Where will modern Israel stand?

Recently I was shown something that I hadn't seen before in the scriptures that seems really relevant to me.  It was in 1 Nephi 11 verses 34-36.  Nephi is being instructed by a heavenly messenger about the dream his father had. After seeing the death of the Savior he is shown how the "multitudes of the earth..gather together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb" He learns that these are they in the large and spacious building his father saw.  More than just mocking righteousness, those that are there are fighting against apostles.  Then the angel tells him something about those who were inside. He says, "behold, the House of Israel has gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb." If I understand this correctly, the great and spacious building is filled with the House of Israel and the way they will mock those in the paths of righteousness is by fighting against the Apostles of God. 

I guess I had always assumed that those who mock would probably be gentiles and that Israelites, God's chosen people, would surely be on the pathway to Him - for the most part at least.

Maybe they are?  They are surely a split group. 

Lehi's family seems like it could be a good example of how this works with regard to special witnesses of Christ. Nephi and Sam follow and believe while Laman and Lemuel scorn and complain. Convincing Nephi requires a faith filled prayer. Convincing Sam requires Nephi's testimony.  Laman and Lemuel will not pray - they have no faith in it.  They consider Nephi's witness as both personal and "hard."  Nephi's pattern is not just to believe in and stand for prophetic direction, but also to follow it with unyielding determination (think brass plates).  All this while he is the youngest among his brothers ("and a child shall lead them"). Truly written for our day! A day when youth are more prepared to share and testify than ever.  They lead by faith and example in this way. 

In an age where guidance from prophets, seers, and revelators is under increasing scrutiny and attack - I am grateful for faithful (and often young) witnesses who seek, find, and testify of truth and of God's chosen servants.  

For the record, I'm not sure that the 50/50 split in Lehi's sons at the time is indicative of the percentages of members (covenant Israel) that will stand for prophets either. I like to think of such numbers as emphasizing the importance of the choice we are to make (my old sport psychology textbooks from college show that a perceived 50/50 chance of success is the most motivational for athletes).  To stand by the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb is to stand on the straight and narrow path.  To follow them with determination is to find the tree. I am so grateful for the sacred witness that I have been given by the Holy Ghost of modern prophets!