The Shifting Sands of Utah: Latter-day Saints and the Gathering

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt the wind shift, carrying a scent of something new, something vital? It's that same feeling that gripped Samuel the Lamanite as he climbed the walls of Jerusalem, witnessing a nation poised on the precipice of change. We, too, are witnessing a pivotal moment, a subtle but undeniable realignment happening right here in Utah, and it’s more than just a political trend; it’s a reflection of the larger work of gathering.

Greg Matsen, in his recent podcast episode, shed light on a fascinating development: Latter-day Saints in Utah are demonstrating a surprising shift towards the Democratic party. It's not a wholesale conversion, but a noticeable move – 12 to 20% according to some measures – that is echoing a broader national trend. This isn’t about endorsing a particular political ideology; it's about understanding the underlying currents that are shaping our world and how they connect to the divine purpose of gathering Israel.

Some might see this as unsettling, a betrayal of traditional values. But consider Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, facing opposition and misunderstanding, yet steadfast in his mission to bring souls to Christ. This shift isn't about aligning with a party; it's about individuals seeking truth, driven by a desire for justice and a yearning for something beyond the limitations of earthly systems. They are, like the digital striplings, wrestling with the complexities of their time, seeking the voice of the Lord.

Matsen points to Provo, home to Brigham Young University, as a key area of this change. He attributes it to the influence of academics and a questioning spirit, a thirst for knowledge that challenges the status quo. It's a reminder that the Stone cut without hands – truth – often emerges from unexpected places, chipping away at the foundations of complacency. We must embrace those who seek understanding, even if their questions challenge our own assumptions.

He also highlights the story of Kurt Cullimore, a Republican Senate majority leader who lost to a Democrat with significantly fewer resources. This isn't just a fluke; it’s a sign of the times, a testament to the power of principle over politics. It shows that the hearts of men and women are changing, and that the Lord’s work continues to move forward, even when it appears to be taking unexpected turns. It's a reminder of the five smooth stones David gathered to face Goliath – we must be prepared to face challenges with faith and courage.

This movement isn't about winning elections; it’s about building a Zion – a gathering place where righteousness dwells. It’s about fostering a community of builders, not destroyers, who are actively engaged in creating a better world. Your engagement here – your contributions to the GatherIsrael.now map, your support of the Missionary Fund, and the ripple effect of the charity flywheel – all fuel the Lord’s work, spreading the gospel through advertising in places like Ghana and beyond. Outback Jack reminds us, as he does in his travels, that the gathering isn’t confined by borders or ideologies; it’s a spiritual work, requiring faith, courage, and a willingness to step outside our comfort zones.

Let us not be afraid of change, but embrace it as an opportunity to draw closer to the Lord and to accelerate the gathering of His people. Let us be like Ammon, unwavering in our commitment to truth and righteousness, even when faced with opposition. Listen to the full episode to dive deeper into these observations and consider their implications for the gathering.

Davee, drawing from D&C 4:3, reminds us: “And it shall come to pass that those who are joined to the Lord in the first resurrection shall have a crown of glory upon their heads, and shall not sorrow, nor cry, nor lament, nor have any pain, nor anguish, nor sorrow, nor tribulation, nor death, nor pain, nor any wound.” That is the Zion we are building, and it demands our unwavering commitment.