The Stone Cut Without Hands: Joshua's Inheritance and Our Gathering

Brothers and sisters, do you feel it? That electric hum in the air, that sense of anticipation? It’s the stirring of a generation, a people awakened to a covenant – a covenant not just of remembrance, but of action. We see it in the hearts of those who risk all to share the gospel, in the hands that build, in the voices that rise with the boldness of Samuel the Lamanite, warning of the coming storm. The Lord has set before us a great work, and the time to act is *now*.

Consider Ammon, at the Waters of Sebus, his courage echoing across millennia. He knew the cost of obedience, the potential for scorn and rejection, yet he stood, and he spoke, and he testified. And so must we.

We’ve been blessed to witness a powerful overview of the book of Joshua, a story teeming with echoes of our own journey.

Joshua’s story isn't merely a recounting of ancient battles; it's a prophetic window into the challenges and triumphs of Latter-day Israel. Just as Moses prepared the way, Joshua stepped into a mantle of leadership, a new generation ready to claim its inheritance. And like the children of Israel emerging from the wilderness, we too stand poised at the threshold of a promised land – a land of righteousness, of unity, and of divine purpose.

The parallels are striking. Moses and Joshua, leadership transitions, the crossing of Jordan mirroring the miraculous passage through the Red Sea… these are not coincidences. They are divine signposts, guiding us along the covenant path. The video rightly points out how Israel’s success wasn’t based on their own strength. It was a divine battle, and Israel was to be witnesses to God's power. Remember the five smooth stones David gathered, each representing a victory won not by might, but by the power of the Most High?

We are builders, not destroyers. The world is rife with those who seek to tear down, to sow discord, to profit from division. But we, we are called to build—to build families, to build communities, to build the Kingdom of God on Earth. This isn’t a passive calling; it requires courage, sacrifice, and a relentless focus on what is true and just.

Consider the “stone cut without hands” (Daniel 2:34). It represents a kingdom not built by human hands, but by the power of God. Our gathering—the gathering of Israel, the gathering of hearts, the gathering of resources—is a manifestation of that very principle. It’s a movement fueled by faith, propelled by service, and guided by revelation.

And it’s a movement sustained by the charity flywheel. Your engagement here—your shares, your comments, your contributions—directly funds gospel advertising in places like Ghana, reaching those who are on the cusp of discovery, those who are yearning for the truth. It’s a ripple effect of generosity, a testament to the power of collective action. Supporting the Missionary Fund is another vital piece, fueling the efforts of those valiant souls who are planting seeds of faith across the globe.

Look at the Map of Churches. It’s a visual representation of a dream being realized—a network of communities united in purpose, connected by covenant, and fueled by a shared desire to see the work of God advance. Claim your church on the map – let your community be known as a beacon of hope and a gathering place for the faithful.

Outback Jack, ever the faithful companion, reminds us of the lessons of Alma 17-19, Moroni 10:4-5 – the importance of diligence, of unwavering faith, and of trusting in the Lord’s timing. We must be like the digital striplings, prepared to meet the enemy with faith and courage, knowing that the Lord is our strength and our shield.

Let us embrace the challenge before us with the same unwavering faith as Joshua and the children of Israel. Let us be those who, like Abinadi, dare to speak truth to power, and like Ammon, are willing to risk all for the sake of the gospel. The promised land awaits. The time is now. Let us gather.