Day 33: Alma 7-8

Welcome to Day 33...

Alma rejoiced that the people of Gideon walked "in the paths of righteousness." He testified of Christ, that he would be born of Mary and go forth suffering pains, afflictions and temptations of every kind. He would loose the bands of death and take upon him the infirmities of all, "that he may know how to succor his people and blot out their transgression." (Alma 7:9-13) 

Alma then gives us this beautiful entreaty: 
"Repent and be born again, for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven...
Fear not, and lay aside every sin which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction: yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandment and witness it unto him this day, by going into the water of baptism (or partaking of the sacrament)."  

If we do this, pressing forward and keeping the commandments, we "shall have eternal life."  (Alma 7:14-16)

And with "faith, hope and charity" we will always abound in GOOD WORKS.  (Alma 7:24)

After preaching to the people in Gideon, Alma journeys to Ammonihah where things don't go so well. "Satan had gotten great hold upon the hearts of the people." (Alma 8:9) As soon as the word "repent" came out of his mouth he was "spit upon and cast out of the city." He was "weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul, because of the wickedness of the people." 

And then his angel friend from long ago appeared and cheered him on:"Lift up your head and rejoice!" That's all it took to rekindled Alma's fire! He returned to Ammonihah, found Amulek, who the Lord had prepared to be his companion, and new missionary adventures began.

The ups and downs of this life can be exhausting! Amidst the wrestle, the Lord comforts, helps and heals, sending angels and tender mercies to give us strength to carry on, just as he did for Alma and Amulek.

• Opening Song:  "Come Unto Jesus"

• Open Study Session With Prayer

• Scripture Study: Alma 7-8 (listen)

• Study Guide: (here)

• Video: Book of Mormon Stories "Alma's Mission to Ammonihah"

• Video: Elder Dallin H. Oaks on the atonement

 "And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive."  Alma 7:23

 

"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." Alma 7:11-12

“The Atonement of Jesus Christ and the healing it offers do much more than provide the opportunity for repentance from sins. The Atonement also gives us the strength to endure 'pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind,' because our Savior also took upon Him 'the pains and the sicknesses of his people' (Alma 7:11). Brothers and sisters, your faith and prayers and the power of the Atonement will surely give you the strength to bear the burden.” --Dallin H. Oaks, “He Heals the Heavy Laden,” Ensign. Nov. 2006, 9.

"...that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people...that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance..." (Alma 7:12-13.)

Jehovah incarnate (Jesus), albeit previously an omniscient Creator, was unaware of physical vicissitudes and subsequent anguish until He acquired first hand experience.

Suffering is a component in transforming from spirit (organized intelligence) to resurrected corporeal being.

"...yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered...And...he BECAME the author of eternal salvation..." (Heb. 5:8-9.)

Jesus became the author of our salvation after he experienced the atonement.
"I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent..." (D&C 19:16.)"

I am so thankful my Savior drank the dreaded bitter cup so that I can have a joyful eternity. As I read the Book of Mormon I feel a closer connection and kinship to Him than ever and feel His love abounding in my life! Continue feasting with me and rejoicing in his glorious gospel!  :) 

• Record thoughts and impressions in your journal

• Close study session with prayer