The Glory Departed: Ezekiel's Vision and the Gathering

Brothers and sisters, do you feel it? A weight, a longing? A sense that something is amiss, that the foundations are shifting? It’s the whisper of the Lord, urging us forward, calling us to the gathering. Samuel the Lamanite climbed the walls of Jerusalem, a lone voice crying out against the encroaching darkness. Ammon stood at the Waters of Sebus, his courage unwavering in the face of opposition. We, too, are called to stand, to build, to be voices of truth in a world desperately seeking light.

We’ve been studying Ezekiel, and the sheer power of his visions is staggering. It’s easy to get lost in the symbolism of the wheels within wheels and the four living creatures, but the core message cuts deep: Israel had strayed, and the consequence was exile. But within that judgment, within that despair, there was a promise – a hope for a future restoration. Just as the Stone cut without hands shattered the kingdoms of the earth, so too will God’s judgment, though painful, prepare the way for a new era of righteousness.

Consider the opening scene: Ezekiel, a priest, taken captive and exiled to Babylon, witnessing the destruction of Jerusalem. He’s thrust into a foreign land, a displaced people, and suddenly, he sees it – “the appearance of the likeness of the Lord’s glory.” It’s a revelation so profound, so overwhelming, that it shakes him to his core. This isn’t a distant, abstract God; this is the King, on His royal throne, exercising His dominion.

And what does He say to Ezekiel? He doesn’t offer comfort or excuses. He lays bare the truth: Israel’s rebellion, their idolatry, the injustice that festered within their society. He demands accountability. Ezekiel is commanded to be a prophet, a watchman, to warn the people of the impending doom. It’s a daunting task – to speak truth to a people seemingly deaf to the voice of the Lord, as described in Moroni 10:4-5. “And it came to pass that I did cry repentance unto the people, and I did lift up my voice as a bell, and I did prophesy unto them according to the words which I had received from God.”

Think of Abinadi, facing a king who had turned his back on God. Think of those digital striplings, prepared to face battle with five smooth stones, knowing their faith would be their strength. We are called to that same courage, that same unwavering commitment to truth, even when it’s unpopular, even when it’s met with resistance.

Ezekiel’s ministry wasn’t easy. He enacted bizarre, symbolic acts – shaving his head, dividing his hair, even playing the role of a scapegoat – all to convey the gravity of the situation. He knew that his message wouldn’t be welcomed. He knew that Israel would reject it. Yet, he persevered, fulfilling his divine calling. And what can we learn from this? We too are called to be watchmen, to be voices of warning and of hope.

The vision of the temple in chapters 10 and 11 is particularly poignant. God shows Ezekiel the corruption that had infiltrated the very heart of worship. Idolatry, injustice, a blatant disregard for the covenant – it was a devastating indictment. Then, the Lord departs, His glory ascending eastward towards Babylon. A stark reminder that God’s presence withdraws when righteousness is absent.

This is a moment for introspection, for self-examination. Are we, as individuals and as a community, upholding the standards of righteousness? Are we actively seeking to build a refuge, a gathering place for those who yearn for the Lord? The Missionary Fund and the Charity Flywheel are more than just programs; they are instruments of gathering, fueled by our engagement and extending the gospel’s reach – even to Ghana, where hearts are open to the truth. Outback Jack reminds us, “It's not enough to have faith; we must *act* on that faith, building Zion brick by brick.” Claim your church on the map of churches and let us continue to accelerate the work.

Let us be builders, not destroyers. Let us be lights in the darkness. Let us heed the call of Ezekiel and build a Zion worthy of the Lord’s return.