Helaman 7-12 Mighty in Word and in Deed

There are so many parallels between the society of the Nephites and our own, but hasn’t this always been the case? Even in comparison to the ancient people of Israel, we see the similarities in the cycles of pride, destruction, humility, grace, blessings, prosperity and again pride. And in this year our pride has been made even more apparent to those who have eyes to see. There are many examples of individuals in positions of power who use their power to escape from judgement, to influence others and exert their own unrighteousness desires. I can think of the many famous celebrities or politicians who have been ‘caught’ within the last few years and the few that have been tried for their crimes. I have no desire to know the depths of the evils that are transpiring today, it is enough for me to believe that the wickedness of our people matches that of the Nephites during Nephi’s time – “ the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money; and moreover to be held in office at the head of government, to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get gain and glory of the world, and, moreover, that they might the more easily commit adultery, and steal, and kill, and do according to their own wills” (Helaman 7:5)

We also learn of the cowardly character of the guilty and wicked in their interaction with Nephi as the crowed gathered around him amazed at his grief. They do not take ownership of their feelings and desires but seek to pass judgement and incite others through manipulation – “they durst not lay their own hands upon him, for they feared the people lest they should cry out against them.” (Helaman 8:4) Contrast this attitude with those who did recognize their responsibility and guilt – “behold, all the judgments will come upon us which he has testified unto us; for we know that he has testified aright unto us concerning our iniquities. And behold they are many, and he knoweth as well all things which shall befall us as he knoweth of our iniquities” (Helaman 8:8) This recognition and acknowledgement by some of the people was enough to cause the judges to fear them, fear that their manipulation and influence would be lost. For as it is with evil, it only has power over us as long as we are willing to concede our own. “those people who sought to destroy Nephi were compelled because of their fear, that they did not lay their hands on him; therefore he began again to speak unto them, seeing that he had gained favor in the eyes of some, insomuch that the remainder of them did fear.” (Helaman 8:10) Nephi continues to use the scriptures and the words of other prophets to compel the people to believe. There have been so many that have testified of truth: Moses, Abraham, Zenos, Zenock, Ezias, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lehi and thousands of others that have come before Christ and thousands who have come after. Can we deny the testimony of all of them? Even when they all testified of the same Christ who would come, who came and who has redeemed us from death? 

As I imagine Nephi recounting all these truths to the people, I see myself in a similar situation as I listen to the teachings of president Nelson in the many discourses he has given. As I read chapter 8, I thought for a while what it would be like to have our modern prophets standing upon a tower declaring with boldness the iniquities of the people, directly calling out their unknown or hidden actions through the power of the priesthood. But in a very similar way they have, it doesn’t take much searching to find instances where the modern prophets and apostles have declared with boldness the sins of the world and the judgments that are to come. 

To Make a People Prepared for the Lord - Dilbert L. Stapley

"Let us all, my brothers and sisters, discern prophecy’s fulfillment, set in order our homes, and be prepared for this important day. And finally, let us meet the challenge to “make ready a people” for the Lord’s second coming" - Dilbert L. Stapley, October 1975

But even more than the sermons of destruction and calamity we hear of the overwhelming voice of love. The everlasting love that only the Savior can express through his sacrifice. Through his love he allows the sons of God to emulate him by joining in his holy order, the order of priesthood. 

And do we emulate him? 

Have we with “unwearyingness declared the word”? 

Have we also “not feared them, and not sought [our] own life, but sought [the Lord’s] will, and to keep [his] commandments”?

 Everyone is capable of receiving the same blessing that Nephi received if we can only become as he was, able to answer each of these questions without doubt. Then the Lord will, “bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.” This is the manner in which we can also receive, "many revelations daily." How much could we benefit from that as we pass through our own tribulations?