2 Nephi 21

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

The Lord has restored His gospel and His Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith and is now gathering His people in the last days. During the Millennium, the earth will be a place of peace because it will be full of the knowledge of the Lord.

1-9. Is the thought of being judged by Jesus Christ a frightening idea or a comforting one? What sort of person might be afraid of being judged by Jesus Christ? What it be worth it to keep the commandments to have the kind of experience at the final judgment described in Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5?

1-2. Who is the stem? (See D&C 113:1-2)

"It is clear from the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants that the principal character in this passage is Jesus Christ." – Jeffrey R Holland, Christ and the new covenant, 86

2-5. Make a list of the characteristics and attributes of the Savior from these verses. What characteristic or attribute do you need to work on? How can you develop this characteristic more fully in your life? Determined to begin today.

1, 10. Who is the rod and the root? What modern day servant of Christ do you know that was given the keys of the kingdom? (See D&C 110:11-16)  what do these verses teach you about the importance of the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith?

"Are we amiss in saying that the prophet here mentioned is Joseph Smith, to whom the priesthood came, who received the keys of the kingdom, and who raise the ensign for the gathering of the Lord's people in our dispensation? And is he not also the servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendent of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid much power?" – Bruce R McConkie, Millennial Messiah [1982], 339-340

"Certainly the priesthood power bestowed on Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration, qualifies him to be this servant. Consider also the Angel Moroni's proclamation, following a recitation of the 11th chapter of Isaiah to young Joseph, that it was about to be fulfilled. Furthermore, the ancient seer Joseph, he who rose to such power in ancient Egypt, prophesied that one of his descendants bearing the name of Joseph would be raised up to do a great work for the Lord." – Hoyt W Brewster, Jr., Isaiah  Plain and Simple, p. 109

"I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of the living God. I testify that he saw and spoke with God and with His Son Jesus Christ. The Lord gave me this living testimony and it has been burning within my soul ever since I received it. I now give it unto the whole world. I not only testify to all mankind that Joseph Smith was sent of God and that the work that was established through him is the work of God, but warn all the nations of the earth concerning the predictions made by the Prophet, and testify in the most solemn manner that I know them to be true." - Lorenzo Snow, Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Chapter 23

6-9. What will the Millennium be like? How will the behavior of animals change during the Millennium? What do you look forward to the most about the Millennium? 

"On the paradisaical earth the enmity of beasts, yea, the enmity of all flesh, shall cease. All animals shall mingle together in peace, and the appetites of the carnivorous beast shall be changed so that the grass of the field becomes the common diet of the animal world." – Bruce R McConkie, Mormon  Doctrine, p. 496

"Man and all forms of life will be vegetarians in the coming day; the eating of meat will cease, because, for one thing, death as we know it ceases. There will be no shedding of blood, because man and animals are changed (quickened) and blood no longer flows in their veins." –Bruce R McConkie, Mormon  Doctrine, p. 658

9. How will the fulfillment of the prophecy that the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord affect people around the world? How will the fulfillment of this prophecy affect you? How does the knowledge of the Lord influence your life today?

10. Why do some people feel so strongly about their flag? What is something mentioned in this verse that is very much like a flag or a banner?

11-16.  What do you consider to be the most remarkable thing God will do in the gathering of his people in the last days? Which aspects of the millennium would you like to have in your life right now? What could you do to receive some of these blessings? How is the gathering a demonstration of the Lord's love for his people? How was your family gathered; in other words, where and when did your ancestors join the church? What can your family do to serve the Lord by assisting in the gathering of Israel?