How does a prophet-historian tell the story of his people’s destruction? Mormon not only wrote the spiritual history of the Nephites; he also played a central role in their final chapter. He led their armies from a young age. He resigned when they refused to repent and follow God. Years later, he resumed command, not because they were in a better place, but because he loved them. (See Mormon 3:12, Mormon 5:2.)
There’s a lot of lamenting in these chapters. Mormon perceives that “the day of grace” has passed for his people. (See Mormon 2:15.) He wishes that they had repented so that they could be “clasped in the arms of Jesus” (Mormon 5:11). After the battle of Cumorah, where most of his people died, he cries, “O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!” (Mormon 6:17).
But Mormon sees beyond the immediate tragedy. He knows that future generations will read his words and “be persuaded that Jesus is the Christ” (Mormon 5:14). He testifies that we will all one day stand before “the judgment seat of Christ” (Mormon 3;20, 22, Mormon 6:21), where God will judge us according to His perfect knowledge, His justice, and His mercy. (See Mormon 6:22.) The horror and the tragedy which Mormon experienced firsthand is only a small portion of an intergenerational story, which will continue into the eternities.
Here are some additional lessons I’ve learned from these chapters:
Outline
Key Themes
- Our collective prosperity depends on our ability to trust one another.
- We can be spiritually anchored, even during a time of instability.
- God can use the actions of imperfect and even rebellious people to accomplish His purposes.
- The chaff in our lives will blow away as we are refined by the Savior.
- God loves all of His children, even those who seem hardened and unlovable. He wants His children to be successful and happy.
Connections
- The Lord declared, “To me belongeth vengeance, and recompense” (Deuteronomy 32:35). The apostle Paul used this passage to urge forgiveness. (See Romans 12:19.) When Mormon’s armies vowed to avenge their fallen comrades, the Lord reminded him of this principle. “Vengeance is mine, and I will repay,” He said (Mormon 3:15).
- The apostle Paul urged church members to think about the long-term implications of their decisions, “for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Romans 14:10; see also 2 Corinthians 5:10). Mormon repeatedly uses this same phrase to give us the same admonition. (See 3 Nephi 28:31, Mormon 3;20, 22, Mormon 6:21.)
Applications
- Be sober: assess your circumstances objectively and work conscientiously.
- Be careful with sacred things. Treat your spiritual experiences with reverence.
- Be open to interactions with God, whether they come in the form of gifts, the Holy Ghost, or words of prophets.
- Recognize and take advantage of opportunities to grow and progress.
- Love and serve others regardless of how they respond.
- Repent proactively instead of reactively.
- Love and serve others regardless of how they respond.
Recommended Posts
- What Does It Mean to Be Sober?
- Awareness
- Investing for the Future in Troubled Times
- How Can I Teach My Children to Be Resilient?
Blog Posts: October 29 – November 3
“I…Did Repent of the Oath”
Seventeen years after resigning as commander of the Nephite army, Mormon came back. His people were still unrepentant, and he knew that they would be destroyed. Why did he come back? Because he loved them. They were still his people.
Tasting
Mormon said that when he was 15, he “tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus.” Why taste? With sight and hearing we detect things outside of ourselves, but taste relates to something inside of us, something we are internalizing.
Prepare to Be Judged
Nobody likes to be judged, but Book of Mormon prophets clearly emphasize the Final Judgment. Mormon pleads with us to “repent and prepare to stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.” We prepare by changing for the better, with God’s help, every day.
“Vengeance Is Mine”
People who speak in terms of vengeance and retribution are not in harmony with the Spirit of God. We need to expect more from ourselves, from the people around us, and from our political leaders.
What Do You Delight In?
Mormon said his people “delighted in everything save that which is good.” When we delight in something, we immerse ourselves in it and savor it. So what delights you, and how can you adjust your actions and attitudes to be more delighted by good things?
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