“April 27–May 3. Mosiah 7–10: ‘In the Strength of the Lord,’” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 (2020)
“April 27–May 3. Mosiah 7–10,” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: 2020
Minerva K. Teichert (1888-1976), Ammon before King Limhi, 1949-1951, oil on masonite, 35 15/16 x 48 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, 1969.
April 27–May 3
Mosiah 7–10
“In the Strength of the Lord”
As you read, the Spirit may bring to your attention certain phrases or passages. Write down how you feel that those passages apply to you.
Record Your Impressions
While King Mosiah’s people were enjoying “continual peace” in Zarahemla (Mosiah 7:1), their thoughts turned to another group of Nephites, who many years before had left to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi. Generations had passed, and Mosiah’s people had heard nothing from them. So Mosiah asked Ammon to lead a search party to find the Nephites who had left. The search party found that the Nephites, “because of iniquity” (Mosiah 7:24), were in captivity to the Lamanites. But with the arrival of Ammon and his brethren, suddenly there was hope for deliverance.
Sometimes we’re like these captive Nephites, suffering because of our sins, wondering how we’ll ever find peace again. Sometimes we’re like Ammon, feeling prompted to reach out to others and eventually finding that our efforts have inspired them to “lift up [their] heads, and rejoice, and put [their] trust in God” (Mosiah 7:19). No matter our circumstances, we all need to repent and “turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart,” with faith that “he will … deliver [us]” (Mosiah 7:33).
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
If I turn to the Lord, trust Him, and serve Him, He will deliver me.
Meeting Ammon, who was a Nephite from Zarahemla, gave King Limhi a spark of hope, and he wanted to pass that hope on to his people. As you read Mosiah 7:14–33, notice what Limhi said to his people to encourage them, strengthen their faith, and give them hope that God would help them. Even though you may not be guilty of the same sins as Limhi’s people, how can his words help you turn to the Lord? You will notice, for example, that Limhi reminded his people about past accounts of God’s deliverance (see verses 18–20). How do these accounts, as well as other scriptural accounts or personal experiences, help you trust God?
What were the 24 plates found by Limhi’s people?
While a small group of Limhi’s people were searching unsuccessfully for the land of Zarahemla, they found 24 plates of gold with engravings in an unfamiliar language. These plates, which were eventually translated by King Mosiah, told of a people known as the Jaredites, who came to the promised land from the Tower of Babel and were eventually destroyed (see Mosiah 28:11–19). Later Moroni made an abridgment of these plates (see Ether 1:1–2), which became the book of Ether. Note in Mosiah 28:18 the effect of this record on Mosiah’s people.
The Lord provides prophets, seers, and revelators to benefit mankind.
When Limhi heard Ammon’s testimony that the Lord had raised up a seer, Limhi “rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks to God” (Mosiah 8:19). Why do you suppose he felt that way? What do you learn about seers from Ammon’s words in Mosiah 8:13–19? In our day, “the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators” (Bible Dictionary, “Seer”). When was the last time you pondered the blessing of having prophets, seers, and revelators on the earth? Perhaps you could record how prophets, seers, and revelators have been a “great benefit” to you (Mosiah 8:18).
The Prophet Joseph Smith is the great seer who stands at the head of our dispensation (see D&C 21:1; 124:125; Joseph Smith—History 1:62). How did he exemplify Ammon’s description of a seer during his ministry?
I can face my challenges “in the strength of the Lord.”
Zeniff admitted that he had made mistakes. He was overzealous at times, and he had put his people—the ancestors of Limhi’s people—in a difficult situation by making an ill-advised agreement with King Laman. But later, when he went to battle against the Lamanites, he helped his people face their challenges with faith. As you read Mosiah 9–10, look for what Zeniff’s people did to show their faith. How did God strengthen them? What does it mean to you to go forth “in the strength of the Lord”? (Mosiah 9:17; 10:10–11).
My choices can influence generations.
According to Mosiah 10:11–17, how did the actions and attitudes of the Lamanites’ ancestors prevent the Lamanites from knowing the truth? How did the choices of the Lamanites’ ancestors affect future generations? Think about the people who might be influenced by your beliefs and choices; what are you doing to help them more fully have faith in Christ?
Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening
As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some ideas.
Mosiah 7:19–20
Note the examples that Limhi pointed to in order to encourage his people to have faith. What examples from the scriptures inspire us to “trust in God”? What does it mean to put our trust in God? (see also Mosiah 9:17; 10:19). What stories from our lives or our ancestors’ lives can we share to inspire greater trust in God?
Mosiah 7:26–27
What do we learn about the Savior from these verses? (see also Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). Why are we grateful to know these things?
Mosiah 8:13–18
To help family members understand what a seer is, perhaps you could show them pictures of tools that help us see things we couldn’t otherwise see, such as binoculars, a telescope, or a microscope. How are these tools like a seer? (see Moses 6:35–36). What can seers see that we do not? What evidence do we have that Joseph Smith was a seer?
You might show pictures of our living prophets, seers, and revelators and ask your family what they know about them. How are we following them?
Mosiah 9:14–18; 10:1–10
When the Lamanites attacked, the people of Zeniff were physically and spiritually ready. What can we learn from Zeniff and his people about preparing for challenges?
For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.
Suggested song: “Book of Mormon Stories,” Children’s Songbook, 118–19.
Improving Personal Study
Seek your own spiritual insights. This outline suggests passages and principles to focus on, but don’t let these suggestions limit your study. You might be impressed by verses or discover principles not mentioned here. Let the Spirit guide you.
Vision to Joseph Smith, by Clark Kelley Price