Day 42 Alma 13-14

 

Alma 13 discusses the need and reason for Priesthood and calling Priests.  Alma explained that the Priests were called because of their obedience and righteous living so that they could teach right truths and also be an example to the people in how to live well.  High Priests were called to teach the Commandments of the Lord to the people.

Alma told the people of Ammonihah to repent so that their hearts and minds could be freed from sin and they could "rest" in the Lord.   I was thinking about this idea and how when I personally am feeling like I need to repent of something I get seriously anxious.  I feel usually like I am not settled and that I am not calm in my spirit. I feel like that is a type of unrest and Alma explained that this unrest can be resolved by being obedient, listening to the High Priests, repenting, and allowing our spirit and heart to "rest" in the Lord.

I think about the Priesthood in our ward.  These awesome men who serve us with faith, give us blessings when we are sick, bless and pass the sacrament, make sure we are safe, and love us and teach us.  I feel like having the Priesthood in our Church is such an amazing blessing and I am so thankful that these righteous and good men are worthy to hold and exercise the power to bless us and our families in our Wards and Stakes!

Our Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Missionaries who hold the Holy Priesthood teach us right living and guide us in the ways we should go.  We are super blessed to have them in our lives.  I want to always learn from them, listen to them, heed their council and direction, and appreciate them showing my respect and love for them.

Elder Renlund said, "Because of his atoning sacrifice, Jesus Christ has the power and authority to redeem all mankind. To make his atoning power accessible, He has delegated a portion of his power and authority to men on earth.  This delegated power and authority is called the Priesthood."  (From "The Priesthood and the Savior's Atoning Power" Ensign Nov 2017)

In Ammonihah many of the people followed this evil guy named Nehor and they didn't think that they needed the Atonement of Christ to be redeemed.  Alma explained that it was important to have High Priests among the people who were good and lived the commandments by example so that the people could be taught the Truth by the Power of God.

Likening Chapter 13 Unto Me

I am very thankful for the Holy Priesthood in my life and those who have been an example to me of goodness and worthiness to hold it.  I have had opportunities in my life to be on the receiving end of beautiful blessings given by those holding the Priesthood.  A few blessings of healing, a Patriarchal blessing, being set apart as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the blessing of being Sealed to my spouse in the Temple, blessings I have been able to attend when my children and husband have received them, blessings given when a calling has been given at church, and seeing the Sacrament Blessed and Passed every week!  I have been able to see the Priesthood Baptize and Confirm people members of Christ's Church, and have even witnessed the Priesthood in Action at the Dedication of Temples.

I think about what it means to be able to feel "rest" in the Lord.  I imagine for me it's a calm knowing that I am living the way the Savior wants me to.  That I am following the Commandments, making and keeping covenants, and have the Holy Spirit with me.  There is a peace that passes understanding that God gives to us and I believe this is also the definition of "rest".

In Alma 14, Alma and Amulek were persecuted and imprisoned, treated very badly and had their lives threatened by the people of Ammonihah.  The people of God were burned and killed for their beliefs and the people wanted to take Alma and Amulek's life as well.

Right off the bat, I thought about the shooting and fire in Michigan on September 28th.  The persecution our Saints endured that day and the deaths and devastation that happened.  The way our faithful responded in love and with courage was such a testament to me of the truth and goodness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Even the faithful raising funds for the widow and her children of the shooter!  The love that was the response for such a horrendous and terrible act is who we are!

The trials the Church endured and the trials that Alma and Amulek endured, we may experience today in different ways.

Likening Chapter 14 Unto Me

I remember once when I was a younger person having my Book of Mormon burned in front of my face by someone.  I was told my religion was a cult and that I would burn in hell if I believed.  I was devastated and it left a lasting impression on me.  Even now at age 50, the memory of that moment is seared into my brain and makes my heart hurt and feel heavy.  I have had many trials in my life.  In my Patriarchal Blessing (I will paraphrase) is a comment about those trials and how they will even test my testimony and I need to remember when I experience my trials what brought me to the Gospel so I can whether the storms of life and stay faithful and true to my faith.

Alma 14:10-11

10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames. 

11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constrained me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord received them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.

I think about my sweet kiddos and how when they were younger there were times I wanted to save them from suffering and upset, challenges, and trials.  I would bend over backward and do all I could to prevent their pain but sometimes they will had to walk the journey of bullying, health challenges, sadness, loss, and grief and the only one who could truly comfort them was Jesus Christ.  I believe that Alma knew this.  He knew that the early church being persecuted had to go through the trials and rely on God.  They did go home to him at death.

God always makes good of the horrible that can happen in our lives.  When I experience unbearable trials and I am going through some right now that I have no idea how I am getting through them, I know that the Savior is with me and comforts me.  I know that he will make things right in the end.  Having faith sometimes is the hardest part.  What I learned from Alma is that God will be there for us.  I always pray and ask Heavenly Father for the needs of others and of my family but always end with, "If it be your will" because ultimately, I know that God knows what is best for us and will help us when we have trials.

I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Alma and Amulek to witness the burning of women and children.  They must have mourned and grieved beyond belief.  They were also imprisoned and abused after witnessing it.  They relied on God.  They trusted him.  I want to remember this so that I may do the same in my life.  I may have grief right now and feel sometimes like my heart will drop right out of my chest, but I also know that God is with me.  I know that he will succor me and cause me to feel joy and peace amidst devastating feelings of loss.  I am so thankful for this.  I am so thankful to know that I am important to the Savior and that he felt all of my grief and pain in the Garden of Gethsemane and that he knows exactly where I am in my life.  He was there with the early church and with Alma and Amulek, too!  This is true.