Return to "Gather"

As you may have surmised, this process can seem a bit scattered. It is not a linear process where we move step by systematic step from point A to point B. The process is like putting together a puzzle, where you strive to find pieces that fit together and as we assemble the puzzle pieces the picture increases in clarity. We must resist the temptation to try and force the learning process. We need to trust the Lord knows what He is doing and will tailor this study to our understanding. Actually, it will be to my understanding because I am leading this study. Right now, you are trusting in the arm of flesh by following my guidance and need to move quickly to your own study so the Lord can address your personal needs from the best vantage point for you.

To recap, the concordance led us to Deuteronomy 30:3. We identified verse 3 as the first place the word "gather" is used in the context of the gathering of Israel. Our next step was to examine surrounding verses and see if there were additional verses that are relevant to the gathering of Israel. We began with verse 1 and made it to verse 2 when I was led to Jeremiah 29:11-13. Handwritten was a cross reference to Deuteronomy 4:29. Because Deuteronomy 4 addresses the subject of the gathering of Israel before Deuteronomy 30, we will set aside chapter 30 and examine chapter 4. I have read and highlighted this chapter so it will expedite our examination.

These references can be lengthy and I don't want to hurry the process so our examination will only review a few verses each day, unless the Spirit moves us to cover more.

I posted the content of Deuteronomy 4 on this blog day before yesterday. I suggest you grab your scriptures and follow along beginning with verse 25.

Verse 25 is chronologically framed by identifying a time far in Israel's future. The time Moses is addressing is when Israel will bears children or their children and grandchildren bear children. Israel will have been "long in the land" and will have "corrupted" themselves. Israel turns from God to worship idol gods. Israel does evil in the sight of God and "provoke him to anger." Having kindled the Lord's anger, Israel is driven off the lands of their inheritance. Their days will not be prolonged but their inheritance suffers utter destruction. From the lands of their inheritance Israel is to be scattered throughout the nations of the earth. Their numbers are to be few and the Lord will "lead you" to dwell among the Gentile nations. In the Gentile nations, Israel serves man made gods made of wood and stone that neither see, hear, eat or smell.

Once Israel is scattered amongst the Gentile nations the Lord extends a caveat, a contingency plan allowing Israel to reclaim covenant blessings and remove covenant curses. The contingency involves Israel turning from their worship of idol gods and diligently searching for and finding Him "if" they seek Him with all of their heart and soul.

In the latter days Israel suffers tribulation from covenant curses unleashed because of covenant disobedience. When tribulations afflict Israel the Lord promises them if they turn to Him and obey His voice ("whether by mine voice or the voice of my servants it is the same." D&C 1:38) the Lord will be merciful to Israel. He will not forsake them or destroy them but promises to remember the covenants He made with Israel's forefathers. The Lord assures Israel He will keep His promises to them.

Let's stop with seven verses today.