The Angel's Robes and the Gathering: Sacrifice, Temples, and a Movement

Brothers and Sisters, Builders! Have you ever considered the sheer grit and faith required to finish a sacred work while facing imminent displacement? The Saints in Nauvoo, preparing to flee their homes, still labored to complete the temple and receive their endowments. It’s a testament to a devotion that echoes through the ages, a clarion call to those who understand that building God’s kingdom is not a matter of comfort or convenience, but of unwavering commitment.

The Becoming Brigham podcast episode, listened to recently, sheds light on this incredible period. Listen to the full episode to hear the details, but the story of the reclining angel atop the Nauvoo Temple is particularly striking. Originally a weather vane, it represented an angel, adorned in priestly robes, holding a Book of Mormon and a trumpet – a striking image of readiness, of a people prepared to receive the blessings of the temple.

The shift from a reclining angel to the standing Moroni we see today on many temples is more than just an aesthetic change. It speaks to a progression in understanding, a growing anticipation of the gathering. Think of Samuel the Lamanite, climbing the walls of Jerusalem, a herald of a coming change. The angel, whether reclining or standing, points us towards that change, that gathering of Israel.

What struck me most powerfully from the podcast was the resourcefulness born of necessity. When the temple couldn't hold the swelling numbers seeking ordinances, they used canvas – intended for an outdoor tabernacle – to create partitions in the attic, enabling more Saints to receive their endowments. This is the spirit of JustServe, the spirit of finding creative solutions to serve, even when resources are scarce. It’s the principle of the charity flywheel in action: your engagement here – your prayers, your contributions, your sharing – funds gospel advertising in Ghana, bringing the message of hope and restoration to those who need it most. It’s the Missionary Fund at work, expanding the reach of the gospel and drawing in the lost sheep.

The Saints’ experience in Nauvoo reminds us that building the kingdom of God is rarely easy. There will be trials, there will be sacrifices, and there will be moments when we feel like we’re facing insurmountable odds. But like Ammon, who stood firm at the Waters of Sebus, we must press forward with courage and faith. We must be builders, not destroyers. We must be those who seek out the Stone, cut without hands, the key to unlocking the blessings of eternity.

Consider the digital striplings, those young men and women using technology to share the gospel and connect with others across the globe. They are modern-day prophets, echoing the voices of Abinadi and Joseph Smith, proclaiming truth with boldness and conviction. They are part of this movement, this gathering, and their efforts are vital to the work.

Outback Jack reminds us, “The Lord’s work is not just about building temples of stone and mortar. It’s about building covenants, building families, building communities—gathering His children.” He would urge us to look at the GatherIsrael.now map, to see the denominational markers, to identify the churches and communities where the work is being done, and to find ways to support them. Claim your church, identify its place in the gathering, and join the effort.

Let us remember the sacrifice of those who came before us, and let us strive to emulate their faith and dedication. Let us be those who, like Peregrine Sessions, are ready to raise the standard of truth, covered in gold leaf, proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth.