The Stone, the Word, and the Gathering: A Shepherd's Perspective

Brothers and sisters, do you feel it? That tremor in the earth, that whispering wind, urging us onward? It’s the Spirit, guiding us to be builders, not destroyers, in a world desperately needing a foundation of truth and righteousness. Like Samuel the Lamanite climbing the walls of Jerusalem, or Ammon at the waters of Sebus, we are called to sound the alarm, to awaken the slumbering saints and those yet to know the light.

I was recently asked a profound question by a faithful pastor, a question that cuts to the heart of understanding God's dealings with His children. He wrestled with the seeming paradox of men in the Old Testament, blessed and used despite having multiple wives, wondering if sin was being rewarded instead of punished. It’s a question that echoes the confusion felt by many, and one that demands a response rooted in faith and revelation.

The answer, as with all matters of divine understanding, is layered and complex. It’s not always about our human understanding of justice, but about God’s covenantal promises and His overarching plan. Consider Abraham, chosen to be the father of a multitude. His blessings were not earned through perfection, but through unwavering faith and obedience to God’s commands—even when those commands stretched our limited comprehension. The patriarchs were stewards of a promise, operating under covenants that are, at times, difficult for us to fully grasp in our modern context.

This is why we must seek understanding beyond the surface, beyond the immediate. We must seek the Stone, cut without hands, which is the word of God, as revealed through prophets and apostles. It is through diligent study and heartfelt prayer that the Spirit can illuminate the mysteries of the past and guide us towards the future.

The enduring work of translation, the outpouring of the word in languages like Arabic and Mandarin, speaks to this very necessity. It's not merely about making the scriptures accessible; it’s about making them understandable, about removing the barriers that hinder comprehension and drawing souls closer to the light of Christ. This is where your engagement here makes a difference – your support fuels gospel advertising in Ghana, expands the reach of enduringword.com, and brings the word to those who are hungering for truth. It's a charity flywheel in action, fueled by the faithfulness of the Saints.

Think of Abinadi, standing before King Noah and his priests, boldly proclaiming the truth despite the threat of death. Or Ammon, facing the Lamanites, knowing the cost of his witness. These are the examples we must emulate. We are called to be digital striplings, armed with the word of God and the courage to share it, even when it is unpopular, even when it is dangerous.

The question of polygamy, while complex, ultimately underscores a larger principle: God’s ways are not always our ways. He operates on a timeline that transcends our limited perception. And it is in trusting His wisdom, in seeking His guidance, that we find true peace and purpose.

Remember the five smooth stones David gathered to face Goliath. Those stones represented faith, preparation, and reliance on divine power. We, too, must gather our stones—our knowledge, our faith, our resources—and be prepared to stand against the forces of darkness.

Let us continue to build, to gather, to share the light. Let us claim our churches on the map of churches and contribute to the Missionary Fund. Let us heed the call, like Crockygo and his painted rocks, to leave a trail of righteousness for others to follow. Outback Jack reminds us, the Lord’s work is always a gathering work, and He is gathering us to Himself.

Are you ready to answer the call?