In verse one it says many of the people believed and began
to repent and to search the scriptures. Repenting and feasting are simple and
accurate indicators of where you heart is pointed. I never realized before how
important it is to search the Word of God. I mean, I knew it was important, but
the criticalness of it is really hitting me from this verse.
The people were angry because they had been spoken to so
plainly. A lot of times when people are going to be angry it keeps me silent,
because not being contentious feels important, not offending people with what I
really think. But several times over the last few chapter I have been inspired
that Alma and Amulek’s boldness in the truth was important and right. I need to
not dismiss speaking truth because I am afraid of people’s reaction, but worry
more about listening to the Spirit about when it is right, until I am better
able to recognize that on my own, at least a little bit.
I love that Zeezrom tried to fix the problem he had caused.
It must have been so painful that it was too late, and came at such a high cost
for other. Poor guy, I hope at some point he understood that the people whose
hearts were so hard had their own agency to believe as well. This situation
really illustrates to me again, how it doesn’t matter how compelling the
argument for or against, people have to be willing to hear it. The only thing
that could ever really convince anyone is the Spirit of Truth, and even then
they have to be willing to listen and receive.
I love the vision of the Lord receiving those being burned
into His glory. It reminds me of how people comforted themselves about the
Sandy Hook tragedy. It is such a beautiful explanation of God’s love and
power—even in the face of evil in the world, His goodness is not overcome, but
swallowed up.
I hate that the chief judge put the responsibility for
burning everyone onto Alma and Amulek. It feels so familiar, like a parent that
beats their children and said look at what you made me do. But I guess isn’t
that what I do every time I tell my kids they are “making me” angry. I pray to
be able to remember this lesson!
Alma and Amulek answered nothing, like the Savior when He was
being questioned by evil accusers. When is the time to be silent, and when is
the time to speak?
I love that God granted them power and performed amazing and
impossible miracles and saved them. I know that He can do all things, and when
I am feeling afraid, or having anxiety attacks, I need to remember the prison
walls tumbling and destroying the evil men. I think it’s symbolic, too. It
reminds me of the song Mercy’s Arms by Julie de Azevedo when she talks about
the mighty fortress wall around her heart crumbling as she surrenders to the
Savior. It was their faith in Christ that gave them power to break the walls of
the prison. And is my faith in Christ that gives me power to break the walls of
sin and pride around my heart—to allow myself to be vulnerable enough to really
love and really believe, or at least be started in that direction.
When the people were fleeing from Alma and Amulek it seems
like that could have been so satisfying. But I bet at that point, after being tortured,
but even more so, watching all those people burn for believing—I bet there was no
pride left, just sadness over the people’s wickedness and the suffering it had caused,
and was going to cause.
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