3 Nephi 8-11

I know it has been a while (again) since I've posted.
I had an interesting 'ah-ha' moment this morning as I read 3 Nephi 8-10. I realized that in chapters 9 & 10, Jesus Christ speaks directly to the people. They are still in darkness both times, but they are spoken to twice before 3 Nephi 11.
Why is that important? Well, it struck me that three is very symbolic. Also the three days and nights of darkness. In 3 Nephi 11, they are spoken to for the third time. Does this tie into the law of three witnesses as well? Something to contemplate.

What really struck me though, is that many times (maybe due to my mission) I focus on 3 Nephi 11 and on. However, I realized today that these people were being prepared to see Jesus Christ. When they hear the voice in 3 Ne. 11, they've actually already heard a voice from the heavens twice. While it takes three times for them to distinguish what is being said, they had been being prepared to hear it. So, I'm not sure why, but this strikes me as interesting. How am I being prepared? How do I prepare myself each day to hear the voice of the Lord? Do I actually hear it in my life?

Finally, the symbolism is also striking. Twice, when they were spoken to from the heavens they were in darkness. The third time (when Christ descended) there was light. What great symbolism for the light of gospel knowledge.

Yes, I could go on and on. So much there to think about, so I thought I'd share as I keep on thinking about it.