Day 13 - Mosiah 7-12, D&C 49-52

[pam]

Discussion

[pam]

Who exactly was Limhi?

He was third in a line of kings that ruled over a group of Nephites who had left from Zarahemla around 200 B.C. Their goal was to inherit the land of their fathers, the land of Nephi, a land then occupied by the Lamanites.

Limhi became king of the Nephite colony when the Lamanites overran the land and his wicked father Noah was killed by some of his own men. When Ammon, head of a search party from Zarahemla arrived at Limhi's court, he found Limhi and his people under painful subjection to the Lamanite monarch. The Lamanite king required of them half of everything they produced. Limhi, a just man, rejoiced to learn of Ammon's identify, and took hope that his people might be delivered from bondage.

Edited July 13, 2009 by pam

[pam]

Mosiah 8

The large plates of Nephi were kept by Mosiah in Zarahemla and are different than these plates. Limhi’s plates contain the record of his people from the days of king Zeniff to his day. This is the record from which Mormon will take his abridgment, comprising Mosiah 9-22. We must remember that there are many sets of plates other than the large and small plates of Nephi. In this chapter, we learn of the plates of Limhi’s people and the 24 gold plates of the Jaredites.

Probably one of the best explanations of a seer is in this chapter.

Verses 15-18 explain:

15 And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet.

16 And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God.

17 But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known.

18 Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings.

Edited July 13, 2009 by pam

[pam]

Mosiah 9 and 10

Zeniff's writings provide the most thorough rendition of the Lamanite traditions that perpetuated their hatred of the Nephites. His story also illustrates how overzealousness can lead to poor decisions. Zeniff's conferral of his kingdom on his lazy, self-indulgent son Noah proved disastrous to later generations of Nephites, who would suffer because of the iniquities of Noah and his priests.

[pam]

Mosiah 11

King Noah deserves the dubious distinction of being the most wicked king in Nephite history. He taxes his people more than his predecessors, he encourages riotous living, becomes a wine-bibber, establishes the practice of polygamy and concubines to satisfy his lustful heart, turns his people from the Lord, fails to adequately protect them from the Lamanites, has the prophet Abinadi burned at the stake, and finally, while fleeing from a Lamanite army, suggests that the men abandon the women and children and run for their lives (Mosiah 19:11). He is the best example of the adage, when the wicked rule, the people mourn (DC 98:9).

The beginning of chapter 11 begins with a change from the unabridged record of Zeniff to Mormon’s abridgement of the record of Noah. Until the reign of Abinadi, Mormon has nothing good to write about—just the wickedness of Noah, his extravagance as king, and the wickedness of his priests.

[pam]

I love the story in Mosiah Chapter 12, where Abinadi is brought before the King and the Priests. The Priests start questioning him about the words written by their fathers of the Lord.

Abinadi responds by saying...You are priests and you ask me?

They respond that they teach the people the law of Moses. Abinadi responds: If ye teach the law of Moses why do ye not keep it?

I love it.

[KeithLBrown]

Preach My Gospel

Scripture Reference: D&C 50:13-18

13 Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained?

14 To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth.

15 And then received ye spirits which ye could not understand, and received them to be of God; and in this are ye justified?

16 Behold ye shall answer this question yourselves; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto you; he that is weak among you hereafter shall be made strong.

17 Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?

18 And if it be by some other way it is not of God.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are all mandated to send forth His glorious light into the world of darkness. Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: “In the day of wickedness just preceding our Lord’s return there is to be a great harvest of souls. We live in that day, the day when the harvest is ripe. We have deluded ourselves long enough with the thought that this is a day of gleaning only. This is not a day of gleaning, but of harvest . . . Now this work is going to succeed. This is absolutely guaranteed, it is the eternal decree of the Lord.”

The Savior emphasized the vital importance of sharing the gospel when He said to His disciples: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15, 16). I submit that this charge was not given merely to the disciples that were present at that time, but that this charge was given to everyone who is a believer in and a follower of Jesus Christ. Therefore, as Disciples of Jesus Christ, that charge is given to you and to me. We are all called to go forth into the entire world and preach His Gospel.

The Prophet Joseph Smith understood the charge of God to share truth with the world. During the most difficult times of his life, he sent forth his loyal supporters to proclaim the gospel when they were urgently needed to support him. In the midst of the trial and deprivation of Liberty Jail he said: “For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it— Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12. 17).

In 2 Nephi 2: 6-8, Lehi taught his son Jacob: “Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.”

The very purpose of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to invite, encourage, and assist all of God’s children to come to Christ, and “lay hold upon every good gift” (Moroni 10:30) and “receive a remission of [their] sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that [they] may be numbered with [His] people who are of the house of Israel” (3 Nephi 30:2). President Spencer W. Kimball taught us: “No person who has been converted to the gospel should shirk his responsibility to teach the truth to others. This is our privilege. This is our duty. This is a command from the Lord.” (Spencer W. Kimball, “It Becometh Every Man”, Ensign, Oct. 1977, 3) President Heber J. Grant said: “The first great commandment was to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, might, mind and strength; and the second was like unto it, to love our neighbor as ourselves. And the best way in the world to show our love for our neighbor is to go forth and proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, of which he has given us an absolute knowledge concerning its divinity.” (Conference Report, April 1927, p. 176.)

However, none of us can effectively teach and preach the gospel if we do not live it. Christ said, “Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed” (3 Nephi 18:24). Our task is to “hold up” to the world that which Christ has done for man: the atonement, the example that He set, and the teachings that He has given us personally and through His Prophets, both ancient and modern. The Savior also taught us: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14 -16).

President John Taylor reminded us that, “When men go forth in the name of Israel’s God, there is no power on earth that can overturn the truths they advocate” (JD, 12:396). President Taylor taught us further that, “When men go forth possessing the truths of the everlasting gospel which God has revealed, they have a treasure within them that the world knows nothing about. They have the light of the revelation, the fire of the Holy Ghost, and the power of the priesthood within them – a power that they know very little about even themselves, which, like a wellspring of life, is rising, bursting, bubbling, and spreading its exhilarating streams around.” President Spencer W. Kimball also reminded us that, “We are the messengers, and we have the acceptable message.” And, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught us, “After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the gospel” (TPJS, p. 113).

In Doctrine and Covenants 88:81 we are taught, “. . . it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.” Therefore, every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is responsible to bear witness of the truths that they have been given. Each of us have neighbors, friends, relatives, co-workers, or classmates, and it is our responsibility to pass the precious truths of the Gospel on to them, both by example and by precept.

The message that we bring is a message of love, hope, peace and joy. In John 3:16-17 we read “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” The message that we bring to the world is one that testifies of the fact that God still loves the world and that He has spoken yet again as an indication of that divine love. He has restored precious truths lost over the centuries of Christian persecution, dark ages, and years of confusion – truths that are essential to our peace and happiness – truths so essential to our eternal salvation that our loving Heavenly Father has restored them in their fullness. We testify of a restoration that is so miraculous that only the hand of God could be its author – so miraculous in fact, that it can only be fully understood and believed by those who understand the power of God and His love for all mankind.

In Doctrine and Covenants 14:3 we read, “Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, who desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.” Elder L. Tom Perry said: “More blessings come to us in going forth to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, and laboring for the salvation of the souls of men, than can possibly come to us by merely having a knowledge of the truth of our religion, and then remaining at home to mingle and labor in the ordinary affairs of life, and accumulate the wealth of this world that perishes with the using.” (Ensign, May 1984, p. 80). And further, the Lord says: “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16).

It is the responsibility of all of us to bear witness of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever we have the opportunity. If we will apply ourselves, we will find that there are many opportunities to teach the Gospel, day to day, hour by hour, wherever we may be. If we have lived it, if we have prepared for it and if we seek it, the Holy Spirit will guide us and give us the ability to teach. Always remember, words are just words, in teaching the Gospel, unless they are accompanied by the Spirit of the Lord. Our responsibility is to bring the world the message of truth, to show the world that within the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are to be found the answers to every problem that mankind encounters. We should avail ourselves of every opportunity to bring the knowledge of the Gospel to others—to our inactive Church member associates, to our nonmember family members, to our nonmember friends in college, military service, and business, to our neighbors and friends, classmates and co-workers. Of a certainty, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the brightest light and the only hope for this darkened world in which we live. “Wherefore, as Nephi teaches, “we must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.” (2 Nephi 31:20)

Edited July 14, 2009 by KeithLBrown

[Seanette]

Still feeling a major motivation surge, still writing this on 7/15. Must remember to take breathers for things like snacks. (smile)

Mosiah 6 – King Benjamin records the names of those entering into the covenant (all who are old enough to be accountable!) and appoints priests to teach them. He consecrates Mosiah as king, retires from ruling, and dies three years later. King Mosiah follows his father’s example of righteousness and laboring for his own support (if only current government would do that!). There are three years of peace.

Mosiah 7 – King Mosiah is persuaded to send a group to search for past exploration parties, with Ammon as their leader. They arrive after forty days of wandering at the land of Lehi-Nephi, where Ammon is captured and imprisoned by the king’s soldiers. When he is brought before King Limhi, he identifies himself as being from Zarahemla, to the king’s happiness. The rest of Ammon’s group are brought into the city. Limhi tells Ammon his people are in bondage to the Lamanites, and says this is a result of transgression. He tells Ammon that a prophet was killed by his people.

Mosiah 8 – Ammon teaches the people of Limhi. He is brought the twenty-four Jaredite plates and asked if he can translate them. He explains that Mosiah is the seer, and authorized to use the interpreters (probably the Urim and Thummim) to translate. Limhi asks if a seer is greater than a prophet, and Ammon explains that a seer is a prophet and revelator, and holds the greatest gift of God a mortal man can have.

Mosiah 9 – The record of Zeniff and his people begins here, and continues through Chapter 22. Zeniff recounts his group’s journey and afflictions, and says his group was slow to remember God. They arrive at what will be the land of Lehi-Nephi and reach an agreement with the Lamanite king to be allowed to settle. They begin farming. The Lamanites are lazy and idolatrous, and seek to obtain the fruits of Zeniff’s group’s labors. King Laman stirs up his people against Zeniff’s.

Mosiah 10 – King Laman dies. Zeniff’s group continue to be industrious. Zeniff has at some point become king among his people. The false traditions handed down among the Lamanites lead to wickedness. The Lamanites are wild and ferocious. Zeniff passes the crown to his son Noah.

Mosiah 11 – King Noah is wicked and immoral, leading his people into immorality. He taxes the people 20% of all they have to support himself, his wives and concubines, his priests, and their wives and concubines. King Noah has set aside the priests his father consecrated and appointed priests who share his iniquity. King Noah has lavish buildings constructed, and is a drunkard, leading his people into this as well. The Lamanites, acting as a scourge to remind Noah of God, begin attacking. Abinadi begins prophesying and crying repentance. King Noah seeks to kill Abinadi to shut him up. The people refuse to listen to Abinadi, and King Noah hardens his heart against his words.

Section 49 – This section is in response to the teachings of the Shakers, who are near the settlement of the Saints, and there are Saints who were previously Shakers. The day and time of Christ’s return is not known until it happens, at which time there will be unmistakable events seen by all. Repentance, obedience, and receiving ordinances are necessary to salvation. Marriage is ordained of God. Eating meat is permitted. Zion will flourish and the Lamanites blossom before Christ’s return.

Section 50 – There are various spiritual phenomena that need to be clarified. Blessings will come to the faithful who endure. Hypocrites and those cut off will be condemned. The Lord invites us to reason together with Him (personal note: I’ve experienced churches that discourage thinking over doctrines and Scripture for oneself). The Gospel is to be preached by the Spirit of truth. What is of God is light. What does not edify is not of God, but of darkness. The faithful will possess all things in due time. The prayers of the purified are answered.

Section 51 – Edward Partridge, as bishop, is to regulate stewardships and properties in the United Order. The Saints are to deal honestly and equally. There is to be a bishop’s storehouse to store surplus for the care of the needy. Ohio is a temporary gathering place.

Section 52 – The next conference is to be in Missouri. Missionaries are assigned companions and instructed to go two-by-two. They are to teach the words of the apostles and prophets, along with what is given by the Holy Spirit through prayer. The prayerful and contrite are accepted of God. The poor, needy, sick, and afflicted are to be cared for.

Abraham 1-2 – Abraham seeks the priesthood. Idolatrous priests try to sacrifice him, but Jehovah rescues him. Abraham leaves Ur for Canaan. He sees Jehovah at Haran. Gospel blessings are promised to his seed, and through them to all people. Abraham continues on to Canaan and from there to Egypt.