"And it came to pass that after the space of two years that Abinadi came among them in disguise, that they knew him not, and began to prophesy among them, saying: Thus has the Lord commanded me, saying—Abinadi, go and prophesy unto this my people, for they have hardened their hearts against my words; they have repented not of their evil doings; therefore, I will visit them in my anger, yea, in my fierce anger will I visit them in their iniquities and abominations."
Mosiah 12:1
Abinadi had been condemned to death in a previous chapter, so it makes sense that he would come back in disguise, so he wasn't immediately taken by the guards or something. However, it is also interesting that he was prophesying using his real name. I imagine that even though he wasn't immediately recognizable, the idea was eventually to come before the king. It amazes me the lengths that some of the prophets went to in order to get the message across. I imagine that he knew what would eventually happen to him if he came back, but did it anyway, for the Lord. He didn't know if anyone would listen, but he knew it was important. As far as we know, he only converted one person, which out of context might not seem like it was worth being burned to death, but God is wise and knew how much of a difference that one person would make.
The things that the Lord asks us to do are comparatively much easier than what Abinadi had to do, but we can trust, as he did, that the things we are asked and inspired to do will make a difference eventually, even if we can't see it. Perhaps in our lives, perhaps in the lives of the children that we influence, and perhaps in ways that we just can't see... but the Lord is working through us all to bring his work to pass, and if we do his will, it will work for good in all the world around us.
Today, let's learn from Abinadi's example and be willing to do anything for the Lord, trusting that the Lord knows what he is doing, and that our sacrifices will make a difference for good.
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