Quick Post

One of the cool things we talked about in class this week was in Mormon, chapter 1. We discussed the striking similarities between Mormon and Joseph Smith and how they compare to each other. In verse 2 it says that he was a "sober child," and "quick to observe." We can imagine Mormon as very contemplative and aware of when it was appropriate to have fun and when it was necessary to deal with serious matters. As we know, Joseph Smith was very much the same way. As much as he loved his games and pulling people  over sticks, he also was a sober, meek child who knew how to study. In verse 6 we read that Mormon "was carried by [his] father into the land southward" at the age of 11, and in one of the accounts of Joseph Smith's father, we read that he moved the family to Palmyra, New York after his family experienced many trials. Ironically enough, Joseph was the meek age of 11 as well. In chapter 2 we read that Mormon was appointed to be the leader of the Nephite armies, and we know that the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph when he was near the age of 15 as well. These striking similarities are reminders to us of how the Lord prepares His servants and is mindful of their roles in life.

In chapter 2, we also read about the stumbling block of the Nephites. We see in verses 10-12 that they did "begin" to repent and "begin" to cry, but in 13 it says that their sorrowing was not for repentance to God; but rather it was a sadness for and of themselves. In 14 we read that "they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts, but they did curse God, and wish to die." These are the kind of things they experienced, and this is a lesson to us to not let our trials and struggles separate us from God. We need to let them bring us closer to Him.