"And now it came to pass in the eighty and sixth year, the Nephites did still remain in wickedness, yea, in great wickedness, while the Lamanites did observe strictly to keep the commandments of God, according to the law of Moses." (Helaman 13:1)
In fact, I like the phrase used to describe what the Lamanites did. They "did observe strictly to keep the commandments of God". I think often about how I would like people to describe as a person, and I definitely wouldn't mind being described that way.
So Samuel, who was a Lamanite, preached in the Nephite land of Zarahemla, but the wicked Nephites didn't like that he was telling them to repent, so they threw him out of their land and he was headed home.
"But behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, that he should return again, and prophesy unto the people whatsoever things should come into his heart." (Helaman 13:3)
I don't know how I would react. I think this would be a very difficult assignment. I would be afraid for my life. These people are wicked and what would they do to me if I showed back up in their city after having been thrown out already, and not only that, but I show up to do the exact thing that I was thrown out for doing before.
That would be a tough decision. Samuel went right back and they wouldn't let him in. I feel like you could be justified in leaving again. Thoughts of "Hey, I tried" would ring in my ears and perhaps I would convince myself that I am justified in leaving, based on those thoughts. Not Samuel. He just climbed up on the wall and started preaching.
"And it came to pass that they would not suffer that he should enter into the city; therefore he went and got upon the wall thereof, and stretched forth his hand and cried with a loud voice, and prophesied unto the people whatsoever things the Lord put into his heart." (Helaman 13:4)
The words he speaks up on that wall are important, and also not very pleasant for the Nephites. But, he did what was commanded of him.
Can I do the same?
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