Moroni, Moses, and President Nelson: Vital Correlations with the COVID-19 Vaccine

I listen to the Book of Mormon almost every day and often find what consider be interesting correlations with other goings-on in life. Most recently, am struck by similarities between Nephites’ attitudes regarding defending themselves against Lamanites, Moroni's preparations for war, Moses brazen serpent, development COVID-19 vaccines President Nelson's emphatic encouragement vaccinated.In Alma 48:15–16, it says, “this was their faith . that he [God] would prosper them land; yea, warn flee, or prepare according danger; And also, God make known unto whither they should go defend enemies.” This not a static set actions Nephites were take circumstance order but rather belief each varying inspired led do appropriate situation.Then, 49:8–9, when apostate Nephites, came battle, reads, But behold, [the Lamanites’ Nephites'] uttermost astonishment, righteous Nephites] prepared them, manner which never had been among children Lehi. Now battle after instructions Moroni. pass Amalickiahites, exceedingly astonished at preparation war.It is clear these verses entirely new technologies, tactics, strategies innovated developed because inspiration guidance leaders—and people's cooperation collaboration leaders.Now flash back few thousand years desert Israel. In Numbers 21:6–9 we read: Lord sent fiery serpents people, bit people; much people Israel died. Therefore Moses, said, We have sinned, spoken Lord, thee; pray away from us. prayed people. said Make thee upon pole: shall come pass, one bitten, looketh it, live. made serpent brass, put pole, if bitten any man, beheld lived.The asked removed. The scriptures here say do. It simply “Moses people.” did remove serpents, request. Instead, given an antidote quell effects having bitten.This entire serpent” scenario expounded various times Mormon. Consider verses: After way might healed; labor perform look; simpleness way, easiness there many who perished. (1 Nephi 17:41)But so hardened look, therefore reason look believe heal them. (Alma 33:20)Now forward March 29, 2020. Nelson Church, world, join worldwide fast relief pandemic. He included, “As physician surgeon, great admiration medical professionals, scientists, all are working around clock curb spread COVID-19.”1Less than two weeks later, called second on April 10, 2020 pandemic, including “that present pandemic may controlled,” “our Heavenly Father His Son—the Master Healer—to show forth Their marvelous power bless earth.”2Nine months January 19, 2021, vaccinated shared comments: thankful countless doctors, researchers, manufacturers, government leaders, others performed grueling work required this vaccine available. literal godsend.As former surgeon researcher, know something effort needed accomplish such remarkable feat. Producing safe, effective less year nothing short miraculous. young when, 1953, Dr. Jonas Salk announced cruel crippling disease polio. then watched dramatic impact eradicating polio as most world vaccinated. My professional ecclesiastical experiences convince me vaccinations administered competent professionals protect health preserve life.Receiving today part our personal efforts good global citizens helping eliminate world.”3It note specifically mentioning eliminated vaccinated, implying, directly stating, could thusly well, become vaccinated.On First Presidency released following statement: Vaccinations helped devastating communicable diseases. worked, prayed, fasted being developed, some provided. As opportunities available, Church urges its members, employees missionaries help safeguarding through immunization.4These continued. February per direction, LDS Charities, gave $20 million support provide billion low- middle-income countries.5 upgraded Church's general handbook encourage vaccinations.6 not, only assigned missions within home country.7 August another statement Presidency, plea: “We ourselves fighting war ravages variants. protection diseases cause can achieved immunizing very high percentage population. urge individuals vaccinated.”8In event my argument vital Moroni, apparent, will attempt lay bare here. like though metaphorical. Like technologies fight win war. prophet, highly knowledgeable experienced battleground, has himself used repeatedly urged members use well Yet, ignoring lifted see, those whom Moronihah attempted lead (see Helaman 4), continue refuse due false narrative.It true individual choice matter always affirmed statements agency prime directive. also genuine conditions preclude getting vaccination. For example, daughter friend expecting her first child, husband's blood types, she receive RhoGAM shot.9 Her doctors uncertain how interact recommended waiting until baby's birth There prohibit small numbers vaccine.However, opinion, complacency, obstinacy, affiliation conspiracy theories constitute warrant refusal Stories proliferating about unvaccinated hospital sorely regret along mourning unnecessary deaths unvaccinated.10 “In peace esteemed lightly counsel; trouble, necessity feel me” (D&C 101:8).I several family currently choosing research making decision comes “alternative” doctors. Some evidence appear quite compelling. However, more compelling research, presented traditional opinions proffered political pundits either side aisle testimony concept living prophet. Right now, prophet happens Russell M. Nelson. On topic COVID-19, clear, consistent, continual counsel: Get