Once Moroni decides to add more to his writings, it seems important to see what it is he felt like he needed to include. After explaining he was going to add more, he went on to just clarify something the Savior said to his disciples when he was visiting the Nephites. I am not sure if this was something that was included in the record but left out by Mormon in his abridgement, or it if was something that Moroni was taught by the spirit. Either way, it’s pretty cool to understand this.
“1 The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them--
2 And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles.
3 Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it; and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost.” (Moroni 2)
I just included the whole chapter, because it is so short. Moroni felt like it was important for us, the future generations who would read these words, to know. I know that having the Holy Ghost is important and a wonderful opportunity to get direction from Heavenly Father.
The gift of the Holy Ghost is given by the laying on of hands, and by the Priesthood authority. This seems like something the Savior was teaching His disciples: how to give the gift of the Spirit.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
A Few More Things
Moroni had added a couple of chapters to the end of his father's (Mormon's) writings. He had given a description of pretty much the final destruction of the Nephites, and then he added an abridgment of the Jaredite record to the end. He thought this would be the end of his writing, and even sort of nicely finished off his writings. I think he wrote that and then went about his business, assuming that he would just live out the rest of his days, probably doing his best to avoid the Lamanites. But after some time, he was still around, and felt to write more.
"Now I, Moroni, after having made an end of abridging the account of the people of Jared, I had supposed not to have written more, but I have not as yet perished;..." (Moroni 1:1)
The climate he lived in was one of wickedness. The few people that believed in Christ were being put to death if they wouldn't deny him.
"And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life." (Moroni 1:3)
This is probably why he assumed he wouldn't write any more, because he probably couldn't stay in one place for very long.
"Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord." (Moroni 1:4)
I love the humility of Moroni. We will soon see that some great things were written in the rest of the book of Moroni. I think it's safe to say that the Lord wanted him to write more, and prompted him what to write. I'm glad Moroni listened to the Lord and was willing to even risk his life to go back and add more to the plates, so that the Lamanites, and everyone, could have these wise words in some future day.
"Now I, Moroni, after having made an end of abridging the account of the people of Jared, I had supposed not to have written more, but I have not as yet perished;..." (Moroni 1:1)
The climate he lived in was one of wickedness. The few people that believed in Christ were being put to death if they wouldn't deny him.
"And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life." (Moroni 1:3)
This is probably why he assumed he wouldn't write any more, because he probably couldn't stay in one place for very long.
"Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord." (Moroni 1:4)
I love the humility of Moroni. We will soon see that some great things were written in the rest of the book of Moroni. I think it's safe to say that the Lord wanted him to write more, and prompted him what to write. I'm glad Moroni listened to the Lord and was willing to even risk his life to go back and add more to the plates, so that the Lamanites, and everyone, could have these wise words in some future day.
Monday, November 5, 2018
Complete Destruction
These wars among the two sides of the Jaredites ultimately culminated in one final battle. They gathered all the people of the land together, either on the side of Shiz or the side of Coriantumr.
"Wherefore, they were for the space of four years gathering together the people, that they might get all who were upon the face of the land, and that they might receive all the strength which it was possible that they could receive." (Ether 15:14)
They fought day after day, reducing the size of their armies, pursuing and slaying one another until the armies had been destroyed and it was just Shiz and Coriantumr left.
"Wherefore, he did pursue them, and on the morrow he did overtake them; and they fought again with the sword. And it came to pass that when they had all fallen by the sword, save it were Coriantumr and Shiz, behold Shiz had fainted with the loss of blood." (Ether 15:29)
The battle had destroyed everyone. Shiz had fainted. Coriantumr had to lean on his sword before he could even kill Shiz to end the war. Ether had been in hiding (as he had been instructed by the Lord to do), observing the fulfillment of the prophecy that Coriantumr would live to see everyone else destroyed.
The words of the Lord will always be fulfilled. The Jaredites were wiped out, and Ether's record was basically all that was left, when the Nephites found them. This seems like it could have been a very poignant lesson for the Nephites to learn, because they had basically been given the same promise as the Jaredites: that if they kept the commandments, they would prosper, but if they didn't, they would be destroyed. The Nephites had been given the same guidance, but they didn't listen very well either and ended up being destroyed as well. It is at this point in the Nephite history, in fact, that Moroni, who abridged the plates of Ether and added them to the Book of Mormon record. The Nephites had all been destroyed by the Lamanites, and Moroni was in hiding, finishing up the record to be hid and then brought forth as part of the restoration in the latter days.
History can teach us, if we're willing to learn from its patterns and lessons.
"Wherefore, they were for the space of four years gathering together the people, that they might get all who were upon the face of the land, and that they might receive all the strength which it was possible that they could receive." (Ether 15:14)
They fought day after day, reducing the size of their armies, pursuing and slaying one another until the armies had been destroyed and it was just Shiz and Coriantumr left.
"Wherefore, he did pursue them, and on the morrow he did overtake them; and they fought again with the sword. And it came to pass that when they had all fallen by the sword, save it were Coriantumr and Shiz, behold Shiz had fainted with the loss of blood." (Ether 15:29)
The battle had destroyed everyone. Shiz had fainted. Coriantumr had to lean on his sword before he could even kill Shiz to end the war. Ether had been in hiding (as he had been instructed by the Lord to do), observing the fulfillment of the prophecy that Coriantumr would live to see everyone else destroyed.
The words of the Lord will always be fulfilled. The Jaredites were wiped out, and Ether's record was basically all that was left, when the Nephites found them. This seems like it could have been a very poignant lesson for the Nephites to learn, because they had basically been given the same promise as the Jaredites: that if they kept the commandments, they would prosper, but if they didn't, they would be destroyed. The Nephites had been given the same guidance, but they didn't listen very well either and ended up being destroyed as well. It is at this point in the Nephite history, in fact, that Moroni, who abridged the plates of Ether and added them to the Book of Mormon record. The Nephites had all been destroyed by the Lamanites, and Moroni was in hiding, finishing up the record to be hid and then brought forth as part of the restoration in the latter days.
History can teach us, if we're willing to learn from its patterns and lessons.
Monday, October 8, 2018
The Prophecy Had Been Heard
The end is near for the Jaredites. There is a lot of wickedness, and very little (if any) righteousness among the people. People don't trust anyone, and there are a number of murders to get to lead the people.
Lib, a large man, fought the people of Coriantumr, and he even wounded Coriantumr himself, but ultimately, Coriantumr was able to defeat him. Lib's brother, Shiz, took command of Lib's army, and he quickly got a reputation that struck fear in his enemies' hearts.
At this point, pretty much every man, woman, and child was swept up in the war, either on the side of Shiz, or on the side of Coriantumr.
"Nevertheless, Shiz did not cease to pursue Coriantumr; for he had sworn to avenge himself upon Coriantumr of the blood of his brother, who had been slain, and the word of the Lord which came to Ether that Coriantumr should not fall by the sword." (Ether 14:24)
So Shiz had two motivations. First, Coriantumr had killed his brother, and he was seeking vengeance for that. This is a typical reaction in history. The other motivation has to do with Ether's prophecy to Coriantumr. At some point, Ether had gone and spoken with Coriantumr about the gospel, and warned him to repent. If he did not repent, however, he prophesied that Coriantumr would live to see the destruction of all his people.
I find this second motivation interesting, because it seems word had got out about this prophecy. Shiz, I imagine, was just trying to "prove" something by killing the man who the prophecy had said would be the last man standing, so to speak.
Why Shiz put such stock in that prophecy, we may never know, but it's worth considering. I've always thought that was basically just a private conversation between him and Ether.
Now, hopefully when we hear God's prophet prophesying, we take the opportunity to repent and follow God, rather than be like Coriantumr, who didn't listen, but just continued in wickedness and bloodshed, or even like Shiz, who actively tried to go against it and prove that Ether couldn't prophecy the future.
Lib, a large man, fought the people of Coriantumr, and he even wounded Coriantumr himself, but ultimately, Coriantumr was able to defeat him. Lib's brother, Shiz, took command of Lib's army, and he quickly got a reputation that struck fear in his enemies' hearts.
At this point, pretty much every man, woman, and child was swept up in the war, either on the side of Shiz, or on the side of Coriantumr.
"Nevertheless, Shiz did not cease to pursue Coriantumr; for he had sworn to avenge himself upon Coriantumr of the blood of his brother, who had been slain, and the word of the Lord which came to Ether that Coriantumr should not fall by the sword." (Ether 14:24)
So Shiz had two motivations. First, Coriantumr had killed his brother, and he was seeking vengeance for that. This is a typical reaction in history. The other motivation has to do with Ether's prophecy to Coriantumr. At some point, Ether had gone and spoken with Coriantumr about the gospel, and warned him to repent. If he did not repent, however, he prophesied that Coriantumr would live to see the destruction of all his people.
I find this second motivation interesting, because it seems word had got out about this prophecy. Shiz, I imagine, was just trying to "prove" something by killing the man who the prophecy had said would be the last man standing, so to speak.
Why Shiz put such stock in that prophecy, we may never know, but it's worth considering. I've always thought that was basically just a private conversation between him and Ether.
Now, hopefully when we hear God's prophet prophesying, we take the opportunity to repent and follow God, rather than be like Coriantumr, who didn't listen, but just continued in wickedness and bloodshed, or even like Shiz, who actively tried to go against it and prove that Ether couldn't prophecy the future.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Even Experts Need God's Help
One thing we learn from the scriptures is that it's all about help and strength from the Lord.
For example, you get people like Coriantumr.
"And now Coriantumr, having studied, himself, in all the arts of war and all the cunning of the world, wherefore he gave battle unto them who sought to destroy him." (Ether 13:16)
He was very learned and skilled in war. He knew what he was doing when it came to fighting.
"But he repented not, neither his fair sons nor daughters; neither the fair sons and daughters of Cohor; neither the fair sons and daughters of Corihor; and in fine, there were none of the fair sons and daughters upon the face of the whole earth who repented of their sins." (Ether 13:17)
On one hand, Coriantumr was very skilled. On the other hand, he wasn't following the commandments.
Ether was told to go straight to Coriantumr and give him a message that if he would repent, the Lord would spare him. If he didn't though, he and all his household would be destroyed. To make matters even worse, he was told he would live to witness their destruction.
Coriantumr didn't repent, and we later see that Ether's prophesy was fulfilled. Coriantumr was left on his own, the last of the Jaredites, and had a chance to share his story with some of the Nephites later on.
I sometimes wonder how he must have felt, realizing that the prophecy had been fulfilled, watching all his people be destroyed. I think it's best to listen when the Lord's servant speaks to us.
There are many times in the scriptures where someone who is very good at something ends up not being successful because they weren't on the Lord's side. On the other hand, there are even more stories where someone doesn't have much knowledge or skill, but they are helped by the Lord and are successful. This is a great lesson that I don't have to be great at something that the Lord asks me to do. I just have to follow Him and do what He asks, and He will make up the difference.
For example, you get people like Coriantumr.
"And now Coriantumr, having studied, himself, in all the arts of war and all the cunning of the world, wherefore he gave battle unto them who sought to destroy him." (Ether 13:16)
He was very learned and skilled in war. He knew what he was doing when it came to fighting.
"But he repented not, neither his fair sons nor daughters; neither the fair sons and daughters of Cohor; neither the fair sons and daughters of Corihor; and in fine, there were none of the fair sons and daughters upon the face of the whole earth who repented of their sins." (Ether 13:17)
On one hand, Coriantumr was very skilled. On the other hand, he wasn't following the commandments.
Ether was told to go straight to Coriantumr and give him a message that if he would repent, the Lord would spare him. If he didn't though, he and all his household would be destroyed. To make matters even worse, he was told he would live to witness their destruction.
Coriantumr didn't repent, and we later see that Ether's prophesy was fulfilled. Coriantumr was left on his own, the last of the Jaredites, and had a chance to share his story with some of the Nephites later on.
I sometimes wonder how he must have felt, realizing that the prophecy had been fulfilled, watching all his people be destroyed. I think it's best to listen when the Lord's servant speaks to us.
There are many times in the scriptures where someone who is very good at something ends up not being successful because they weren't on the Lord's side. On the other hand, there are even more stories where someone doesn't have much knowledge or skill, but they are helped by the Lord and are successful. This is a great lesson that I don't have to be great at something that the Lord asks me to do. I just have to follow Him and do what He asks, and He will make up the difference.
Writing About Destruction
This makes me feel kind of bad for Moroni. I just think about Moroni's circumstances at this time. He was on his own. He was either the only (or one of the only) righteous people left anywhere around. He had fought with and witnessed the destruction of his own people, the Nephites, who had become very wicked. And now he is writing a record that is meant for some future generation, who will at some point see the messages that he is writing or including. To top it all off, part of what he is writing is about the destruction of another group of people who had become wicked.
"And now I, Moroni, proceed to finish my record concerning the destruction of the people of whom I have been writing." (Ether 13:1)
He goes on to explain that they rejected the words of Ether, who had taught about and prophesied many things that would happen. At the end of the day, this must have been pretty disheartening for Moroni.
Whenever I dwell on the contents of the Book of Mormon, I am reminded that everything in there was meant for us in our day. Mormon and Moroni knew who it would go to and made sure to include things that would help us. So what lesson can I learn from this passage or story?
In this case, there are a couple of clear lessons. First, the Lord warned the Jaredites that the land of promise can only be inhabited by the faithful, and the Lord would not stand for too much wickedness in His promised land.
The other lesson is to follow and listen to the prophet. He will help us realize if we have gotten off track at all. He will help us understand God's will for us, and how to accomplish it.
So, now I have something to work on in my own life. Living in this awesome country/land, do I follow God's guideline that if I am not righteous, I will be cut off from this land? Do I listen to and do my very best to follow the counsel of living prophets? Do I seek revelation the way President Nelson implored during the last general conference? Do I minister the way I should?
"And now I, Moroni, proceed to finish my record concerning the destruction of the people of whom I have been writing." (Ether 13:1)
He goes on to explain that they rejected the words of Ether, who had taught about and prophesied many things that would happen. At the end of the day, this must have been pretty disheartening for Moroni.
Whenever I dwell on the contents of the Book of Mormon, I am reminded that everything in there was meant for us in our day. Mormon and Moroni knew who it would go to and made sure to include things that would help us. So what lesson can I learn from this passage or story?
In this case, there are a couple of clear lessons. First, the Lord warned the Jaredites that the land of promise can only be inhabited by the faithful, and the Lord would not stand for too much wickedness in His promised land.
The other lesson is to follow and listen to the prophet. He will help us realize if we have gotten off track at all. He will help us understand God's will for us, and how to accomplish it.
So, now I have something to work on in my own life. Living in this awesome country/land, do I follow God's guideline that if I am not righteous, I will be cut off from this land? Do I listen to and do my very best to follow the counsel of living prophets? Do I seek revelation the way President Nelson implored during the last general conference? Do I minister the way I should?
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Moroni Was a Very Good Guy
I just wanted to point out a couple of things about Moroni. His life was spent growing up and living basically in constant war and bloodshed. I was just thinking about the evil and wars that was all across the land. Moroni's father Mormon was captain of the Nephite army since he was a teenager, which means he was doing that for Moroni's entire life. The Nephites were wicked, being prideful and wanting bloodshed. The Lamanites were no better.
Mormon, a good man, raised Moroni right, and faithfully. Moroni was a good and faithful man who loved the Lord. After his father died, he took over the responsibility of the records. Mormon had abridged and compiled so many records, and now it was left to Moroni's care. He wrote a couple of things, and decided to add the record of the Jaredites. He interjected a few things he felt to add to that abridgement, and he just wrote a couple of last things. He knew the record was there for the gentiles, for some future generation. He wrote this message:
"And now I, Moroni, bid farewell unto the Gentiles, yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood." (Ether 12:38)
First, one thing that he points out is the audience. He knew that this record would go to the gentiles, and also to some future generations of Nephites/Lamanites. He had faith that this would be true.
Second, I like the idea of meeting some of these scriptural heroes at the judgement seat. To meet Nephi, Moroni, Peter, Paul, Moses, and many more. Not to mention the Savior. I don't know exactly how that will work, but I would love to meet these guys. However, the question is how much would I love to run into one of these men and then realize that I didn't treat their words with the reverence and respect that they deserved? It would be pretty awkward. This just means I need to be better about taking things lightly.
If we were not convinced up to this point that Moroni was a pretty awesome guy, there's always this:
"And then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me face to face, and that he told me in plain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these things;" (Ether 12:39)
So Moroni had a face to face talk with Jesus. I mean, Jesus is a real man (although perfect and resurrected at this point), so it makes sense that this is how He would meet with (at least some) people. However, Jesus doesn't just meet with everyone. I mean, I would think you'd have to be a pretty amazing and important man to have a meeting with Jesus.
I think what Moroni is saying is that he was having this face to face conversation when they had the whole "I'm weak in writing and I'm afraid people will mock my words"/"fools mock but they shall mourn"/"I give men weakness that they may be humble" conversation. That changes my perspective on that conversation a little. They were actually sitting together talking about that face to face. Awesome.
Mormon, a good man, raised Moroni right, and faithfully. Moroni was a good and faithful man who loved the Lord. After his father died, he took over the responsibility of the records. Mormon had abridged and compiled so many records, and now it was left to Moroni's care. He wrote a couple of things, and decided to add the record of the Jaredites. He interjected a few things he felt to add to that abridgement, and he just wrote a couple of last things. He knew the record was there for the gentiles, for some future generation. He wrote this message:
"And now I, Moroni, bid farewell unto the Gentiles, yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood." (Ether 12:38)
First, one thing that he points out is the audience. He knew that this record would go to the gentiles, and also to some future generations of Nephites/Lamanites. He had faith that this would be true.
Second, I like the idea of meeting some of these scriptural heroes at the judgement seat. To meet Nephi, Moroni, Peter, Paul, Moses, and many more. Not to mention the Savior. I don't know exactly how that will work, but I would love to meet these guys. However, the question is how much would I love to run into one of these men and then realize that I didn't treat their words with the reverence and respect that they deserved? It would be pretty awkward. This just means I need to be better about taking things lightly.
If we were not convinced up to this point that Moroni was a pretty awesome guy, there's always this:
"And then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me face to face, and that he told me in plain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these things;" (Ether 12:39)
So Moroni had a face to face talk with Jesus. I mean, Jesus is a real man (although perfect and resurrected at this point), so it makes sense that this is how He would meet with (at least some) people. However, Jesus doesn't just meet with everyone. I mean, I would think you'd have to be a pretty amazing and important man to have a meeting with Jesus.
I think what Moroni is saying is that he was having this face to face conversation when they had the whole "I'm weak in writing and I'm afraid people will mock my words"/"fools mock but they shall mourn"/"I give men weakness that they may be humble" conversation. That changes my perspective on that conversation a little. They were actually sitting together talking about that face to face. Awesome.
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