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"Led by the Power of His Arm," Omni 1:13, 20-26

Omni 1:13, 20-26

I am yet still compelled by the fact that Amaleki is so distinctly aware of his faith in contrast to his immediate fathers. In verse 23, we learn that he was born during the reign of Mosiah. What has impressed me about the change that Amaleki had in contrast to his fathers are his concluding remarks, which clearly demonstrate conviction, testimony, and faith in God.

It impresses me as I consider this, that it is because Amaleki was a part of the group that left the land of Nephi and was with King Mosiah in the wilderness, where they probably came to know God intimately. Indeed, this is most likely what happened, like Nephi and his family when they left Jerusalem, or Moses and the Children of Israel, or even in our time, the Mormon Pioneers' exodus from Navuoo to Salt Lake. This lengthy journey from the land of Nephi to the land of Zarahemla afforded Mosiah's people the opportunity to be "led by the power of his arm." (verse 13) But what's more, in the same verse, Amaleki explained that it was period of instruction: "...They were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God;"

And so it is that when God wants to prepare a people to receive the blessings of heaven, one of the more effective ways that he does it is to establish a group of people within whom that foundation for the work of salvation has been established. So as a final testimony in verse 25, we read of Amaleki's words regarding the gifts of the Spirit: prophecy, revelation, ministering of angels, speaking in tongues, interpretation of languages, "and in all things which are good." Then finally, he extends in no uncertain terms, an invitation to come unto Christ, and to receive the salvation that He has prepared for us.
Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved. (verse 26)
Testimonies such as this one, only come from individuals who have themselves obtained the salvation wherein he is inviting me to also strive for.

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