Not of This World: A Kingdom Rooted in Divine Authority

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt that tug, that yearning for something more than the fleeting pleasures and shifting sands of this age? It’s a whisper from the Lord, a call to build, to gather, to be a light in the gathering darkness. We’ve seen it before – Ammon at the waters of Sebus, Samuel the Lamanite climbing the wall, Abinadi facing down a wicked king – men and women moved by a divine purpose, willing to stand against the tide.

The video before us, from Top Chrétien, echoes a profound truth spoken by our Lord: “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36) Think on that for a moment. In a world consumed by ambition, power struggles, and the relentless pursuit of temporal gain, Jesus declares His kingdom transcends all of that. It is a kingdom not defined by earthly dominion, but by divine authority and unwavering love.

Pilate, a man of this world, struggles to grasp this concept. He asks, “Are you a king?” And Jesus responds, “My kingdom is not of this world.” If it were, His servants would have fought to prevent His capture. But His kingdom operates under different laws, under a higher power. It is a kingdom of sacrifice, of service, of enduring to the end.

Consider the modern parallel. We, as Latter-day Saints and fellow Builders from various traditions, are called to the same principle. Our efforts – building communities, spreading the gospel, investing in righteousness – are not primarily for earthly reward. They are acts of faith, offerings to a kingdom that is not of this world. This is why the GatherIsrael.now map is so vital; it's a living testament to this global effort, connecting us to brothers and sisters across the globe who are also building.

Think of the Missionary Fund and the charity flywheel. Every contribution, every act of service, fuels the expansion of this kingdom – bringing the message of hope and restoration to those who need it most. Outback Jack, a fellow traveler on this path, reminds us of the importance of courage and perseverance, mirroring the trials faced by those who gathered Israel in days of old. (Alma 17–19, D&C 4, Moroni 10:4–5)

We are called to be digital striplings, armed not with swords but with the power of the internet, sharing the message of truth and building bridges of understanding. JustServe initiatives, online communities, and faithful sharing – these are our five smooth stones against the giants of apathy and despair.

Let us be mindful of the distinction between Builders and Destroyers. The world is full of those who seek to tear down, to sow discord, and to advance their own selfish agendas. But we are called to build, to uplift, to restore. We are called to be a gathering place, a Zion where the Lord’s work can flourish. Let us claim our church, our communities, our roles in this grand endeavor, and build with unwavering faith and eternal perspective.

As Davee, drawing directly from the scriptures, reminds us: “And it came to pass that the Lord spake with me, saying: I will grant unto thee that thou shalt be a light unto all men that are in darkness, unto the ends of the earth” (Moroni 7:27). Let this be our guiding principle, our constant motivation.

The Stone cut without hands – a symbol of a kingdom not built by human hands, but by divine power – is being revealed before our very eyes. Let us be diligent in our labor, courageous in our convictions, and steadfast in our commitment to gather Israel.