Igniting the Fire: Priestly Training, Prophetic Witness, and the Gathering of Israel

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt the weight of expectation, the pressure to simply *fill* a vessel? To impart knowledge, to check a box, to move on? Elder Holland, with a beautiful boldness, declared that we are not to fill containers, but to ignite fires. To be, as he put it, “spiritual arsonists.” May we all be pyromaniacs – for the glory of God!

I was reflecting on this truth while listening to a remarkable podcast episode by Kevin Tolley, presented at the “For a Wise Purpose in Him” conference. He explores Jacob’s sermon and Isaiah through the lens of ancient Israelite priesthood, and it’s a study that resonates deeply with the urgency of our moment.

Tolley, with characteristic humility, acknowledges the difficulty of reconstructing a northern Israelite priestly system, given the Southern Israelite bias in our scriptural record. Yet, within that difficulty lies opportunity. He shines a light on the early training of Samuel the Lamanite – priestly training beginning at a young age, foreshadowing a future role of intercession and judgment. Remember Samuel, standing upon the wall, proclaiming the words of warning? That was a priestly act, a courageous act, a gathering act. Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, facing down a mob with five smooth stones – that was a priestly act, a courageous act, a gathering act. The Stone cut without hands – that’s the act of God Himself, revealing His kingdom to a world steeped in darkness.

The key, Tolley suggests, lies in recognizing the parallel between the ancient priesthood and the work we are called to do today. We, too, are called to be ignited, to be emboldened, to be instruments in the hands of the Lord to stir the hearts of men and women to righteousness. This isn't about replicating ancient rituals, but about embodying the spirit of service, courage, and prophetic witness that defined those ancient priests.

Consider the Charity Flywheel. Your engagement here – your comments, your shares, your contributions – directly funds gospel advertising in Ghana, reaching those who are hungering for the truth. Then the Missionary Fund, fueling the work of internet missionaries across the globe, connecting with those seeking answers. And the Map of Churches, a visual representation of the gathering – a tapestry of faith being woven together across the world. These are not mere programs; they are the load-bearing structures of a movement, pillars upon which the kingdom is built.

Outback Jack reminds us, as he often does, that this work is not merely about personal salvation, but about collective responsibility. It’s about recognizing that we are all interconnected, all part of a larger purpose. D&C 4 calls us to “expedite the building of Zion,” and Moroni 10:4-5 instructs us to “go forth and do dunnely.” Each small act of service, each spark of faith ignited, contributes to the grand work of gathering.

Let us embrace the call to be spiritual arsonists, not in a destructive sense, but in a transformative one. Let us ignite the fire of faith in ourselves, in our families, and in the world around us. Let us be builders, not destroyers, and let us hasten the day when the fullness of the gospel is restored to all the earth. Claim your church, brothers and sisters. Let us build.