The Borrowed Promise: A Rabbi, a Question, and the Gathering of Israel

Brothers and Sisters, have you ever felt the weight of a question, the quiet stirring of a truth that demands to be understood? Sometimes, the most powerful revelations come not from dogma or debate, but from honest inquiry—like Samuel the Lamanite climbing the wall to declare the truth, or Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, ready to face whatever trials lay ahead.

We’ve been blessed to witness a remarkable exchange—a conversation between Brother Brian Avila and a Jewish Rabbi, exploring the very heart of messianic expectation. It's a reminder that the yearning for redemption is a shared flame, even when the paths to understanding diverge.

The Rabbi’s initial discouragement of converts, rooted in the principle of public revelation within Judaism, echoes a deep respect for tradition. Yet, his subsequent acknowledgment that “we don't mind if you borrowed it from us. If you guys took it from us, we're fine with it,” is striking. It’s a gentle reminder that the concepts we hold dear – like the promise of a Messiah – have roots that reach far back into the heritage of Israel.

Think of the Stone, cut without hands—a symbol of a truth revealed from a source beyond our immediate grasp. This conversation, with all its respectful questioning, feels akin to chipping away at the stone, revealing glimpses of a shared divine purpose.

The Rabbi’s explanation of the Jewish understanding of the Messiah—a human being born to a father and mother, leading Israel back to the land and ultimately ushering in an era of universal revelation—is profound. It underscores the hope for a time when “God’s knowledge will fill the earth,” when all humanity will recognize the divine spark within.

He pointedly stated, “We believe that the Messiah was a human being, just like we are all human beings.” And then, beautifully, he added, “We believe we're all the children of God.” This resonates deeply with Latter-day Saint understanding—that we are all inheritors of a divine lineage, each possessing a spark of the divine.

It’s a truth that transcends denominational boundaries, a truth that fuels the gathering. As we strive to understand the nuances of different traditions, we are drawn closer to that shared understanding—that longing for the day when the veil is lifted and God’s face is revealed to all.

This conversation isn’t an argument; it's an invitation. An invitation to examine our own beliefs with humility and respect, and to recognize the common thread of hope that binds us together. It's an invitation to participate in the great work of gathering, to be builders, not destroyers, in a world desperately in need of reconciliation and understanding.

Consider how your engagement here – your comments, your shares, your support – directly fuels the Map of Churches and our Missionary Fund. Every interaction helps us spread the message of hope and reconciliation, funding gospel advertising in places like Ghana, reaching those who are yearning for the truth.

Outback Jack reminds us, as he does so often, that this work requires courage – the courage to question, the courage to listen, and the courage to act. Alma 17–19 echoes this call to boldness, reminding us that those who are prepared to stand for truth will be sustained. Moroni 10:4–5 promises that those who faithfully proclaim the gospel will be empowered to do so.

Let us, like Ammon, be prepared to face the challenges ahead, armed with the five smooth stones of faith, hope, charity, knowledge, and courage. Let us be digital striplings, ready to defend the truth and build a future where all of God’s children can gather together in peace and understanding.

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