For several months, I took a hiatus from this blog to concentrate on other matters. My reading of the Book of Mormon continued, though, a few verses here and there. Since I have much to read and study before the end of the year, I won't post on every chapter. But I look forward to coming back for them next year.
Alma 43 is a watershed moment. It begins a two chapter introduction to the "war chapters," and does so in meticulous fashion. I call it the first epic battle of the Book of Mormon--not because it's necessarily larger in scope or casualty or importance--but because it is the first time a battle is described in such detail and with such little (apparent) focus on spirituality.
Hence the watershed. For generations, members of the church have defined themselves by how they interact with the next 20 or so chapters of Alma. Some skip over them. I admit to doing this myself more than once. Others revel in the change of pace, and are inspired by the intimate details of troop movements and the iconization of freedom fighters and arch villains. I've done that, too. I don't think either method is wrong.
Today, though, I've reflected a great deal on war. Life is a daily struggle to meet so many obligations, and the stakes are high. Salvation and exaltation for ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors, and the thousands of strangers who cross our paths all the time. Sometimes, in this seemingly eternal conflict, we are dealt a blow that breaks us, like the savage blows the Lamanites rained upon the Nephite soldiers, "for they did smite in two many of their head-plates, and they did pierce many of their breastplates" (v. 44).
Even after all the Nephite soldiers' preparation, their enemies brought them down and endangered their cause.
Last week, some friends lost a newborn baby without warning or time to say goodbye. The loss was devastating. Despite taking all the precautions and notwithstanding their great love for their child, in a few moments they were separated, albeit "only" for this part of their existence. This blow should have broken them. There's no pain that can match it.
But it didn't. Or hasn't. The battle still rages, but instead of additional casualties, there are a few soldiers who fight on despite receiving what should have been mortal wounds. How did this happen? Most importantly, through the peace, comfort, and knowledge that only comes through the Lord Jesus Christ and his atonement. But they had something else going for them that I believe helped.
In Alma 43, there is a key to the Nephite victory that has nothing to do with strategy, surprise, or stealth. It has to do with numbers. Alma points out more than once that the Nephite force is woefully outnumbered. To even achieve a critical mass of soldiery, Captain Moroni takes an extreme action--conscripting an entire city. "And he caused that all the people in that quarter of the land should gather themselves together to battle against the Lamanites, to defend their lands and their country, their rights and their liberties; therefore they were prepared against the time of the coming of the Lamanites" (v. 26).
Everyone came to battle. Not just the strong twentysomething men. Everyone. Without this action, there would not have been enough soldiers to absorb the Lamanites' ferocious blows before the tide of the battle could turn.
As our little branch and members of the church throughout our area heard of one couple's tragedy, they volunteered to absorb a few blows and buy a few precious moments for those whose hearts were pierced with tragedy. To hug and bake, plan and prepare, scrub and vacuum, clasp hands and dry tears.
Can you imagine the sight of thousands of men, women, and children joining together to fight in a battle of seemingly imminent extinction? I can. I've seen it. I've seen the children, youth, men, and women in our little branch rise up in single purpose to defend those most precious to them. It is a sight marvelous to behold.
____________________________________
Alma 43 is a watershed moment. It begins a two chapter introduction to the "war chapters," and does so in meticulous fashion. I call it the first epic battle of the Book of Mormon--not because it's necessarily larger in scope or casualty or importance--but because it is the first time a battle is described in such detail and with such little (apparent) focus on spirituality.
Hence the watershed. For generations, members of the church have defined themselves by how they interact with the next 20 or so chapters of Alma. Some skip over them. I admit to doing this myself more than once. Others revel in the change of pace, and are inspired by the intimate details of troop movements and the iconization of freedom fighters and arch villains. I've done that, too. I don't think either method is wrong.
Today, though, I've reflected a great deal on war. Life is a daily struggle to meet so many obligations, and the stakes are high. Salvation and exaltation for ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors, and the thousands of strangers who cross our paths all the time. Sometimes, in this seemingly eternal conflict, we are dealt a blow that breaks us, like the savage blows the Lamanites rained upon the Nephite soldiers, "for they did smite in two many of their head-plates, and they did pierce many of their breastplates" (v. 44).
Even after all the Nephite soldiers' preparation, their enemies brought them down and endangered their cause.
Last week, some friends lost a newborn baby without warning or time to say goodbye. The loss was devastating. Despite taking all the precautions and notwithstanding their great love for their child, in a few moments they were separated, albeit "only" for this part of their existence. This blow should have broken them. There's no pain that can match it.
But it didn't. Or hasn't. The battle still rages, but instead of additional casualties, there are a few soldiers who fight on despite receiving what should have been mortal wounds. How did this happen? Most importantly, through the peace, comfort, and knowledge that only comes through the Lord Jesus Christ and his atonement. But they had something else going for them that I believe helped.
In Alma 43, there is a key to the Nephite victory that has nothing to do with strategy, surprise, or stealth. It has to do with numbers. Alma points out more than once that the Nephite force is woefully outnumbered. To even achieve a critical mass of soldiery, Captain Moroni takes an extreme action--conscripting an entire city. "And he caused that all the people in that quarter of the land should gather themselves together to battle against the Lamanites, to defend their lands and their country, their rights and their liberties; therefore they were prepared against the time of the coming of the Lamanites" (v. 26).
Everyone came to battle. Not just the strong twentysomething men. Everyone. Without this action, there would not have been enough soldiers to absorb the Lamanites' ferocious blows before the tide of the battle could turn.
As our little branch and members of the church throughout our area heard of one couple's tragedy, they volunteered to absorb a few blows and buy a few precious moments for those whose hearts were pierced with tragedy. To hug and bake, plan and prepare, scrub and vacuum, clasp hands and dry tears.
Can you imagine the sight of thousands of men, women, and children joining together to fight in a battle of seemingly imminent extinction? I can. I've seen it. I've seen the children, youth, men, and women in our little branch rise up in single purpose to defend those most precious to them. It is a sight marvelous to behold.
