Ether 2

Verses 1-12:
To a Choice Land
How does this relate to the atonement?
This whole story symbolizes the atonement! It is the story of the Lord blessing and guiding a family, through the wilderness and across rough waters (of this earthly existence) to a land choice above all others (eternal salvation). I love that the stories of the Book of Mormon are full of both literal and figurative meaning. It is also the literal outgrowth of the Savior's atoning mission to save His children: the opportunity to found and build a free nation where the gospel can proliferate.

Lesson for me today?
*Moroni is very direct, in verses 9-12, in addressing us, the modern Gentiles in this land, with his message of repentance. As I understand it, I need to make sure I'm not part of the moral deterioration of the nation. I need to be a tree that's bearing good fruit, a propitious part of the Lord's garden, not a weed, corrupting others and better discarded. I need to remember the sacrifices of Christ and everyone else who helped to build and protect this nation and make sure I'm honoring them by making a masterpiece of my life, not stagnating. Not only receiving, but giving.

Verses 13-25: Prepare the Vessels
What does this teach me about the atonement?
More symbolic teaching. I love this!
22 And he cried again unto the Lord saying: O Lord, behold I have done even as thou hast commanded me; and I have prepared the vessels for my people, and behold there is no light in them. Behold, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness?
Everyone offers the equivalent prayer or cry at some time in life, and the answer is a resounding NO. Though we don't always hear it.
 25 And behold, I prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come.

This story has such great power as both a historical narrative and a parable of the gospel plan for our lives. The barges could symbolize people's will, or agency because people constructed them and we control our will and construct a life through our choices. Oftentimes we just have to "get in the barge and ride," meaning, turn our will to the Lord. I imagine the holes to mean prayer- we have to use that regularly to open the way to our spiritual air. The stones are a symbol of our covenants because we bring them to the Lord and, through the divine agreement we make with Him, by His part, He gives us the light of His grace. We cannot spiritually survive the winds and waves of this earthly existence without the power that comes through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Lesson for me today?
*19 And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light; whither shall we steer? And also we shall perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it is the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish.
This exactly describes how spiritually dependent you are on the Lord, and how vital it is that you pray frequently and keep your covenants.
Remember also verse 15, which reminds you, as pointed out in your patriarchal blessing, that you should seek to live the gospel closely and repent quickly when you make mistakes.