In Alma 17, we find one of the most remarkable stories of missionary service in all of scripture. Ammon, a prince who could have lived in comfort, chose instead to become a servant, declaring with profound humility, “I will be thy servant” (Alma 17:25). What strikes me most as I study this chapter are the beautiful phrases that paint a picture of not just Ammon’s service, but of our own covenant relationship with Christ.
When Ammon committed to serve King Lamoni, he did so with complete dedication—”perhaps until the day I die” (Alma 17:23). This wasn’t a casual commitment or a temporary arrangement. It reminds me of our own covenant to follow the Savior, which requires our whole hearts, our whole lives, our complete dedication.
As the story unfolds, we see Ammon protecting the king’s flocks, working to “[restore] these flocks unto the king” and “win the hearts” of his fellow servants (Alma 17:29). Aren’t we, too, tasked with helping to gather the Lord’s flock? Don’t we also seek to win hearts and help restore souls to our Heavenly King?
Perhaps the most beautiful imagery comes when Ammon and his fellow servants work to “bring them back unto the place of water” (Alma 17:31). As I pondered this phrase, I was struck by its spiritual significance. Christ himself declared, “whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). When we serve others, we’re not just solving temporal problems—we’re helping guide souls to the Living Water that only Christ can provide.
I love how the servants worked together to “encircle the flocks round about” (Alma 17:33), protecting them from those who would scatter them. In our own day, don’t we need this same unity and vigilance in protecting and strengthening each other against the forces that would scatter the Lord’s flock?
Ultimately, their goal was to return the flocks to “the pasture of the king” (Alma 17:39). This mirrors our ultimate purpose: to help guide souls back to our Heavenly Father’s presence. Just as Ammon’s service opened hearts to receive the gospel, our own acts of Christlike service can prepare others to receive the restored gospel and return to their heavenly home.
As I reflect on these verses, I’m reminded that true discipleship isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about consistent, dedicated service. Like Ammon, we’re called to serve “perhaps until the day I die,” helping guide others to the Living Water that is Jesus Christ, and working together to bring souls back to our Heavenly King’s presence.
What touches my heart most is how this ancient story so perfectly illustrates our modern mission. Whether we’re parents nurturing testimonies in our homes, Primary teachers planting seeds of faith, ministering brothers and sisters reaching out with love, youth serving in their quorums and classes, temple workers assisting in sacred ordinances, or simply disciples trying to live our covenants – we’re all engaged in this sacred work of gathering Israel and bringing souls to Christ.
I testify that as we serve with the dedication of Ammon, the Lord will magnify our efforts. He is the Living Water for which all souls thirst, and it is our privilege to help guide others to His healing stream.
Elder Linder 