In Mormon 7–9, we find Moroni at one of the lowest points imaginable. His nation has crumbled, his people have fallen, and even his father, the great prophet and military leader Mormon, has been slain. Moroni is now entirely alone, not only the last Nephite, but the last one standing to pass on their story. It’s an epic cliffhanger for Moroni, a moment where one could either give in to despair or dig deep for hope. Moroni, of course, chooses the latter—and what he leaves us is nothing short of a miraculous testimony of faith, hope, and love.
Standing Alone, but Standing with God
Let’s put ourselves in Moroni’s shoes (or perhaps sandals) for a moment. Picture the entire world you know crashing down, your friends and family gone, and your very culture erased. Would you still stand firm in your faith? Would you have the courage to turn to God or would despair tempt you down a different path? It’s easy to wonder, “What would I do?” But for Moroni, it was clear. Alone, yes, but not forsaken, Moroni remains grounded in his trust in God and feels his voice can still matter—even to those he will never meet.
It’s worth considering what makes his choice so remarkable. Moroni’s people had fallen, not just because they were unlucky, but because they rejected the covenant relationship God had extended to them. Despite seeing firsthand the painful results of this rebellion, Moroni didn’t allow it to pull him into bitterness or despair. Instead, he believed that his record would have a purpose, that even his lonely testimony could bless and inspire the lives of future generations.
Writing for Future Generations
Imagine Moroni, sitting alone, considering his audience—us! He knows we’ll be reading his words someday, and so he pours his heart out with passion, hope, and some pretty sharp warnings. He wants us to understand why his people fell. But beyond just giving us a history lesson, Moroni pleads with us to take heed, to learn from the mistakes of his people, and to embrace the lasting peace that comes from following Christ.
God’s Promises and the Power of Covenants
Moroni’s final words center on a vital concept: God’s promises. He understood that the prosperity of the Nephite civilization had been directly tied to their faithfulness to God. When they turned away, that foundation of spiritual strength collapsed. The blessings of peace, growth, and security left them as quickly as they had come. It’s as though Moroni is saying, “Don’t make the same mistakes we did! God’s promises are real and worth every bit of devotion.” By sharing the covenant relationship his ancestors had with God, Moroni invites us to take the opportunity to receive these blessings for ourselves, urging us to build our lives on the foundation of faith.
If we imagine ourselves in Moroni’s place, we might want to tell future readers about the kind of life that offers both security and true joy. Even though the Nephites were gone, God’s promises and His love for them hadn’t vanished, and Moroni reminds us of this enduring truth. His message is a testament that even when all else fails, God’s covenants remain.
A Warning and an Invitation
Mormon 9 is like Moroni’s “last call” to anyone who might still be doubting God’s power. In his straightforward way, he warns that disbelief leads only to spiritual darkness and that rejecting God’s miracles only robs us of peace. But his warning is paired with a heartfelt invitation: Moroni doesn’t want us to just avoid mistakes; he wants us to experience the joy of following Christ.
At the heart of Moroni’s message is this simple truth: no matter who you are or what you’ve done, God’s blessings are available if you turn to Him. Moroni’s words aren’t just about avoiding ruin; they’re about finding lasting peace and eternal life. He knows the joy of walking with God and desperately wants us to experience it too.
A Final Challenge for Us Today
As we wrap up our journey through Mormon 7–9, let’s imagine Moroni here with us. What would he challenge us to do with his testimony? How would he want us to live? Moroni knew his time was short, but he had confidence that his words would echo into the hearts of people like us, who would one day read and be inspired by them.
So here’s a challenge for you this week: set aside a bit of time to read Ether 1–5. Why? Because Moroni included the story of the Jaredites—another people who, like the Nephites, had their rise and tragic fall. The Jaredites journeyed from the Tower of Babel to the Americas and, like Moroni’s people, they eventually brought about their own destruction through pride and rebellion. But Moroni includes this history to show us something powerful. In Ether 1–5, we meet the brother of Jared, a prophet whose incredible faith brought miracles and a direct encounter with the Savior Himself. It’s a part of the Book of Mormon filled with hope and the reassurance that faith can bring us face-to-face with God’s love.
Would you be willing to dive into Ether 1–5 this week? As you read, consider why Moroni thought this record could be so powerful for us, and let his testimony strengthen your own faith and hope in God’s promises. Moroni’s message to us is one of choice, hope, and faith in the covenant relationship we have with God. We can be the kind of people who, like Moroni, choose to stand with God, even when times are tough—and discover the strength and peace that choice brings.
