A Study of the Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24:16-25 After a period of oppression under the rule of Amulon, the people of Alma hear the voice of the Lord say to them: "Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage." (vs.16) Subsequently, they work through the night to prepare for a morning departure. In the morning, their oppressors are asleep. Without conflict, the people of Alma are delivered from bondage.  After having traveled a substantial distance, they arrive at a certain valley where the people of Alma pause to give thanks. Every member of their company, both adult and child -- anyone that could speak -- raised up their voices in praise of their God. They knew that God had delivered them.

These first verses Nephi endeavors to establish his credentials that qualify him to make the record that he is about to make. Good upbringing under his parents' mentorship Experienced in many afflictions Highly favored (or blessed) of the Lord Possessing a knowledge of the mysteries of God I'm looking at this from another perspective this evening though. Instead of listing his credentials, I feel that this is a recognition of his blessings, a thankful acknowledgment at the front this record which sets the tone and position of the author of this text -- gratefully humble and divinely inspired. Doctrine & Covenants 78:19 expresses well the principle that Nephi embodies here at the beginning of this book. "And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more." Gratitude is a precursor to receiving blessings. Where then does obedience fit in to this equation?