First to the Jews and then to the Gentiles . . .

Joseph and I went to a symposium on the King James Bible for its 400th birthday. It was fascinating and gave me many insights on the Bible and its role in the restoration. Interestingly enough, I had just read 1 Nephi 13 about the Bible coming with the pilgrims across the great waters. When a man asked the speakers what other editions of the Bible they would suggest, Brother Millet made a comment that reading with verses and chapters is like reading a whole book on a bunch of small notecards. As I re-read chapter 13, I found that the chapter break between chapters 13 and 14 had kept me from understanding something very important.
Earlier in chapter 13, verses 29 and 34 mention that plain and precious truths were taken from the Bible, and because of this, "an exceedingly great many do stumble." (vs. 29). Verse 34 says that

after the Gentiles do stumble exceedingly, because of the most plain and preciuos parts of the gospel of the Lamb . . . I will be merciful unto the Gentiles in that day, insomuch that I will bring forth unto them, in mine own power, much of my gospel, which shall be plain and precious.

Well, in verse 42, at the very end of this chapter, it says that the Lord "will manifest himself to the Jews and also to the Gentiles, then he shall manifest himself unto the Gentiles and also unto the Jews, and the last shall be first, and the first shall be last."

I've always considered this verse and felt smugly that Christ will come to us first this time. But reading as if there were no chapter break in 1 Nephi 14:1, I was shown something different. It says,

And it shall come to pass, that if the Gentils shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of thier stumbling blocks (italics added.)

The stumbling block we mentioned earlier was the lack of completion of the gospel and covenants in the Bible that caused the Gentiles to stumble. God would manifest himself in word and in power. THAT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED! We have the Book of Mormon, and we have further revelation that restores to the Gentiles first the covenants God intends for us to take full advantage of the sacrifice of the Lamb. In 1 Nephi 13: 40, it speaks of the Book of Mormon and the Bible. The last records "shall establish the truth of the first . . . and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them and shall make known to all knidreds, tongues, and people that the Lamb of Go is the Son of the Eternal Father and the Savior of the world." The Savior has made himself manifest to the Gentiles already that [we] may know him as [our] Savior. And if we "harden not [our] hearts, , . . we will be numbered among the seed of [Lehi]" (1 Nephi 14:2).
So, maybe I shouldn't feel so smug that the Lord is going to come to us first (like I may be there.. Also, we may be surprised at the way he manifests himself to the Jews.