1. To tell them his son Mosiah will be their next king, and
2. To "give this people a name."
They gather in families, in tents around the temple to hear one of the most amazing speeches. It is filled with doctrine like how indebted we are to God and that we should serve Him and our fellowman, that Christ would come (this was before Christ's birth) and "there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."
King Benjamin teaches them many things, the result being:
A MIGHTY CHANGE OF HEART
that they "have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually," and they "rejoice with such exceedingly great joy" and they enter into a covenant with God:"And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days..."(Mosiah 5:5)
For this covenant, King Benjamin gives them a new name: "Children of Christ" and councils them:
"I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives."
The scriptures record that there was no contention and continual peace for at least three whole years.
What would years of no contention and peace be like? I'd LOVE to see it, just in my own little family!
We have a chance to listen to a prophet of God and other leaders this weekend during General Conference. I listened to every talk from the last General Conference (last October) and I testify that the messages are from God, through the voices of His church leaders. The messages can bring "a mighty change of heart" to those who listen, and our strength and peace will increase, as will our commitment to follow the Savior.
That is the "Power of Prophets," to help us change through inspired council. I pray that we will all do so.
