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Alma 6-7

In Alma Chapter 6 Alma sets things in order in Zarahemla, making sure good local leaders are in place for the church, so he can leave to travel and preach the gospel more extensively.  He arrives in the land of Gideon and I love how nervous he is about speaking.  He hopes that he will do a good job, that his message will be clear, and that the Holy Ghost will touch their hearts, and ultimately that people will be brought closer to their Savior, Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father.  I think these feelings we can all relate to in our many efforts and opportunities to share the gospel.  To me this is one of the moment where you are reminded that Alma was a prophet, but also a human being with fears and weakness. 

Had two things that stood out to me as I studied these words of Alma in chapter 7 as he declared the joyous message of the birth, life, Atonement of the Savior.  The first was in Alma 7:12 and the use of the word "succor" to explain why Christ would suffer all that he would. Elder Holland teaches that "[Succor] is used often in the scriptures to describe Christ's care for and attention to us.  It means literally 'to run to.' What a magnificent way to describe the Savior's urgent effort in our behalf.  Even as he calls us to come to him and follow him, he is unfailingly running to help us" (Jeffrey R. Holland, "Come unto Me," Ensign, April 1998, pg 16-23). The imagery painted by Alma and Elder Holland of the Savior running to our aid in our darkest moments but also in hour celebratory hours is humbling.

The other thing I loved from chapter 7 was Alma's invitation in verse 15: "Yea, I say unto you come and fear not." Repenting and coming to Christ is not something to be feared, in fact doing those things brings joy and peace although Satan would have us believe that we can't, or we shouldn't, or it is too scary, or all the work and effort won't be worth it. Come and lose your fear, come and find peace, come and find joy, come and find hope. What are you doing to come? 


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