Alma 38
I'm back!!
Alma 38 is a letter to his son Shiblon.
What we know about Shiblon: He is the second son of Alma. He went on a mission to the Zoramites. About twenty years later (in Alma 63) Shiblon hands them the sacred things his father entrusted him with to Helaman, then he dies.
We don't hear much else about Shiblon, but from his father's letter, the the trust that was given him with sacred things, it is clear that Shiblon was a good and righteous man--and that brought his dad great joy (v 2.)
A couple things here caught my attention:
Verse 5: When we put our trust in God, it doesn't mean that we will be freed form trials and hard times, but that we will be delivered out of them when He deems we are ready, and we will be be lifted up at the last day. This gives new perspective to our understanding of and trust in God during hard times. There is a reason, and there is a kind and loving Father in Heaven that is watching over us and will consecrate our suffering for good, if we are patient and faithful.
Verse 6: Alma was visited by an angel, but it was through the Spirit that he gained his testimony. Sometimes we pray for big things, big miracles or miraculous events to happen, when it really it is in the whisperings of the Holy Ghost where our testimonies are born.
Verse 8-9: The Savior is the ONLY way we can be saved.
Verses 11-12, my to-be list: Don't be lifted up in pride or boast of my own wisdom or strength. Be bold but not overhearing. Bridle my passions. Repfrain from idleness. When I do these things, I will be filled with love.
And Alma's last message to his son is to pray sincerely. He knew the importance of Shiblon's (and our) relationship with God. Alma, his earthly father, woudln't always be there, so he wanted to make sure that Shiblon was always in contact with his Heavenly Father.
Sweet letter and chapter.
Alma 38 is a letter to his son Shiblon.
What we know about Shiblon: He is the second son of Alma. He went on a mission to the Zoramites. About twenty years later (in Alma 63) Shiblon hands them the sacred things his father entrusted him with to Helaman, then he dies.
We don't hear much else about Shiblon, but from his father's letter, the the trust that was given him with sacred things, it is clear that Shiblon was a good and righteous man--and that brought his dad great joy (v 2.)
A couple things here caught my attention:
Verse 5: When we put our trust in God, it doesn't mean that we will be freed form trials and hard times, but that we will be delivered out of them when He deems we are ready, and we will be be lifted up at the last day. This gives new perspective to our understanding of and trust in God during hard times. There is a reason, and there is a kind and loving Father in Heaven that is watching over us and will consecrate our suffering for good, if we are patient and faithful.
Verse 6: Alma was visited by an angel, but it was through the Spirit that he gained his testimony. Sometimes we pray for big things, big miracles or miraculous events to happen, when it really it is in the whisperings of the Holy Ghost where our testimonies are born.
Verse 8-9: The Savior is the ONLY way we can be saved.
Verses 11-12, my to-be list: Don't be lifted up in pride or boast of my own wisdom or strength. Be bold but not overhearing. Bridle my passions. Repfrain from idleness. When I do these things, I will be filled with love.
And Alma's last message to his son is to pray sincerely. He knew the importance of Shiblon's (and our) relationship with God. Alma, his earthly father, woudln't always be there, so he wanted to make sure that Shiblon was always in contact with his Heavenly Father.
Sweet letter and chapter.
Comments
Post a Comment
Please keep your comments appropriate and in the spirit of education and upliftment.