Alma 17:18-39
In these verse, we read about the deaths of seven who opposed a servant of the Lord. I have witnessed similar before, though not to the same degree. Yet, it is only because of my own personal, first-hand experiences with the Lord's work that I have perspective enough to appreciate what is happening here among the Lamanites. Those that would oppose the Lord's servants or directly oppose the work of the Lord, are removed from mortality when they rub too close to the truth, choose not to give heed, and stand in open opposition to the work that was about to transpire.
This is what is happening in these verses. At first it seems that this is just Ammon who is slaying these wicked men, but the footnote on verse 38 shows that if not Ammon, then the Lord himself is able to intervene as well in the taking of life.
(Conversely, I've also seen more recently how death of a worthy servant has also been used to advance the Lord's work. In either case, it is a tool of the Lord.)
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Nevertheless, in the character of Ammon throughout the rest of this passage of scritpure, I see an account of a Christian servant. He goes forth to be a servant to the King of the Lamanites. When conflict arises, Ammon rejoices -- not because of the conflict, but because he sees an opportunity that will both remedy the situation and cause those he is with to believe in his words. (see vs.29)
Verse 30 is pivotal. It points out the pure intent of Ammon's thoughts. It also shows the amount of love that in just this short amount of time (3 days), that Ammon had developed for his fellow-servants which are now referred to as "his brethren."
In these verse, we read about the deaths of seven who opposed a servant of the Lord. I have witnessed similar before, though not to the same degree. Yet, it is only because of my own personal, first-hand experiences with the Lord's work that I have perspective enough to appreciate what is happening here among the Lamanites. Those that would oppose the Lord's servants or directly oppose the work of the Lord, are removed from mortality when they rub too close to the truth, choose not to give heed, and stand in open opposition to the work that was about to transpire.
This is what is happening in these verses. At first it seems that this is just Ammon who is slaying these wicked men, but the footnote on verse 38 shows that if not Ammon, then the Lord himself is able to intervene as well in the taking of life.
(Conversely, I've also seen more recently how death of a worthy servant has also been used to advance the Lord's work. In either case, it is a tool of the Lord.)
---
Nevertheless, in the character of Ammon throughout the rest of this passage of scritpure, I see an account of a Christian servant. He goes forth to be a servant to the King of the Lamanites. When conflict arises, Ammon rejoices -- not because of the conflict, but because he sees an opportunity that will both remedy the situation and cause those he is with to believe in his words. (see vs.29)
Verse 30 is pivotal. It points out the pure intent of Ammon's thoughts. It also shows the amount of love that in just this short amount of time (3 days), that Ammon had developed for his fellow-servants which are now referred to as "his brethren."
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