I was reading the other day in Ether 11 and something stood out to me.  And just to give you some perspective, this chapter of Moroni’s abridgment of the Jaredite plates spans a significant amount of time across multiple generations.  

In verse 1, many prophets are sent to the Jaredites warning the people of destruction if they did not repent.  These prophets were rejected by the people and were put to death.  

Again in verse 12, there came many prophets warning the people of destruction if they did not repent. Again, the people rejected the prophets and “would not hearken unto their words.”  The prophets mourned over the people’s wickedness and withdrew from among them.  

Again in verse 20, there came many prophets warning the people of destruction if they did not repent. Again, the people did reject all the words of the prophets.  

There are other instances throughout the Book of Ether in which prophets were sent to the people to warn them of destruction if they did not repent (see Ether 7:23; 9:28; 12:2). 

Sometimes, we feel like we are only given one chance to keep the commandments and that we need to do everything perfectly.  It’s comforting to know that when we make mistakes and sin, the Lord will still be there for us when we repent.  He will not give up on us!  

Not only did the Lord send prophets on many different occasions to the Jaredites to give them a chance to repent, but He sent many prophets on multiple occasions.  Amulek taught that we have been given “so many witnesses” of the truth of the gospel (Alma 34:33).  Amulek himself says he was “called many times” before he finally responded positively to the angel who came to tell him to care for Alma (Alma 10:6). 

I love the patterns that we can find in the Book of Mormon if we are looking for them.  I testify that the Good Shepherd has called after us before, and He is still calling after us today (see Alma 5:37).  He will give us every opportunity possible to hearken to His voice and follow Him.  It is awesome to consider His long-suffering and patience with us throughout our mortal journey.  It makes me want to react in kind and be a more patient husband and dad.  I’m grateful for the many witnesses we’ve been given.  We’ve been blessed with many prophets, too, who warn us of dangers we face today.  It’s up to us accept and follow their counsel for our safety.