Today I read the allegory of the olive tree. It is a good allegory when read alone, but I especially like it in the context of why it is there. Jacob includes it to explain to his people how the Jews can be saved by Christ after they have rejected him. It tells of how the Lord works to give his people the chance to repent and return to him. And when they return, he doesn't reject them for their past failures; he welcomes them and rejoices.
People often say the Book of Mormon is about the pride cycle. They focus on how the people turn away from God because of their pride and then return to him after they are humbled. They seem to talk of it as one giant cautionary tale. I think of it differently. I think it is a grand story of redemption. No one in the Book of Mormon is too far gone to save. Even Amalakiah, one of the most despicable, wicked human beings, is given the chance by Moroni to change his ways and return to God. And when the people in general, or individuals repent, the Lord welcomes them and rejoices in their faithfulness. Since the Book of Mormon is supposed to bring us to Christ, I like the focus on redemption.
Christ's forgiveness is one of the most comforting assurances that I can receive. I mess up all the time. I watch my kids mess up. The knowledge that my Savior is willing to forgive and make me whole, no matter what mistakes I make, is something I cherish. He forgives us all and I love him for it.
Zenos's allegory is a beautiful reminder of the redemptive power of Christ's Atonement. I am grateful that no matter how wild, unfruitful, or evil any of us might become, the Lord will be here to prune, nourish, cut back, graft, and tend to our needs so that we may become the best that we can be.
