The Content:
Alma 43
Verse 17
And Moroni took all the command, and the government of their wars. And
he was only twenty and five years old when he was appointed chief
captain over the armies of the Nephites.
The Content:
First off, I don't think many of us can fathom just how big of a responsibility it would be to be in command and in charge (governing) of a war in this environment. They had no communications technology. I'd venture to say they didn't even use smoke signals. So they were forced to rely on messages (written or oral) relayed by runners.
No phones, no satellite, no computers, no radios, not even a good aerial view map of the terrain. Which, by the way, would drive me insane. I love a good map.
Sure, this is the way they'd been fighting for generations, but it still couldn't be easy. Then they appoint a 25 year old man to be their leader.
For real?
I realize that people had to grow up faster back then, and that we don't really "get it," but how in the world did Moroni learn all he needed to know about running a HUGE war at the age of 25? What if he didn't feel ready? Think of the faith he had to have had. It's no wonder that Alma 48:17 was written about him.
Take a minute to think about what the youth of our world today are being prepared for. Likely a group of them will be right in the heart of the spiritual battle that will rage as we get closer to the second coming of Christ.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
The Calling
The Content:
Alma
Verse 16
Now, the leader of the Nephites, or the man who had been appointed to be the chief captain over the Nephites—now the chief captain took the command of all the armies of the Nephites—and his name was Moroni;
The Comments:
Enter Moroni-appointed to be chief captain over ALL of the armies of the Nephites.
I'm not sure why, but the word appointed made this seem more like a calling than anything else. I could, of course, be making it up, but how would you like that visit to the Stake President's office?
"Hey Moroni." The Stake President leans back in his creaky, leather chair and steeples his hands. "So it's come to my attention that you're quite the strategist, and that you have some experience in fighting." He tries to smile. "I heard all about the battle of Sidon."
Awkward silence.
The Stake President continues. "Well, we've thought about it and prayed about it, and we feel like you should be the man to lead us through this upcoming war with our greatest enemies."
Yikes.
We don't know a ton about Moroni (most if it is on Alma 48), but it never feels like he aspired to this position. However, he's very good at it, as we'll see the farther we get into these war chapters.
Of course, after thinking about Moroni's calling, it makes being appointed "chief captain" over all the primary kids in the ward sound like a cake walk.
Which it isn't, by the way.
Alma
Verse 16
Now, the leader of the Nephites, or the man who had been appointed to be the chief captain over the Nephites—now the chief captain took the command of all the armies of the Nephites—and his name was Moroni;
The Comments:
Enter Moroni-appointed to be chief captain over ALL of the armies of the Nephites.
I'm not sure why, but the word appointed made this seem more like a calling than anything else. I could, of course, be making it up, but how would you like that visit to the Stake President's office?
"Hey Moroni." The Stake President leans back in his creaky, leather chair and steeples his hands. "So it's come to my attention that you're quite the strategist, and that you have some experience in fighting." He tries to smile. "I heard all about the battle of Sidon."
Awkward silence.
The Stake President continues. "Well, we've thought about it and prayed about it, and we feel like you should be the man to lead us through this upcoming war with our greatest enemies."
Yikes.
We don't know a ton about Moroni (most if it is on Alma 48), but it never feels like he aspired to this position. However, he's very good at it, as we'll see the farther we get into these war chapters.
Of course, after thinking about Moroni's calling, it makes being appointed "chief captain" over all the primary kids in the ward sound like a cake walk.
Which it isn't, by the way.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
The Face-Off
The Content:
Alma 43
Verse 15
And it came to pass as the armies of the Lamanites had gathered together in the land of Antionum, behold, the armies of the Nephites were prepared to meet them in the land of Jershon.
The Comments:
This battle has been coming for a while. We've been given the tactics and the motivations behind each side, and finally they're ready to face-off.
There are certainly times in our lives when we know that a fight is coming. I'm not talking about with a friend or a family member (although those can certainly apply), I'm thinking more along the lines of when Satan is closing in on you, and you can feel it.
For instance, when you decide to make a big decision in your life (go to the temple, stop a bad habit that you have, get married, change to direction of your life to more fully align with God) there is sure to be retribution from the forces of Satan that will result in him attacking you. It will happen. It is possible to both feel and be ready for this.
As I read this, I thought about the fact that two armies were attacking one another-so on a large scale. But also, that individuals were about to fight. Just like in the martial arts, you need to train and be in the correct mind set to fend off an attack. Or if you're not in the mind set, you need to get their fast.
We may be one in the army of our religion, but Satan doesn't just attack on the large scale. He's all about wittling down the opposition person by person. It's one of his greatest tools.
But if we do the things the Lord has asked us to do, listen to the Spirit in our lives and stay united in the gospel with others, then we too can both be ready for the big picture battles, but also the little things that Satan is sure to throw at us.
Alma 43
Verse 15
And it came to pass as the armies of the Lamanites had gathered together in the land of Antionum, behold, the armies of the Nephites were prepared to meet them in the land of Jershon.
The Comments:
This battle has been coming for a while. We've been given the tactics and the motivations behind each side, and finally they're ready to face-off.
There are certainly times in our lives when we know that a fight is coming. I'm not talking about with a friend or a family member (although those can certainly apply), I'm thinking more along the lines of when Satan is closing in on you, and you can feel it.
For instance, when you decide to make a big decision in your life (go to the temple, stop a bad habit that you have, get married, change to direction of your life to more fully align with God) there is sure to be retribution from the forces of Satan that will result in him attacking you. It will happen. It is possible to both feel and be ready for this.
As I read this, I thought about the fact that two armies were attacking one another-so on a large scale. But also, that individuals were about to fight. Just like in the martial arts, you need to train and be in the correct mind set to fend off an attack. Or if you're not in the mind set, you need to get their fast.
We may be one in the army of our religion, but Satan doesn't just attack on the large scale. He's all about wittling down the opposition person by person. It's one of his greatest tools.
But if we do the things the Lord has asked us to do, listen to the Spirit in our lives and stay united in the gospel with others, then we too can both be ready for the big picture battles, but also the little things that Satan is sure to throw at us.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Can't We All Just Get Along?
The Content:
Alma 43
Verse14
Now those descendants were as numerous, nearly, as were the Nephites; and thus the Nephites were obliged to contend with their brethren, even unto bloodshed.
The Comments:
Obligated to contend with their brethren. To kill their extended family.
I realize that we've all probably had a moment when the thought of punching a family member has fluttered through our minds. My family is pretty much less dramatic, respectful and in general awesome, but even we have had a few tense conversations.
But think about this. Think about those (rumored) crazy relatives from northern Idaho (I lived there, I can make fun) whom you've never met. What if they all suddenly banned together, caravaned down to you home town and started attacking? You know you shouldn't hurt them, but seriously, they're attacking your home and your family. What are you going to do?
Well, the Nephites had to kill their extended family. For something that happened over 500 years ago, by the way. How ridiculous does that sound?
Oh wait, there's a whole section of the Middle East that are STILL fighting about something that happened thousands of years ago. Which also sounds ridiculous. Don't get all upset, I realize that the hate and the issues run deep, but if you take the simple perspective, things are a little out of control.
How do you think you would cope if you were asked to defend against your extended family? For some, these choices have been/are real and they're not easy
Alma 43
Verse14
Now those descendants were as numerous, nearly, as were the Nephites; and thus the Nephites were obliged to contend with their brethren, even unto bloodshed.
The Comments:
Obligated to contend with their brethren. To kill their extended family.
I realize that we've all probably had a moment when the thought of punching a family member has fluttered through our minds. My family is pretty much less dramatic, respectful and in general awesome, but even we have had a few tense conversations.
But think about this. Think about those (rumored) crazy relatives from northern Idaho (I lived there, I can make fun) whom you've never met. What if they all suddenly banned together, caravaned down to you home town and started attacking? You know you shouldn't hurt them, but seriously, they're attacking your home and your family. What are you going to do?
Well, the Nephites had to kill their extended family. For something that happened over 500 years ago, by the way. How ridiculous does that sound?
Oh wait, there's a whole section of the Middle East that are STILL fighting about something that happened thousands of years ago. Which also sounds ridiculous. Don't get all upset, I realize that the hate and the issues run deep, but if you take the simple perspective, things are a little out of control.
How do you think you would cope if you were asked to defend against your extended family? For some, these choices have been/are real and they're not easy
Sunday, April 7, 2013
All About Me
The Content:
Alma 43
Verse 13
And the people of Ammon did give unto the Nephites a large portion of their substance to support their armies; and thus the Nephites were compelled, alone, to withstand against the Lamanites, who were a compound of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, and all those who had dissented from the Nephites, who were Amalekites and Zoramites, and the descendants of the priests of Noah.
The Comments:
I've stated that I don't want this blog to be a place for controversy, but a place to think about and apply how the war chapters can help us in the spiritual warfare that we are all entrenched in. But I do plan to give a few opinions of my own, which I hope will help you figure out where I'm coming from.
Too many times I see people around me and they have the attitude of, "I should get whatever I want." I think we all live with a certain level of entitlement in our lives-I won't argue that. But personally I believe that living a life with an attitude of entitlement does nothing but create self-centered people who do not go out of their way to care for or help others. Which is one of our primary goals as Christians.
Back to verse 13 up there.
The Nephites gave the people of Ammon, who turned to the Lord and swore that they would never again take up arms against their brethren, a place to live. The Nephites also swore to protect the people of Ammon.
Now the people of Ammon could have thought, "Well, we've taken a higher covenant then anyone else, so we deserve to be protected."
But they didn't. Instead of fighting, the people of Ammon gave a "large portion" of their substance to the war effort to support the people that were fighting. It probably wasn't easy giving away so much of their crops and supplies, but they did it because they were grateful, they were righteous and they felt no sense of entitlement for the Nephites to simply take care of them.
In what areas might we feel a little bit of entitlement? And is it good or bad?
Alma 43
Verse 13
And the people of Ammon did give unto the Nephites a large portion of their substance to support their armies; and thus the Nephites were compelled, alone, to withstand against the Lamanites, who were a compound of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, and all those who had dissented from the Nephites, who were Amalekites and Zoramites, and the descendants of the priests of Noah.
The Comments:
I've stated that I don't want this blog to be a place for controversy, but a place to think about and apply how the war chapters can help us in the spiritual warfare that we are all entrenched in. But I do plan to give a few opinions of my own, which I hope will help you figure out where I'm coming from.
Too many times I see people around me and they have the attitude of, "I should get whatever I want." I think we all live with a certain level of entitlement in our lives-I won't argue that. But personally I believe that living a life with an attitude of entitlement does nothing but create self-centered people who do not go out of their way to care for or help others. Which is one of our primary goals as Christians.
Back to verse 13 up there.
The Nephites gave the people of Ammon, who turned to the Lord and swore that they would never again take up arms against their brethren, a place to live. The Nephites also swore to protect the people of Ammon.
Now the people of Ammon could have thought, "Well, we've taken a higher covenant then anyone else, so we deserve to be protected."
But they didn't. Instead of fighting, the people of Ammon gave a "large portion" of their substance to the war effort to support the people that were fighting. It probably wasn't easy giving away so much of their crops and supplies, but they did it because they were grateful, they were righteous and they felt no sense of entitlement for the Nephites to simply take care of them.
In what areas might we feel a little bit of entitlement? And is it good or bad?
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Levels
The Content:
Alma 43
Verse 12
And the Nephites would not suffer that they should be destroyed; therefore they gave them lands for their inheritance.
The Comments:
Here the Nephites refuse to let the Lamanites kill the people of Ammon.
I think it's interesting to note that the people of Ammon were on a higher/different gospel plain than the Nephites for a few things.
Have you ever felt irritated at someone who had, say, a different view of keeping the Sabbath Day holy than you did? How did you let it affect you?
The Nephites haven't chosen to not fight. That's the people of Ammon. But here, the Nephites don't get angry or upset that the people of Ammon won't fight. Instead, the Nephites rally around them and become very supportive. I'd say giving the people of Ammon land for their inheritance is pretty awesome.
Alma 43
Verse 12
And the Nephites would not suffer that they should be destroyed; therefore they gave them lands for their inheritance.
The Comments:
Here the Nephites refuse to let the Lamanites kill the people of Ammon.
I think it's interesting to note that the people of Ammon were on a higher/different gospel plain than the Nephites for a few things.
Have you ever felt irritated at someone who had, say, a different view of keeping the Sabbath Day holy than you did? How did you let it affect you?
The Nephites haven't chosen to not fight. That's the people of Ammon. But here, the Nephites don't get angry or upset that the people of Ammon won't fight. Instead, the Nephites rally around them and become very supportive. I'd say giving the people of Ammon land for their inheritance is pretty awesome.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Hate as a Motivator
The Content
Alma 43
Verse 11
Yea, and they also knew the extreme hatred of the Lamanites towards their brethren, who were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, who were called the people of Ammon—and they would not take up arms, yea, they had entered into a covenant and they would not break it—therefore, if they should fall into the hands of the Lamanites they would be destroyed.
The Comments:
This little section of the war chapters really is all about the people of Ammon.
The Lamanites are determined to kill all of the people of Ammon. Maybe the most righteous group of people in the land. Pure hatred is their motivation-watch and see how far it gets them.
What is your primary motivation in life right now? Is it a good desire? What are you doing to go after it?
Alma 43
Verse 11
Yea, and they also knew the extreme hatred of the Lamanites towards their brethren, who were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, who were called the people of Ammon—and they would not take up arms, yea, they had entered into a covenant and they would not break it—therefore, if they should fall into the hands of the Lamanites they would be destroyed.
The Comments:
This little section of the war chapters really is all about the people of Ammon.
The Lamanites are determined to kill all of the people of Ammon. Maybe the most righteous group of people in the land. Pure hatred is their motivation-watch and see how far it gets them.
What is your primary motivation in life right now? Is it a good desire? What are you doing to go after it?
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