Mormon 3
Mormon 3
In verse 1 we learn that, during those ten years of peace, Mormon had the Nephites working to prepare themselves. It's a lesson for us all: When we are in times of peace and prosperity in our lives, it is not the time to sit back and relax, but a time to prepare. Adversity is a part of this life- there will always be trials. When we are in a blessed reprieve, that is the time to read your scriptures, save your prayers, and strengthen your faith so when the tough times come - and they will - you will be ready.
The Nephites didn't acknowledge the mercy of the Lord. He had granted them on last chance- ten whole years- to repent. They enjoyed the time of peace, but never acknowledged the source of that peace. Another lesson for our day: thank the Lord in good times, not just turn to Him in bad times.
Verse 12 really piqued my interest. Mormon writes that the love he had for his wicked brethren was the love of God. It sounds like they weren't a very lovable people, but Mormon was blessed by God with a love for them. Sometimes I wonder about my capacity to love those that are hard to love. This verse reinforces that I can love them. If the love doesn't emanate from my own heart, God can bless me with love for them.
But it was the second half that I found very interesting. He says he had prayed for them, but "it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts." Did I just read that Mormon had no faith? So, I did a little research, and according to Elder Neil. A. Maxwell who, in the April 1999 General Conference said, "The prophet Mormon unselfishly consented to lead a people who were in steep decline. He prayed for them, but confided that his prayers were without faith because of the people’s wickedness."
Did he not have faith in the people? Or faith in the Lord? Well, we know it can't be the latter. Perhaps he lost faith in the people because of his faith in the Lord. Mormon knew what was going to happen. He had been visited by the Lord at the age of 15, no doubt, to be prepared for his great mission as the last hope the Nephites had. He led them, he loved them, he prayed for them, he served them- but he knew they wouldn't make it. It's kind of like watching the movie Titanic, and yelling at the people on the screen to avoid the iceburg, or to get on the boats faster. You already know what's going to happen, but it is still hard to refrain from hoping and yelling.
Mormon knew, at this point, that the Nephites were a 'lost cause,' so he turns all of his attention on us in verses 17-22. He pleads with us that we might understand that we will be judged for our works and thoughts, that the Book of Mormon is truly a witness of Christ. He saw our day, and implores us to prepare and share. Prepare ourselves in the gospel, and share it with others.
Prepare and share. I like that. It's kinda catchy.
What did you think/learn today?
In verse 1 we learn that, during those ten years of peace, Mormon had the Nephites working to prepare themselves. It's a lesson for us all: When we are in times of peace and prosperity in our lives, it is not the time to sit back and relax, but a time to prepare. Adversity is a part of this life- there will always be trials. When we are in a blessed reprieve, that is the time to read your scriptures, save your prayers, and strengthen your faith so when the tough times come - and they will - you will be ready.
The Nephites didn't acknowledge the mercy of the Lord. He had granted them on last chance- ten whole years- to repent. They enjoyed the time of peace, but never acknowledged the source of that peace. Another lesson for our day: thank the Lord in good times, not just turn to Him in bad times.
Verse 12 really piqued my interest. Mormon writes that the love he had for his wicked brethren was the love of God. It sounds like they weren't a very lovable people, but Mormon was blessed by God with a love for them. Sometimes I wonder about my capacity to love those that are hard to love. This verse reinforces that I can love them. If the love doesn't emanate from my own heart, God can bless me with love for them.
But it was the second half that I found very interesting. He says he had prayed for them, but "it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts." Did I just read that Mormon had no faith? So, I did a little research, and according to Elder Neil. A. Maxwell who, in the April 1999 General Conference said, "The prophet Mormon unselfishly consented to lead a people who were in steep decline. He prayed for them, but confided that his prayers were without faith because of the people’s wickedness."
Did he not have faith in the people? Or faith in the Lord? Well, we know it can't be the latter. Perhaps he lost faith in the people because of his faith in the Lord. Mormon knew what was going to happen. He had been visited by the Lord at the age of 15, no doubt, to be prepared for his great mission as the last hope the Nephites had. He led them, he loved them, he prayed for them, he served them- but he knew they wouldn't make it. It's kind of like watching the movie Titanic, and yelling at the people on the screen to avoid the iceburg, or to get on the boats faster. You already know what's going to happen, but it is still hard to refrain from hoping and yelling.
Mormon knew, at this point, that the Nephites were a 'lost cause,' so he turns all of his attention on us in verses 17-22. He pleads with us that we might understand that we will be judged for our works and thoughts, that the Book of Mormon is truly a witness of Christ. He saw our day, and implores us to prepare and share. Prepare ourselves in the gospel, and share it with others.
Prepare and share. I like that. It's kinda catchy.
What did you think/learn today?
I agree with your comments, Michelle, especially about preparing ourselves in times of peace for times of trial.
ReplyDeleteVerse 22 also struck me:
"And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare to stand before the judgement seat of Christ."
It makes you think with having watched General Conf. and the new mission age - there seems to be an urgency to get to "all ye ends of the earth."
Liz
Hi Liz!! I love it when you leave comments! I agree with you about the sense of urgency. I watched the press conference with Elder Holland afterwards and when asked why they adjusted the time, he said the Lord wanted the work to progress more quickly. There was a sense of urgency in his words. Very exciting! But, that means Spencer can go in a year and a half!! AH!!!
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