SHEPHERDS AND MISSIONARIES

After Ammon separates from his brothers he enters into a portion of the Land of the Lamanites called the Land of Ismael which is ruled over by the son of the King of the Lamanites named Lamoni. (Alma 18)

Ammon’s personal mission report begins by relating a story of how he becomes a servant to Lamoni, is sent out to assist in guarding the king’s sheep and ends up disarming the thieves who attempt to scatter the flocks and steal them.

Three thoughts immediately entered my mind as I was reading once again these wondrous events which transpired at the beginning of his mission. First, all the young boys who are working their way through The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ for the first time are suddenly very attentive to what they are reading. Second, the line we used to use in Reno when slot machines had an arm which was pulled about this being the origin of one armed bandits, probably wouldn’t be understood by the present generation who are only acquainted with slot machines which have buttons to push. And third, is one of the reasons missionaries try to include something harrowing when they report their missions is because Ammon included this fantastic example?

Anyway, regardless of our own feelings about what took place at the beginning of Ammon’s mission, what happened as a result borders on the miraculous.

Lamoni is astonished at the physical power of Ammon.

Lamoni is amazed that Ammon has the power to discern his thoughts.

Lamoni begins to wonder if Ammon is the Great Spirit.

Lamoni is chagrined about having sent the Great Spirit to prepare the horses and chariot for a journey.

Lamoni becomes humble and teachable.

Although the names, events and places may change the process of becoming humble and teachable which leads to coming unto God always seem to remain the same.

An individual must come to the understanding that no matter how powerful they might be or what honor may have been bestowed upon them there exists a power greater than they are.

A person must come to the understanding that Heavenly Father calls and sets apart individuals to be shepherds.

A person must recognize that their understanding is elementary and that there is much more they do not understand.

A person must become sufficiently humble to accept the teachings brought to them by one of the Lord’s shepherds.

Anyone who has had the privilege of being called to tend a portion of the Lord’s flocks, quickly understands that of the components which exist in the dynamics of missionary work; the readiness of the person being taught, the provider of the word and the Holy Spirit, the least dynamic of these elements is the provider of the word.

No matter how prepared and learned the provider of the word is if the listener is not humbly prepared to be taught or if the Holy Spirit is not allowed to testify of the truthfulness of the words conversion will not happen.

Once all these components were in place Lamoni was ready to accept the words Ammon would teach and Ammon was able to begin to teach with boldness starting where Lamoni’s understanding was and then expanding that knowledge.

Ammon taught Lamoni that the Great Spirit he believed in was the very God who dwells in Heaven and who knows the thoughts and intents of all our hearts.

Ammon taught Lamoni about man being created in the image of God.

Ammon taught Lamoni that we come to know the truth when we are called to teach by the Holy Spirit and it is by that same Holy Spirit that we can come to know that which is just and true.

Ammon taught Lamoni about the creation of Adam and Eve and the fall of man from the presence of God.

Ammon taught Lamoni the words of the prophets from the holy scriptures.

Ammon taught Lamoni about the causes of the separation of the children of Lehi.

Ammon taught Lamoni the Plan of Redemption

Lamoni feels and understands the mercy of God.

Just as missionaries throughout the ages are very familiar with the process Ammon describes in Lamoni’s coming unto Christ and although the conversions we may witness during our lives may not be as dramatic and end as climatic as that of Lamoni’s the essential components and progression will seldom vary from the pattern found in this account.

I am impressed to emphasize one last time the absolute necessity of the readiness of the listener and the manifestation of the truth through the Holy Spirit, lest for some reason we fall into the trap of thinking our part was of great importance. All we need to remind us of our place is to reread the results of Moses taking credit for bringing water to the Israelites or David overvaluing his importance.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE