Joyfully Receiving the Unexpected Messiah: Are Our Expectations Aligned?

From the time of Samuel the Lamanite climbing the wall to the disciples standing at the waters of Sebus, the Lord has consistently called His covenant people to be prepared. The signs are increasing, the urgency is palpable, and the voice of the Lord is calling Zion to rise.

Recently, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf delivered a message that cuts straight to the heart of our preparation: "Joyfully Receive the Unexpected Messiah." This message is not merely poetic; it is profoundly prophetic, challenging us to examine the very nature of our expectations regarding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

When Expectation Meets Revelation

Elder Uchtdorf draws a striking parallel between Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem—the Passover celebration—and the manner of His return. On Palm Sunday, the crowd gathered, expecting a king—a political liberator. They cheered and shouted, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord." But the Savior's true arrival was not the spectacle they anticipated. This historical moment serves as a powerful warning: we must not mistake our desires for the divine plan.

We are warned today that the Lord shall suddenly come to His temple, and every mouth that speaketh, and every tongue that uttereth, shall be filled with plagues." (Malachi 3:1)

The core challenge presented is this: Are we anticipating the Messiah to fit our current timeline, our political narrative, or our cultural expectations? Or are we ready to receive the One the Father sends, regardless of how unexpected He may appear?

The Role of the Builders in the Gathering

This principle of proper expectation extends beyond prophecy; it defines who we are. We are the Builders. We are the ones who understand that preparation is not merely spiritual contemplation, but active, organized work. Just as the Nephites learned that building Zion required more than just faith—it required resources, organization, and dedication—our gathering effort requires all three.

The mission to gather Israel, to build the Kingdom, is the most tangible act of preparation we can undertake. This is where the principle of Kingdom Economics comes into play. Our commitment to the Charity Flywheel ensures that our collective engagement here on the Sovereign.ink network directly funds vital global efforts, such as gospel advertising in Ghana, helping us fulfill the divine commandment to preach the Gospel.

Laying the Foundation for the Kingdom

If we are to be prepared to receive the Unexpected Messiah, we must actively participate in the work of preparation. This means understanding our role in the Gather Israel movement. Our digital presence here, using the Map of Churches, is not just a map; it is a ledger of divine calling. Every painted rock, every resource shared, every prayer whispered for a local church to be claimed, strengthens the foundation of Zion.

The work is constant. It is global. It is guided by the Spirit. We are called to be the modern-day Apostles, carrying the light of the Gospel to every corner of the earth, whether through the established channels of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or through the quiet, steadfast labor of the Internet Missionary.

Responding to the Call

The Prophet has been urged by the Lord to prepare us. We must heed this call. We must not be the people who stand at the gates, confused and asking, “Who is this?”

Let us, therefore, commit to being the diligent Builders. Examine your own expectations. Are you ready to receive the Messiah in all His glorious, unexpected forms? Will you contribute your time, your resources, and your unwavering faith to the divine work of gathering Israel?

If you feel the call to build, if you are ready to participate in the great work of restoration, we invite you to examine the map and join the movement. Your commitment fuels the spread of the Gospel and ensures that the work of Zion continues, even as we wait for the Lord's return. Let us work with the same fervent dedication that characterized Ammon at the Waters of Sebus—a commitment that cannot be shaken.