Lessons From The Prophet Ammon
Ammon is another Book of Mormon prophet whose impact was profound, but whose words were few. We do not currently have Ammon’s last words, or many other records of his teachings, only what we find in Alma. But these few excerpts provide great lessons and example for all of us.
As the oldest son of King Mosiah, Ammon and his brothers Aaron, Omner and Himni were best buddies with Alma (the younger). Born of noble, righteous parents these four young men decided to rebel against their fathers and the church, until they had caused great damage to the reputation of both throughout the land of Zarahemla.
The scriptures tell us that it was the prayers of Alma (the Elder) that precipitated a visit from an angelic messenger to help convince the young men of the error of their ways. It worked out well too (See Mosiah 26-28). In fact, from that point on all five of them became truly converted and committed to building up God’s Kingdom insomuch that they spent the rest of their lives serving the Lord and his people, at great personal sacrifice.
As the firstborn son, Ammon was the rightful heir to the kingdom after his father stepped down from the throne. But Ammon, and subsequently all three of his brothers, gave up the crown to go in among the Lamanites as missionaries preaching the word of God. Alma went in one direction and the four sons of Mosiah in another.
“They had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God…having had much success in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, by the power of their words many were brought before the altar of God, to call on his name and confess their sins before him… they had many afflictions; they did suffer much, both in body and in mind, such as hunger, thirst and fatigue, and also much labor in the spirit.” (Alma 17:3-5)
Fourteen years after their departure from Zarahemla, Alma, accompanied by Amulek, once again meets up with the four sons of Mosiah. Great is their joy. And after spending an undisclosed amount of time together rejoicing and uplifting, teaching, and inspiring and blessing one another they once again separate – with the four sons of Mosiah each going in a different direction.
“Now Ammon being the chief among them, or rather he did administer unto them, and he departed from them, after having blessed them according to their several stations, having imparted the word of God unto them, or administered unto them before his departure; and thus they took their several journeys throughout the land. And Ammon went to the land of Ishmael, the land being called after the sons of Ishmael, who also became Lamanites. (Alma 18-19)
Ammon was immediately captured and brought before King Lamoni. Whereupon the king asks him why he has come to their land. Ammon’s response is simply that he wishes to dwell among them and serve the king. Now what king could refuse an offer like that? So Ammon is assigned to help protect the king’s flock of sheep – which was being systematically hijacked by other Lamanite groups. It seems there was a standing order that if any sheep were lost on your watch, you paid for it with your life, making this responsibility a grave one (no pun intended). Sure enough, after only three days on the job the sheep pirates hit again. Ammon single handedly beats them all back in an exciting “must read” counter attack that won him the king’s respect – even awe, as they were quite certain no mere “man” could have performed the almost supernatural feat. (Alma 17:26-39)
Humbled and fearful of Ammon’s strength and superpowers, King Lamoni suspects that Ammon might just be the “Great Spirit” his fathers had believed in, sent down to punish him for slaying the servants who failed to adequately guard his sheep. With trepidation the king approaches Ammon, while he is yet again serving in the stables preparing the king’s chariots. That ensuing dialogue led to the king’s complete conversion, as Ammon teaches Lamoni the Plan of Salvation. (Alma 18)
We can learn three great missionary lessons from Ammon’s experience with King Lamoni – which gets even in more nail-biting in Alma chapter 19.
- Before he presumed to teach the Lamanites he lived among them, learning about them – getting to know how they think and feel and what they believe in or held dear. And I’m sure in the process he came to love the people as well.
- Ammon won the king’s favor not through incredible intelligence or social status, high fashion, or wealth but by the simple act of service. How many doors might be opened to us through the arms of selfless service?
- Ammon boldly taught, not obscure, over-the-head mysteries of heaven, but rather the simple, powerful, beautiful truths found in the Plan of Salvation in a way that the king could truly understand and embrace it.
How much more successful could each of us be in leading others to Gospel truths if we followed this wonderful example? In speaking of Ammon’s experience with King Lamoni, President Henry B. Eyring said, “Never, never underestimate the spiritual value of doing temporal things well for those whom you serve…be their servants, and you will love them. And they will feel your love. And more importantly they will feel God’s love.” (The Book of Mormon Will Change Your Life,” Ensign, Feb. 2004, 13-14).