Jesus quoted Abinadi twice, once just before He was born, and once just after His death. Nephi, whose great-great-great-grandfather Alma had heard Abinadi speak those words, may have recognized this as an endorsement of Abinadi's testimony.
Sackcloth and Ashes
The people of Ninevah dressed in sackcloth and sat in ashes to symbolize their penitence. As a result, God turned away the consequences Jonah had prophesied. Abinadi likewise urged his people to "repent in sackcloth and ashes," but they did not.
Mosiah 11-17: “A Light … That Can Never Be Darkened” (May 13-19)
1. God loves us, but He lets us suffer some consequences of our actions. 2. Gaining knowledge requires effort. 3. Laws can help us develop divine attributes. 4. Jesus has borne your griefs and carried your sorrows. 5. God will resolve all injustices.
“In the Strength of the Lord”
Zeniff and his people were able do defend themselves because they fought "in the strength of the Lord." When they later relied on their own strength, they were conquered. We need God's enabling power in order to overcome challenges and achieve our goals.
In the Wilderness
We can learn a lot about navigating our wildernesses from Zeniff and Limhi. 1. Wandering is expected. 2. You may find unexpected treasures along the way. 3. You may be better off than you were before. 4. You will be motivated to put your trust in God.
Limhi’s Psalm
When a search party arrived from Zarahemla, Limhi declared his faith in the form of a psalm. The psalm echoes the prophecies of Abinadi, explaining the consequences of rejecting God. But Limhi's people now trusted in God and were led to safety and freedom
“Full Purpose of Heart…All Diligence of Mind”
Limhi promised his people that God would deliver them if they would turn to Him, trust Him, and serve Him. But he qualified that promise: He will deliver us in His own time and way if we love and serve Him with our whole heart and mind.
“They Wearied Him with Their Teasings”
Mosiah sent a search party to find the people of Zeniff after his people "wearied him with their teasings." Two lessons: #1. Don't stop asking if something is important. #2 Pay attention to repeated requests from the people you love.
That Space Between Naïveté and Paranoia
Zeniff trusted people, and the king of the Lamanites exploited that trust. His grandson Limhi was far more cautious. We need to find a balance: set appropriate boundaries and mitigate risks, but remember that trust is the lifeblood of relationships.
Mosiah 7-10: “In the Strength of the Lord” (May 6-12)
1. Great leaders speak with confidence and hope. 2. We can change our circumstances by making better decisions. 3. Seers are also communicators. They learn and they share. 4. We should prepare physically and spiritually. 5. Anger can impair your judgment.