Mosiah 29

So, in my recent scripture study I was reading in Mosiah chapter 29.  Let me set the stage:
King Mosiah is getting old & since none of his 4 sons wanted the throne (they walked away from it to serve missions to the Lamanites-very admirable!  These were the same boys who tormented the people of the church with Alma the Younger before they were visited by an angel) he sent out a letter to his people explaining why they should have a group of judges instead of a king.  He gives the example of King Noah vs. his father King Benjamin to show the difference when the people are ruled by a wicked king instead of a righteous king.  Huge difference!
Anyway, the people agree with him & choose judges to rule over them instead of a king.  In the Book of Mormon study guide I use, it points out that up until this point the people had recorded time in reference to when Lehi left Jerusalem, but now, since this was such a significant change for the people-to have judges instead of kings- the time will now be recorded in reference to the beginning of the reign of judges.  Quite amazing the impact that a righteous king can have on his people & history!
I am sure that one of my awesome seminary teachers taught me this back in my good ole high school days, but I had forgotten.  Hopefully, now I will remember!

Mosiah 12-17

I love the story of Abinadi & wicked King Noah.  He was such an amazing prophet with such a strong testimony!  I love that he uses the 'word traps' set by the priests to prove that they don't know the scriptures & the words of the prophets.  In Mosiah 12:27 he says that 'ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise.'  We can read & study the scriptures, but if we don't apply our hearts-if we don't exercise faith- then we will not be wise. 

Also, as I read this story I love to think of Alma, one of King Noah's priests.  He listens & believes Abinadi's words, then becomes a great man, & prophet who leads the church.  I can just imagine him sitting there in King Noah's court listening to Abinadi & his heart burning with the knowledge that what Abinadi was saying was true...he just needed to hear it.  Then he acted on it...that's the important part.

Mosiah 2-4

With what I refer to as the first General Conference, King Benjamin addresses his people.  He is getting old & fears his time is coming to an end so he wants to make sure his people know of his testimony & the truthfulness of the gospel.

I can just picture the families pitching their tents around the tower, & gathering food & supplies so that they could sit & listen to the prophet.  He teaches them so many wonderful things: service-to each other & to God, keeping the commandments, no fighting & contention, repentance, the power & goodness of God, Jesus Christ & his atoning sacrifice, salvation, overcoming sin, not judging others, SO many wonderful teachings!

He ends by saying 'if ye do not watch yourselves, & your thoughts, & your words, & your deeds, & observe the commandments of God, & continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish.  And now, O man, remember, & perish not."

AMEN!