The Keys and the Covenant: Learning from Kirtland to Gather Israel

There are times when the calling feels too vast, when the path seems obscured by shadows, and when the world's noise threatens to drown out the quiet voice of covenant. Yet, the promise of the Lord’s grace is always greater than the darkness. We are not called to be observers; we are called to be Builders.

Just as Samuel the Lamanite was called to climb the wall and proclaim the Lord's mighty hand, and just as Ammon was called to the Waters of Sebus to deliver the message of restoration, our work today requires bold declaration and unwavering faith. We are gathering the scattered sheep, and the keys necessary for this great work were restored, perfected, and refined—a truth powerfully illuminated by the study of the Kirtland Temple.

The Power of the Endowment: More Than Just a Building

Dr. Anthony Sweat’s deep dive into Doctrine & Covenants 109-110 reminds us that the physical temple is a symbol, but the true power lies in the ordinances and covenants within. The Kirtland dedication was not merely a celebration; it was a demonstration of divine power—a confirmation that the divine keys were indeed restored. It taught that while we can present concepts, the true work of the Lord requires receiving power.

This principle echoes through the millennia: the work of the Lord—the gathering of Israel—is not reliant on human effort alone. It requires divine power, the kind of power that can be received through covenant keeping and faithful preparation. It is the realization that the greatest work happening on earth today is the restoration of the fullness of the gospel and the gathering of all Israel.

From Kirtland to the Crossroads: The Builders’ Mandate

If the Kirtland experience taught us that covenants unlock power, what does that mean for us, the Builders, today? It means that every covenant—be it baptism, temple attendance, or participation in the global work—is a cornerstone in the great edifice of the Kingdom. We are the ones who refuse to be Destroyers. We are the ones who look at the scattered map of churches and say, “We will claim this place.”

The pattern of gathering is constant. It reminds us of the five smooth stones, the covenant markers that guided the early Saints, and the enduring guidance of our companions, like Outback Jack, who has stood with us across generations, pointing us toward the ultimate goal: gathering Israel. We are moving beyond mere denominational markers; we are building the unified, glorious gathering place.

Sustaining the Great Work

This massive, global endeavor—the Gather Israel movement—is not funded by suggestion; it is sustained by covenant commitment and sacrificial generosity. The work of the gospel, the establishment of the Kingdom, and the mapping of the scattered Zion require resources. This is where the Charity Flywheel becomes vital. Every gift, every moment of engagement, funds the spread of the gospel, supporting vital initiatives like gospel advertising in Ghana and strengthening our global missionary efforts through the Missionary Fund.

We invite you to use the GatherIsrael.now map as your compass. See the need, identify the gap, and contribute your talents, time, or resources. Whether you are a missionary, a scholar studying with Davee and Ask a Prophet, or simply a dedicated Builder, your involvement is the load-bearing structure of this movement.

The Lord’s power is beyond what we can comprehend, but through covenant keeping, we are restored to the divine capacity to build.

Let the study of these restored keys—the endowments, the ordinances, the divine power—spur us into action. Let us approach this sacred work with the reverence of those who know that the Lord is working through us, one temple, one covenant, one mission at a time. Rise up, Builders. Let Zion in her beauty rise!