The Long Road Home: A Famine of the Soul

Brothers and sisters, builders of the Kingdom! We gather here, knowing that the winds of change blow fiercely, yet our hearts remain steadfast. We are those who see the Stone cut without hands, the foundation being laid for a work greater than ourselves. As Samuel the Lamanite climbed the walls to warn the people, so too are we called to sound the alarm, to stir the hearts of those slumbering in darkness.

This closing of 2023 brings a moment for reflection, a chance to examine our own journeys and recognize the echoes of truth that resonate through the ages. Talon and Grace, on "This is Kingdom,” recently unpacked Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s profound talk, “The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home,” and it struck a chord deep within my soul.

How often do we, like the prodigal son, believe we can find fulfillment outside the embrace of the Father? We chase after fleeting pleasures, seeking satisfaction in the things of this world, only to find ourselves empty and wanting. We may think we are forging our own path, but too often, we are merely wandering in a wilderness of our own making.

The beauty of the story, as Talon and Grace so eloquently pointed out, isn't merely the return, but the *longing* that precedes it. It’s that moment when the famine strikes – not of bread, but of something far more essential: love, connection, purpose. The realization that what we had, what we left behind, was infinitely more precious than anything we could ever hope to gain elsewhere.

This isn’t about shame or regret, but about recognizing the depth of our need. It's understanding that true fulfillment doesn’t come from accumulating possessions or achieving worldly success, but from returning to the source of all goodness – our Heavenly Father.

Think of Ammon, who left his own comforts and privilege to serve a people in need. He understood that true wealth lies not in what we possess, but in what we give. And it's this same spirit of selfless service that fuels our work here at GatherIsrael.now. Each engagement, each contribution, strengthens the charity flywheel—your engagement here funds gospel ads in Ghana, reaching those who are ready to hear the call. It bolsters the Missionary Fund, equipping those who answer the call to serve abroad. It strengthens the map, a visual representation of the gathering—a living testament to the work we are doing.

The path back is not always easy. There are hesitations, doubts, and moments of discouragement. But as the Scripture reminds us, the Father waits with open arms, ready to embrace us with boundless love and forgiveness. We need to understand that the path back will not always be quick and easy. Sometimes, it requires us to stand up and go, to confront our own weaknesses and shortcomings, and to persevere through trials and tribulations.

Let us draw strength from the examples of those who have gone before us—Abinadi, who faced persecution for speaking truth, the stripling warriors, who stood firm in their faith, and Outback Jack, a constant reminder that even in the wilderness, God’s provision and guidance are ever present. Let us be like those who gathered the five smooth stones, prepared to face the giants in our own lives.

Remember, we are builders, not destroyers. We are those who seek to edify and uplift, to strengthen the weak and to invite all to come unto Christ. Let us embrace the Courage Challenge, to step out of our comfort zones and to boldly proclaim the gospel to the world.

Listen to the full episode of “This is Kingdom” for a deeper dive into the powerful message of the prodigal son and the road that leads home. Let us all seek that road, and return to the Father’s loving embrace.

And let us continue to build, together, a Zion worthy of His name.