They Did Publish Peace – Mosiah 27:35-37

Earlier in the Book of Mosiah, we read about Abinadi’s interaction with the wicked priests of King Noah. Hoping to embarrass him and to call into question his prophetic credentials, they asked him to explain a passage from Isaiah which they apparently found mysterious:

Abinadi answered boldly: “Are you priests, and pretend to teach this people, and to understand the spirit of prophesying, and yet desire to know of me what these things mean?” (Mosiah 12:25). After reminding them of the doctrines they already knew and teaching them about the Atonement, he explained that Isaiah’s prophecy applies to everyone who has preached the gospel, who now preaches the gospel, or who will preach the gospel in the future (Mosiah 15:13-17). Their feet are “beautiful” to those who receive the gospel from them, because they are willing to travel to the people who need the message and don’t simply expect those people to come to them. They put forth effort and make sacrifices to preach, and the recipients of the message are grateful for their service.
Approximately 50 years later in Nephite history, Mormon tells us how hard the Alma and sons of Mosiah worked after their conversion to right the wrongs they had committed and to persuade others to turn to the Savior, Jesus Christ. In a clear reference to Abinadi’s words, Mormon describes these young missionaries as being among those who fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy by working hard to share the gospel with others.

Today, I will look for opportunities to share the good news of the gospel with others. As I see those opportunities, I will put forth some effort, knowing that those who do accept the message will be grateful for my service on their behalf.