Just got through studying Abinadi again....LOVED it all!! I am so impressed with not only his testimony and his willingness to sacrifice all for the Savior....but, I'm also so impressed with how his testimony is basically going to affect all the church leadership and government organization from this point on through the end of the Book of Mormon. I seriously loved re-reading his words. I think I know when Alma felt the spirit....it's when Abinadi started quoting from Isaiah....well...at least that's when I got a little weepy. The timing was perfect and reminded me of the 3rd article of faith....it's not that we're saved just by obedience to the laws and ordinaces only...It's that we're saved "THROUGH" the atonement of Christ. King Noah and the people lived the "law" of Moses and they did their little burnt offering "ordinances" but they didn't believe in the atonement or live by it. Am I like that? Do I go to church, go to the temple, get my visiting teaching done, partake of the sacrament without relying on the atonement? I was sad to realize...yep, I sometimes did. That's why I get frustrated sometimes or tired, or sad, lonely..... So powerfully done Abinadi!! Well done!!
I do have one burning question though......all of the artists renditions of Abinadi have him as an old man....one buff armed old man...but still...old. So, the question is....why do they consider him to be old? I found no reference to his age at all. Not only that, I couldn't find out anything about him. Where did he come from, was he married, had kids??? What if Abinadi was younger like me, would that make a difference in my "awe" of him? What if he in his 20's? Would that make it even more amazing that he would be willing to give up his life? Does age make it so we are more willing to give up our life or see things in a bigger picture? I don't know. But, if anyone can find a reference for me pertaining to his age, let me know!! I know it's not critical to any salvation...but...if all these artists are picturing him as old....WHY??? If you haven't studied your scriptures today, maybe you can do it now to find my answer - ha! :)
11 comments:
Julie, your quiry about Abinidi's age interested me and so I did a little research within the writings of the Brethren.
It appears that we know nothing of Abinadi’s early life. The Arnold Friberg painting depicts Abinadi as an old man, thin and weather-beaten. It may have been so. But I found nothing in the writings to indicate whether he was old or young, large or small. All I know is that the Brethren have embraced this picture depiction of him ,and so you can be safe in taking your direction from that fact.
If I had to guess...I'd say he was older...like 50+yrs or so. Only because he had such wisdom and knowledge....and, in my opinion, that generally requires lots of life experience.
However there are some great exceptions to this: Joseph Smith, Nephi, and Mormon...
Okay, I have to call to find out if it was mom or dad that left the comment...I'm thinking mom because she LOVES the scripture hunt...but then again...hmmmm....you two are getting to be too similar in your old age :) I LOVE IT!!
Jamie...I think age does bring much wisdom and he sure was wise! I like your insight!! :)
I think he was balding with glasses as that really defines wisdom in a man. My vote is middle aged - around 40 which gave him time to gain wisdom but still some strength left in him to do the work.
Bob
Maybe he was a "lefty"... I hear they have lots of wisdom too! :)
Let me know if anyone discovers anything. I'd like to know!!
Good question. Curious how we don't really know much about such an amazing man.
That comment sounds like Mom Ordyna...was it her? Or maybe it was the taller Ordyna in the house:).
I don't have any helpful insights on Abinidi's age. I do think it would change the story if he was younger...at least for me.
I wish I was in your seminary class!
Good thoughts on there, Julie. I love your spiritual openness. Definately some q's to ask myself!
That is interesting. Lyli asked me the other night why he has chains on in some pictures, but in two of her other books, he is bound by rope....hmmmmmm.....
I wonder... will you ever update your blog or are you solely a facebook gal now????
I was excited to see a new page layout...but then you totally disappointed me with your ancient Abinadi post still there! I am sick of it. We a Julie fix!!
Even if it's about Taco Bell.
At least I can anticipate the back to school pictures! I love your kids.
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