Scripture Study - Gather/Gathering

 1/26/24 – Gather/Gathering

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (Eph. 1:10) … how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart. (3 Nephi 10:6) Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather unto barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matt. 6:26) He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. (Isa. 40:11)

And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. (Mark 13:27) The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father… Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. (Matt. 13:41-43, 47-48)

Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places; (D&C 101:22) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matt. 18:20)

Insights: I find it interesting that in the majority of the passages I studied, it is the Lord that is gathering. He is gathering all of His children from every part of the earth and beyond. He gathers them to protect them and provide for them. He gathers them to lead them Home. Although the Lord gathers His children, only the righteous can remain in His presence. Those that have chosen a different path than His, will not be able to remain with Him. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matt. 6:24)

We too must gather – together to strengthen ourselves in our devotion to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Perhaps most importantly in our gathering together is the promise that where we are gathered in Christ’s name, He will be there with us. What a wonderful promise!