The first time Samuel the Lamanite tried to share “glad tidings” in Zarahemla (Helaman 13:7), he was rejected and cast out by the hard-hearted Nephites. You might say it was as if they had built an impenetrable wall around their hearts that prevented them from receiving Samuel’s message. Samuel understood the importance of the message he bore and demonstrated faith by following God’s commandment “that he should return again, and prophesy” (Helaman 13:3). Like Samuel, we all encounter walls as we “prepare the way of the Lord” (Helaman 14:9) and strive to follow His prophets. And like Samuel, we too bear witness of Jesus Christ, “who surely shall come,” and invite all to “believe on his name” (Helaman 13:6; 14:13). Not everyone will listen, and some may actively oppose us. But those who believe in this message with faith in Christ find that it truly is a message of “glad tidings of great joy” (Helaman 16:14).
In the scriptures, prophets are sometimes compared to watchmen on a wall or tower who warn of danger (see Isaiah 62:6; Ezekiel 33:1–7). As you study Samuel’s words in Helaman 13, consider how he is like a watchman for you. What did he say that seems relevant to our day? (see especially verses 8, 21–22, 26–29, 31, and 38). For example, what did Samuel teach about repentance? about humility and wealth? about seeking happiness “in doing iniquity”?
You might also search recent conference messages for similar warnings the Lord has given through modern prophets. What do you feel inspired to do about these warnings?
Look for patterns. A pattern is a plan or model that can be used as a guide for accomplishing a task. In the scriptures, we find patterns that show how the Lord accomplishes His work, such as sending His servants to warn the people.
Samuel’s warnings of the judgments of God consistently included a merciful invitation to repent. Look for these invitations throughout Helaman 13–15 (see especially Helaman 13:6–11; 14:15–19; 15:7–8). What do you learn from these verses about repentance? Some people see repentance as a harsh punishment—something to avoid. In your opinion, how did Samuel want the Nephites to see repentance?
To deepen your study, you could read President Russell M. Nelson’s message “We Can Do Better and Be Better” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 67). How does he define repentance? What blessings of sincere repentance do you find in his message? You might also look for specific things the prophet invited us to change. What is the Holy Ghost telling you that you need to change? Consider writing down the personal revelation you receive.
How is repentance different than just changing your behavior? Why is it important to accept God’s invitation to repent? As you ponder this, consider singing or listening to a hymn that expresses this invitation, such as “How Gentle God’s Commands” (Hymns, no. 125).
See also “Jesus Christ Will Help You,” For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, 6–9; “Repentance: A Joyful Choice,” “Principles of Peace: Repentance” (videos), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics “Repentance,” Gospel Library.
God sent signs and wonders to testify of the Savior’s birth and death.
In Helaman 14, Samuel explained that the Lord provided signs of the Savior’s birth and death so that the people “might know of … his coming” and “believe on his name” (Helaman 14:12). As you study Helaman 14, note the signs of the Savior’s birth in verses 1–8 and the signs of His death in verses 20–28. Why do you think these signs would be effective ways to signify the birth and death of Jesus Christ?
Other more personal and less dramatic signs can help you “believe on [the Savior’s] name.” What has He done to strengthen your belief in Him?
What caution is given about signs in Helaman 16:13–23? How can you avoid the attitude of the people described in these verses?
Samuel’s words contain many stern chastisements, but Helaman 15:3 gives us perspective on chastening from the Lord. How can chastisement from the Lord be a sign of His love? What evidence do you see of the Lord’s love and mercy in Samuel’s prophecies and warnings?
Consider studying Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s message “As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 97–100), looking for three purposes of divine chastening. When have you seen God work in these ways in your life?
In Helaman 16, what do you learn from people who accepted Samuel’s teachings? What do you learn from people who rejected him? Think about how following the living prophets has helped you draw closer to Jesus Christ.
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
How can you teach your children that God can speak to our heart, as He did for Samuel? Perhaps you could ask them to show you different ways to communicate without words (such as gestures or facial expressions). This could lead to a discussion about different ways that Heavenly Father communicates with us. As part of this discussion, you and your children could look at a picture of Samuel the Lamanite (this outline has two) and read Helaman 13:2–5 as your children listen for how God told Samuel what to say.
Many of us—especially children—need help learning to recognize how and when God is speaking to us. You might tell your children about a time when the Holy Ghost helped you know in your heart what God wanted you to do or say. Explain how you knew that God was communicating with you. Perhaps your children could also share any similar experiences they have had.
Singing together “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 36) may be a good way to teach your children what Samuel taught about Jesus Christ. Sharing “Chapter 40: Samuel the Lamanite Tells about Jesus Christ” (Book of Mormon Stories, 111–13) is another. What did Samuel teach about the Savior? Perhaps you could also share what modern prophets teach about Him. How do their words build our faith in Him?
You can build your children’s trust in the prophet by showing them examples of people who were faithful. Some of these are found in Helaman 16:1, 5. As you read, your children could stand up when they hear something the people did when they believed Samuel’s words. Then, as you read verses 2 and 6, your children could sit down when they hear something the people did when they did not believe. How can we show that we believe the words of the living prophet? Tell the children how you are blessed as you follow the Lord’s counsel through His prophets.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
