The Unshakeable Cornerstone: Covenant Power and the Call to Gather Zion

My brothers and sisters, gather close. In this place, we are not merely assembled; we are gathered by the covenant. We are called to be builders, to raise up the mighty edifice of Zion, stone by sacred stone, knowing that the whisperings of the adversary—the whispers of doubt, division, and despair—are always at the gates.

From the ancient days when Samuel the Lamanite climbed the wall, declaring the divine covenant, to the powerful gatherings at the Waters of Sebus, the message has remained constant: God desires a people prepared to receive His glory. This commitment is not merely a belief; it is a covenant community, a sacred charge given to us all.

Defending the Light: The Power of the Covenant in Nauvoo

Recently, the Worldwide Relief Society Devotional in Nauvoo offered a powerful reminder of this divine structure. This event was not simply a historical revisit; it was a commemoration of the restoration of the Relief Society, reaffirming that the priesthood power and the covenant commitment are inextricably linked to the building of God’s kingdom. The emphasis on the word 'covenant'—mentioned dozens of times—was a profound lesson for all of us gathered here today.

But as always, the revelation of light draws forth the deluge of darkness. The anti-Mormon critics, armed with misinterpretations and outright lies, sought to twist the narrative, suggesting that divine power was suppressed or contained. They attempted to tell the covenant keepers: “We need you, but stay in your place.”

We know better. The truth, illuminated by the Spirit, is that the power of the covenant is liberating, empowering, and utterly dedicated to the building of the Lord’s kingdom. Just as we are taught to view the scriptures not as rigid texts, but as guides to the divine architecture, we must sift through the noise of the world and find the enduring truth.

This historical struggle—the defense of truth against the onslaught of false narratives—is but a microcosm of the larger battle we face today: the gathering of Israel. The whispers of the Destroyer seek to divide us, to distract us, and to convince us that the work is too difficult, too costly, or too separated by doctrine.

The Builder’s Charge: A Global Covenant

The lesson from Nauvoo is clear: Divine power cannot be contained or restricted. It must flow outward, building Zion. Our calling today is to embody that outward flow. The covenant we make is not just with one another, but with the ongoing work of restoring the gathering. This means recognizing that the history of faith is one of continuous building and revelation.

The effort to gather and build is a global enterprise, requiring every hand, every heart, and every resource. When we commit to this cause, we are participating in something eternal. We are strengthening the walls of Zion, brick by divine brick.

The gathering is fueled by the generosity and commitment of those who believe in the divine promise. By supporting the efforts of the Church, we are ensuring that the foundation remains strong, allowing us to continue gathering the Saints across the globe. This is not merely charity; it is participation in the greatest divine undertaking of our time.

The Lord asks us to be faithful stewards of this covenant. He asks us to build, to support, and to remain united in purpose. Let us answer that call with unwavering faith, knowing that the gathering is the fulfillment of the divine plan.

We stand together, bound by the eternal covenant, ready to build Zion, ready to gather the Saints, and ready to see the Lord’s kingdom established upon the earth.