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Ah, Abinadi...


It is difficult to imagine what it must have been like for Abinadi.

Here's a guy who was only doing what he felt was right, and yet was burned to death. It is interesting to note the similarities between him and others who would suffer death by fire. It is also interesting to note that some were saved from the flames (Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego) and from other similar perils (Daniel, the Three Nephites, etc). But many, many more have to give the ultimate sacrifice for their faith. Would I be able to withstand such torture and pressure? I'd like to think so, but I've certainly never been tested like this.

Abinadi is examined by the wicked King Noah and his evil priests, who question him regarding the law of Moses. He has the opportunity to explain the gospel to them (see earlier posts), noting that the law of Moses points to the ultimate sacrifice of the Savior. It is through Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, that salvation and redemption comes to the children of men. Thus, the law of Moses is a preparatory law, all things directing us to the mission of our Lord. And as Christ, Abinadi, and many others have been willing to sacrifice everything they had for the Lord, so should we be willing to give up everything we have. Our lives may not be required, but in a larger sense, they are required. The Lord requires the heart and a willing mind, and then the blessings flow.

When I was called to be the bishop, as with every other calling I've had or extended, there is the opportunity to accept or reject. The healing that comes through the gospel is the greatest blessings we can hope for in this life, the miracle that transforms the heart of stone into a fleshy heart, one that is easy to be acted upon, one that is flexible, bendable, and moldable. We put our ability to choose into the hands of the Master and allow Him to shape us.

That's what Abinadi's call was for - repentance and humility, both of which were in short supply in the kingdom of Noah. It's unclear from the record if Abinadi ever knew the impact he would have on the world. He affected the Nephite nation for generations - Alma the Elder, Alma the Younger, Helaman, Helaman, Nephi (x3) - the last of which was a disciple called by the Lord Himself. His testimony is now read by millions, in every language and amongst every people. Such is the impact of righteous people on the world.

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