Alma 8 - 12 Commentary

The mission of Alma continues...

Having established the church again in the cities of Zarahemla, Gideon and Melek Alma travels three days north to the city of Ammonihah. A city that has turned away from the faith, even more so than Zarahemla. Because of this we read that Alma, "labored much in the spirit" (8:10) on their behalf. We can see that Alma felt a great love for the people, because only a great love could move someone to feel such charity despite their fallen state. Much in the way of Enos who, "began to feel a desire for the welfare of the Nephites; wherefore [he] did pour out [his] whole soul unto God for them." (Enos 1:9) And Lehi who, after partaking of the fruit of the tree, "did say unto [his family] with a loud voice that they should come... and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit."

How is it possible for someone to develop such great love and concern for others, even, or especially when, they have forsaken their faith? In the example of Lehi, Enos and Alma, they had first received the pure testimony of Jesus Christ, exercised faith unto repentance and receive his purifying blessing of forgiveness. This faith moved them such that their greatest desire was for the welfare of others. These examples cause me to reflect on my own faith; does it move me enough so that my desire is only for the welfare of others? If not, if you feel that yours does not, we have examples of what we must do, first exercise our own faith unto repentance.

After reading the experience of Alma and his new mission companion Amulek in Ammonihah, I wondered what might have happened if Alma had encountered Amulek in the first place. Could not the Lord have prepared Amulek to receive Alma when he entered the city the first time? Why was it necessary for Alma to have a great struggle, "being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul..." (8:14)? Of course the Lord could have prepared Amulek, but in doing so Alma would have been denied the opportunity to gain sanctification through tribulation on behalf of the Savior. A principle of faith reflected in nearly every story where great miracles and truths are revealed. Do we count our trials on behalf of the Savior as such? Do we recognize that when we suffer while doing the work of the Lord we are are only purifying our souls and preparing ourselves to receive the greater blessings that have been prepared for us? Sometimes there are certain blessings or revelations that we want and need, but we are not prepared to receive them, otherwise they would be wasted. So how do we become prepared? Sometimes it requires sanctification through tribulation, as it did with Alma. And what blessings did Alma and Amulek receive?

• It was given to them to know many of the mysteries of God (12:9-10)
• They had power over those who desired to kill them
• They had power over their dungeons
• They became the means of conversion for many, even Zeezrom who contended so strongly against them. (We learn more about the conversion of Zeezrom in the next lesson)

Because Alma and Amulek were prepared they had the privilege to reveal very plain and precious truths to the people of Ammonihah, and through the Book of Mormon these truths are revealed to the entire world. Such revelations that, even to this day, answer many of the questions that so much of the religions of the world struggle with: 

• What is the purpose of life? (12:24-35 )
• What happens to us after we die? (11:42-44) 
• What becomes of those who do not repent? (12:16-18)

Are there any Zeezroms that we contend with in our lives? Even if it is not a person, constantly laying traps for us, trying to find faults in our words or actions, there will always be times when we have to contend with the influence of Satan. Sometimes the Zeezrom is ourselves. Whenever we seek to justify away the inspiration that we receive or the commandments we are given, we invite the same spirit that influenced Zeezrom. How was Alma and Amulek able to withstand and perceive his lying? "according to the Spirit of the Lord which is in me..." (11:22). And so we learn that the only way to withstand the influence of Satan, whether it comes by subtle means of omission or justification, or the external influence of a person who is learned in the ways of the world, is through the Spirit of the Lord.

Let us always be ready, armed with the Spirit of the Lord, to withstand the contention of a Zeezrom, or to receive the great blessings and revelations that the Lord has prepared for us.