THE PROMISED GATHERING: HOW CAN I HELP?

One theme that is part of the warp and woof of the scriptures is that of the gathering of Israel. Like a golden thread through the tapestry of the world, this theme is yet another pattern of God's plan for His children.  As I have read 2 Nephi, I've seen many references to Israel, its scattering and its gathering.  Nephi and his people were participants in the scattering in that God had led them to a new land to set up an inheritance to the tribes of Joseph. Nephi had lived in Jerusalem and he knew through vision of it's destruction and the deportation of the Jews to Babylon.  He had also read in the Brass Plates about the complete disbursement of the ten tribes of Northern Israel. It is likely that his own ancestors fled the Northern Kingdom of Israel for safety in Judah just as his nuclear family had fled Judah.  Now he found himself in a new land, governing a people, most of whom had never know a life in Jerusalem. He wanted to teach them, not only the gospel, but their own history as a part of Israel, along with the covenants and promises to which they were entitled.

Isaiah spoke of the sins of the people in the old world and of the consequences of their turning away from God, Who had always been their protector.  Nephi understood Isaiah and related to these scriptures because he had lived many of them.  How it must have filled his breast with joy to read about the gathering of Israel in the last days.  He wanted his people to know that the Lord would never forget them. It saddened him that they might forget God, but God would never forget them. He has graven them on the palms of His hands. (Isaiah 49:1)

The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is one of the signs of the last days and a key tool in facilitating the Gathering of Israel.  On March 27, 1836, the first temple of this dispensation was dedicated in Kirtland, OH.  Christ appeared to accept His temple.  Following His appearance, other resurrected beings appeared, restoring priesthood keys upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Moses restored the keys of the gathering of Israel.  Elijah restored the keys of the sealing powers of heaven, so that as Israel is gathered, families in Israel can be sealed in Holy Temples for time and eternity. Elias restored the keys to the gospel dispensation of Abraham, including the Abrahamic Covenant. All three keys were necessary for the final gathering of God's people.

We are in the midst of this gathering today.  As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a responsibility to participate as we gather God's people, first to the gospel and then to the lands of their inheritance. In our lesson manual for this week, we read the following: As Latter-day Saints, we have been called to help gather God's people in the latter days in preparation for Christ's millennial reign. As you read [2 Nephi 20-25] ponder how you are helping fulfill the prophecies they describe.  What do you feel inspired to do to help gather God's people?

Missionaries in Ghana

What are some specific things we can do to help fill the earth with “the knowledge of the Lord”? The first thing that comes to mind is full-time missionary service. My grandson served a mission in Ghana. When missionaries first went to Africa, they were met with entire congregations of people who had been studying the Book of Mormon and holding Church services under the Church's name.

But full-time missionary work is not something we do every day. I spent 18 months on a full-time mission, and that is out of the almost 1,000 months of my life.  If that were to be all I ever did, I would be a slothful servant. Thankfully, doing the work of the gathering is far more than that.

My personal missionary mantra

I have chosen to write.  I have four books published, three of them on gospel topics, and a fifth in draft form.  On my mission to Church Headquarters, I was the Communications Manager for the Church Service Missionary Office.  Most of my job was writing, teaching, and training. I have also served two Church Service Missions. Now that my physical abilities are slower than they used to be, I focus almost all of my ministering on my writing. 

I also have been blessed with Solomon's understanding heart. I am compassionate and comforting to those who are discouraged; encouraging and affirming to those who struggle.  I believe all of this is part of my mission.

I invite all of you to ponder upon those things you have done and yet can do to spread the gospel message to the world. What are your gifts and blessings? Once you have identified your gifts, think of way you can use them to further the work.  I promise you that we are God's hands in this work, no matter what our gifts and skills.  If we use them in His service, He will guide us every step of the way.

© February 2020 Dr. Kathleen Rawlings Buntin Danielson