Act Four: The Gathering of Israel
Knowing there is one more stage left in this four act play, what are the prospects for the Church that is embedded in the Gentile nations? If history is our guide we are facing difficult circumstances at best.
The fourth and final phase is the gathering of Israel. We know from Romans 11:25 that Israel will not be gathered until the Gentile opportunity reaches its apex: “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” The fourth phase cannot commence until the Gentile opportunity reaches a “fulness.” For the Jews, a fulness was the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. “What will be the fulness for the Gentiles?” The answer to this question should be of concern to all.[i]
In his letter to Mr. Seaton, Joseph issued the following warning to the Gentiles: “And now I am prepared to say by the authority of Jesus Christ, that not many years shall pass away before the United States shall present such a scene of bloodshed as has not a parallel in the history of our nation; pestilence, hail, famine, and earthquake will sweep the wicked of this generation, from off the face of the land, to open and prepare the way for the return of the lost tribes of Israel from the north country. The people of the Lord, those who have complied with the requirements of the new covenant, have already commenced gathering together to Zion, which is in the state of Missouri: therefore I declare unto you the warning which the Lord has commanded me to declare unto this generation.”[ii]
The people to whom Joseph referred were unsuccessful in establishing Zion and the Church was rejected in their attempt, eventually being driven away from Jackson County, Missouri and scattered to the western United States. They suffered the same fate the children of Israel suffered when they were led to Sinai and rejected personal representation before the Lord.[iii]
The failure of the saints to establish Zion likely deferred some of the judgments Joseph Smith spoke of until the last days.
Joseph Smith and the Gathering of Israel
God promised Israel that one day He would gather them.[iv] Of that day Joseph said, “But their unbelief has not rendered the promise of God of none effect: no, for there was another day limited in David, which was the day of His power; and then His people, Israel, should be a willing people; - and He would write His law in their hearts, and print it in their thoughts; their sins and their iniquities He would remember no more.”[v]
Israel will gather after the Gentiles reject for the second time a covenant relationship with God. The Gentiles who repent will assemble with those who are “willing people” and have the Lord’s laws written in their hearts and minds. Theirs is not rote obedience but obedience by nature, meaning they have become the sons and daughters of Christ and emulate their spiritual Father.[vi] Then they will be Israel because they are truly a people who are “Chosen” by God. Israel is not limited to a lineal title but represents people who share a unity in the faith and a willing heart.[vii] He will be their God and they, without compulsion will be His people. Israel will keep the commandments of God because they love Him.[viii]
We are in the twilight of the Gentile opportunity and those who become a “willing people” now, will stand through the challenges that lie ahead. Some will repent and become that way through the things which they suffer. One thing is certain. We are approaching a “line in the sand” drawn by God and the better we prepare for that day the more likely we are to stand.
I know Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God and his words are true. Joseph concluded his remarks with the following counsel: “Remember these things; call upon the Lord while He is near, and seek Him while He may be found, is the exhortation of your unworthy servant.”[ix]
[i] D&C 45:28-31
[ii] “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”, Joseph Fielding Smith, Deseret Book, 1974, pg. 17
[iii] D&C 84:19-24
[iv] 1 Nephi 10:14
[v] “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”, Joseph Fielding Smith, Deseret Book, 1974, pg. 15
[vi] Mosiah 5:2-7
[vii] Romans 9:6-8
[viii] John 14:15
[ix] “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”, Joseph Fielding Smith, Deseret Book, 1974, pg. 18
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