Alma 35

We are 73-74 years before the birth of Christ and so about 56 years before he appears to the Nephites after his resurrection. I think there are real parallels between what is happening with the Nephite and Lamanite civilization and our own. One of the reasons we have the Book of Mormon is so we can learn not only how to govern ourselves, but what happens when a society chooses follow paths of righteousness or paths of wickedness. As we move through these years in the Book of Mormon, I think we can learn much regarding what will happen prior to the Lord's second coming. And much of what happens in the Book of Mormon, we can see happening now, and what will happen down the road if we continue in that paths we are in.

In this chapter, there becomes a clear separation of the Zoramite people. Only one type of belief is allowed and all others are cast out of the land. The type of belief allowed among the Zoramites is determined by their political leaders who pool the wealth amongst themselves and those who believe the same as they do. At the same time, the Nephites are growing more wicked which is weakening their ability to defend themselves in the terrible wars that are coming. So what does Alma do? He gathers his sons and counsels each of them to be prepared, to keep the commandments and be righteous and strong so they are prepared for the tribulation that is coming.

In our own time, the Lord has counseled us in the same way that Alma is going to counsel is sons. The Lord knows what is coming and he wants us to put ourselves in the best position possible. In the Doctrine and Covenants he says, "For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore, the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory, the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand. Remember this which I tell you before, that ye may lay it to heart, and receive that which is to follow. Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you, that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come." (D&C 58:2-6) The world is going to see much tribulation. How well we fare will be determined by our faithfulness and righteousness.