BE GATHERED

 

The third needful step in preparation for the Second Coming according to Doctrine and Covenants 133:4 is for the House of Israel to be gathered. Two things are accomplished by this endeavour:

“Firstly, those who have thus chosen Christ as their Shepherd, those who have taken upon themselves his name in the waters of baptism; those who are seeking to enjoy his Spirit here and now and to be inheritors of eternal life hereafter – such people need to be gathered together to strengthen each other and to help one another perfect their lives.

“Secondly, those who are seeking the highest rewards in eternity need to be where they can receive the blessings of the house of the Lord, both for themselves and for their ancestors in Israel who died without a knowledge of the gospel, but who would have received it with all their heart had opportunity afforded.”

-       - Bruce R. McConkie, “Come: Let Israel Build Zion”, Ensign May 1977, p 117

No concept of the Gospel ignites my heart more than the House of Israel as the chosen people of God who has favoured Israel above all the nations of the world, the great Jehovah who has proclaimed: "I am a father to Israel and Ephraim is my firstborn" (Jeremiah 31:9).

The proclamations of Saviour’s love for Israel are prolific in the scriptures. Perhaps the greatest of them is this: “O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine….I have loved thee… Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east and gather thee from the west…..I will say to the north, give up; and to the south, keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth….” (Isaiah 43:1-6)

Numerous scriptures refer to Israel as Jehovah’s jewels (Exodus 28:17-21; Malachi 3:17; D&C 60:4; 101:3) and ‘the apple of His eye’  (Deut 32:9,10; Zechariah 2:8). These are incredibly intimate and loving expressions.

It is simply not enough to physically be of the House of Israel. One must be so spiritually to be the 'apple of His eye'. Love is a two-way street. He loves us because we are the believing, the repentant, the obedient. And if not, then we should be.

We have accepted the Holy One of Israel to be our God. We are gathering from among all nations to be one people and one day we will kneel together at His feet and acknowledge Him as the God of miracles who has preserved us, loved us and brought us home to the kingdom of our God.

Thy love for Thy people is beyond compare,

Thy mercy affixed forever more.

Thy power delivers us and

Thy loving kindness gathers us;

We are restored by Thy merciful might,

We are Israel, children of light.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Love Everlasting by Youngsung Kim)