophecying?

20 And now, my brethren, I have spoken plainly that ye cannot err. And as the Lord God liveth that brought Israel up out of the land of Egypt, and gave unto Moses power that he should heal the nations after they had been bitten by the poisonous serpents, if they would cast their eyes unto the serpent which he did raise up before them, and also gave him power that he should smite the rock and the water should come forth; yea, behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:20)

No comment here, really. It is plain. Belief in the Savior is paramount. Everything else falls by the wayside. It's simple, but we make it so hard.

23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:23)

I wonder, though, how diligent are we here at home? Am I doing all I can do to help my children understand grace? Or justice? It's a hard balance within the home, being consistent and kind. Not the easiest task. But then, easy is never the best way, is it? Or sometimes, we think the easier way looks like more work, but then we make more work for ourselves by doing it our way. We think we are right, but then we have to redo...but that is what we are here to learn. Someday, I'll be wise enough to let myself learn from others, instead of having to make all the mistakes myself!!

26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:26)

Rejoice!! Yes, that is key. I hope my children feel joy through the Savior, not a bunch of laws. I want them to see the joy that is possible, and to feel it. Do they feel it here? I'm not always sure, but that is something I'm adding to the goal list...to rejoice.
27 Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:27)

This scripture is a good one for those who are upset about past commandments that don't apply anymore (times change, God does give us different laws for different times, but not because he wants a different outcome, but because times change and he wants the same outcome.)
Let me rephrase that:
When you are in a different situation, but want to accomplish the same goals, you have to make adjustments based on the situation to get to the same place.
Differently:
If you are in California, but want to get to Idaho, you drive east, if you are in Indiana and want to get to Idaho, you drive west. Same goal, but different time and place, so different action required, hence, God't law changes, but not his goals.