Artworks for Helaman and 3 Nephi 1-11
Our artistic journey through the Book of Mormon continues! Each month on our website, you can find artworks to accompany each of the coming month's Come, Follow Me readings. You can also subscribe to get email reminders when new artworks are ready or follow along weekly on Instagram or Facebook. We hope that art-lovers everywhere will be inspired by these artworks as they complement their gospel study, family discussions, and church classes with fine art from around the world. Here are our selected artworks for September
August 26 - September 1
The words of Helaman 5:12 are well-known and powerful: “...when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds...it shall have no power over you...because of the rock [of our Redeemer] upon which ye are built....” Eugene Garin’s wind-crazed seascape allegorizes the feelings of anxiety, doubt, guilt, and temptation so many of us feel. Too often we relate to the lost ship in the background, unable to control the wind and waves and unable to effectively communicate our distress. However, Helaman reminds us that, by fixing ourselves to the immovable, solid foundation of Jesus Christ, we can draw upon His strength to help us withstand the storms of life.
What makes up the foundations of your life?
September 2-8
In Helaman 7-12, Nephi laments the state of spiritual and societal decline brought to the Nephite people by the Gadianton robbers, a “secret combination” that sought to gain power and wealth through illicit means. These men abused the system of justice for their own gain, arresting righteous followers of Christ, while allowing the wicked to walk free. But Nephi continued to call his people to repentance, preaching and prophesying to all who would listen. His message was one of hope: no matter how far one has strayed from the peaceful, just, and merciful arms of God, there is always a chance at redemption.
What strengthens your hope in Christ?
September 9-15
The story of Samuel the Lamanite is one of resolution and steadfastness in one’s beliefs. Samuel literally stood in the face of danger and defended his faith in Jesus Christ to a crowd of incredulous unbelievers. He was mocked for his prophecies and berated for his calls to repentance, but his firm confidence in his Savior held resolute. Through the hurled arrows and insults, Samuel remained dedicated and refused to yield to the unrighteous temptations of the world.
As the only figure atop the wall, Samuel literally stands alone in Ella Peacock’s painting. But perhaps it is not a coincidence that he also stands above the crowds of hecklers, spiritually lifted by his faith in Christ. His position on the wall mirrors the position of his heart: standing strong, knowing that with the Lord’s help, he will not fall.
How do you stand strong in a confusing and unreliable world?
September 16-22
For the Nephites in the Americas, the years prior to the birth of Christ were filled with distress and uncertainty. Samuel the Lamanite had prophesied that a new star would emerge in the sky as a sign of the Savior’s coming, but several years later, it had yet to appear. As the previously devoted believers doubted the Lord’s timing, the prayers of Nephi called down the Lord’s assurance that the sign would be given that very night, heralding the birth of the Savior to the world.
This woodcut shows the three Magi carrying their gifts for the infant Christ, having seen that same star in the heavens. If Nephi had the faith to ask God for an assurance that an omen would appear, these wise men had the faith to follow those heavenly signs. Both parties had conviction in the Lord’s timing and the confidence to grasp onto His miracles when they presented themselves.
How have you seen the Lord’s timing in your life?
September 23-29
When the resurrected Christ came to His people on the American continent, He appeared with the physical scars of His crucifixion still present on His body. These wounds not only allowed Christ to verify His identity as the Son of God who died for our sins, but also served as a reminder of the promise of resurrection and eternal life. The physical destruction faced by the Nephites after His death, as well as the pain endured by Christ Himself, brought forth spiritual fulfillment and rebirth, and the Atonement serves as a beautiful promise of the renewal that comes through Christ.
This painting by Herbert Schmalz depicts the moments following Christ’s death, as His mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, and John the Beloved return from Calvary. The sky is mostly dark and stormy, but patches of sunlight illuminate the scene and remind the viewer that after destruction comes renewal.
What helps you feel renewed?
