Alma 32-35 Seeds and Trees
I've always thought it was interesting that there are trees that rely on fire for their species to successfully propagate. Conifer trees are those that bear seeds within a cone such as the pine and fir trees, but especially reliant on fire is the giant sequoia. Sequoia trees have adapted to grow very large trunks and keep their many branches high up off the ground, being some of the tallest trees in the world. The dense cone of the sequoia contains many tiny seeds that resemble a fleck of oatmeal in both size and shape. These cones are often so densely enclosed that in many cases it requires fire to dry and curl the outer shell exposing the inner seeds, allowing them to fall into the soil. The fire also helps the sequoia by eliminating competition from many of the other species of trees vying for the same resources to grow, and by keeping its branches high off the ground the sequoia will usually escape a fire relatively unharmed.
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There are of course, many analogies we can draw from this example. Keeping our branches away from the fire, fire (trials) as a requirement for growth, and the lesson from Alma in 32:28-30 "we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place that a seed may be planted in your heart..." And so I feel to ask:
What is the condition of your heart?
Is it open and ready for the seed of the word of God to be planted?
Is it over grown from other trees that will bear no fruit?
Will it require a trial by fire to clear the competition, making way for a good seed?
Or will you choose to be humble and repent that you may "be blessed - yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble." (Alma 32:15)
Alma and his companions, in speaking to the people in the land of Antionum who had been oppressed by the followers of Zoram, learned that they had been compelled to be humble due the their hardships. The poor were "cast out of the synagogues because of the coarseness of their apparel." (Alms 32:2) I remember seeing much of the same situation as a missionary in Venezuela, the poor often being the most receptive to hearing the message of the restoration and the word of God. Not because of their poverty, but because their poverty had compelled them humble. Humility being the fertile ground ready for the seed to be planted. Those who heard the words of Alma at this time, had even began thinking they were unable to worship God because they had been cast out, and asked "what shall we do?" Alma recognizes their humility and it brings him joy that there are those who have ben prepared for the changing power of the Savior to take effect in their lives. (Alma 32:6) I have also felt this joy in times of teaching, when I recognize that the learner is prepared and ready to be taught, there is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
I learned a few lessons from Alma and the words of Zenos and Zenock that he quotes in these chapters, that can be applied to our pandemic situation. Though we are not cast out of our synagogues in the same way, we are no less able to enter them at this time:
"Do ye suppose that ye cannot worship God save it be in your synagogues?" 32:10
"Do ye suppose that ye must not worship God only once a week?" 32:11
Do we allow this situation to make us humble, "that [we] may learn wisdom"? 32:12
According to the prophet Zenos we are to worship even when we are in: the wilderness, the field, my house or my closet. (Alma 33:4-7) So, in what way do we worship God in these places?
- Pray often, many times a day, over any and all things, in any place
- Meaningful study of the word of God, through his prophets, in the scriptures
- Being ministers of faith to our ward and neighbors
- Sharing the gospel through any means
I feel that these activities are indeed meaningful worship, in addition to those we perform on the sabbath.
Another principle I see in these chapters is that of witnesses. "in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established." (Matthew 18:16) Alma and Amulek are teaching those who have gathered to hear on the hill called Onidah. Alma teaches of faith and worship and uses the scriptures of Zenos, Moses and Zenock as testimonies of this truth, "For it is not written that Zenos alone spake of these things, but Zenock also." (Alma 33:15) And not only that but then Amulek stands up and says, "I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true." (Alma 34:8) How many witnesses can a person have and not be convinced? Here we have five, but not only five but many many more for the scriptures are filled with more witnesses. And we have more and more scriptures. We have prophets and apostles and missionaries and ward members as witnesses. Literally millions of people living today to add their witness to the millions who have gone before that there is truth that can be found on the earth today. Despite those who would stand upon their "rameumpton" (Alma 31:13-18, 21) declaring themselves to be better, or who would cast us out of their presence for being a peculiar people (Deut. 14:2), we have truth, enduring and everlasting. A treasure greater than any other. We can know with complete assurance that, "this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God." (Alma 34:32)
If it were possible to add more meaning to the words of Amulek in chapter 34, let us remember that the faithful saints at this time did practice the Law of Moses, and performed animal sacrifices. An act that would be familiar to even those Zoramites who had dissented from the Nephites. Amulek teaches that it is "expedient that there shall be a great last sacrifice... an infinite and eternal sacrifice." One that will end that repetitive practice they kept at that time, and one that will "bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name." Amulek then adds his testimony to that of Zenos in 34:17-27, teaching us how, when and why to pray: in your fields, in your houses, in your closets and secret places. This is Amulek applying the scriptures of Zenos directly to the people, and us.
I add my witness to the many that have been given, that the power of prayer is that which can change the attitudes and desires of our hearts according to the will and grace of God, who does always listen. What we may also worship him at any time and place, through prayer, music, ministering and study. And when we are able to gather in our synagogues once again we will return that much more faithful, empowered by humility.
"I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life." (Alma 33:23)
"I would exhort you to have patience, and that ye bear with all manner of afflictions... with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions." (Alma 34:40-41)