Alma concluded his sermon in Ammonihah by describing how we can become pure through the blood of Jesus Christ. He pleaded with them to repent so that they could enter “the rest of the Lord.”
The city leaders responded violently, imprisoning Alma and Amulek, banishing the men who believed, and burning the women and children to death. God would not allow Alma and Amulek to save the martyrs, but He did promise to “[receive] them up unto himself, in glory” (Alma 14:11). Entering God’s rest clearly does not mean that we are freed of suffering, persecution, or death. But it does mean that we receive God’s blessings in this life and in the next.
Here are some things I’ve learned from these chapters:
Outline
- Alma 13 – Alma teaches the people how to enter God’s rest and urges them to repent.
- Alma 14 – Alma and Amulek are imprisoned. Many believers are killed. Alma and Amulek are miraculously delivered.
- Alma 15 – Alma and Amulek heal Zeezrom and establish the church in Sidon.
- Alma 16 – Ammonihah is destroyed in one day. Zoram leads the Nephite army to victory. Alma and Amulek preach in all the land.
Key Themes
- We were all foreordained to accomplish specific things, but the specific assignments come to us only when we are ready.
- We can enter “the rest of the Lord,” meaning to find stability and peace in life.
- A witness has more credibility when he or she is willing to pay a price for their testimony.
- God doesn’t always spare us from trials and suffering. We must be willing to trust Him.
- Miracles can happen when we believe and when we are willing to change.
Connections
- Paul explained that Melchizedek was a great priest, and he used the phrase “having neither beginning of days, nor end of life” to describe him. (See Hebrews 7:1-3.) Alma explained that this description applies to the priesthood and to the Son of God. (See Alma 13:8-9.)
- Peter took a lame beggar by the hand and healed him by lifting him up. (See Acts 3:7.) Alma healed Zeezrom in much the same way. (Alma 15:6-10).
Applications
- Don’t procrastinate!
- When someone needs your help, go quickly.
- Strive to forgive immediately.
- Seek to fill gaps in your knowledge by learning from prophets and by receiving personal revelation.
- Share the gospel continually and without judgment.
Recommended Posts
- What Is a “Preparatory Redemption?”
- What Is Foreordination?
- Who Was Melchizedek?
- Why Are Ordinances Important?
Blog Posts: June 25-30
Foreordained
Alma taught that people were foreordained to participate in God’s work but that they only receive those assignments when they choose to do good. All of us have been chosen to fulfill specific missions in life, and those assignments come when we are ready.
This Holy Order
God wants our lives, our homes, and our discipleship to be orderly. When we exercise faith in Him and are willing to repent, He will invite us into His order, which will enable us to experience peace and calmness.
Psalm 95 and Alma 12-13
Alma doesn’t tell us that he’s quoting from Psalm 95, but during his sermon in Ammonihah, he elaborates on phrases and concepts from that psalm. The central message: repent now, be receptive to God, and He will give you peace and stability.
No More Desire to Do Evil
It’s wonderful to discipline ourselves to do what’s right, but God has promised something better. He has promised to change our desires. As we draw closer to Jesus Christ, He fills our lives with light, and there is less and less room for darkness.
Zeezrom and the Mob
Mob mentality means making decisions based on the expectations of a group. The mob in Ammonihah couldn’t be convinced by a second witness (Amulek), a third witness (Zeezrom) or a miracle (deliverance from prison). We must make independent decisions.
Receive the Word with Joy
The impact of a message depends on its content, its delivery, and its reception. If your heart is darkened by cynicism, you may fail to receive and appreciate amazing messages from God. We need to learn to receive—and keep receiving—God’s word with joy.
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