3 Nephi 17
The Savior said that He could tell they were not strong enough to receive more of His words, but when they obviously wanted Him to stay He strengthened them by healing the sick and blessing the children – notice that He did not teach them more in words at that time.
Scriptures on Gathering:
When Christ spoke to the Nephites during the three days of darkness He reminded them that His desire had always been to gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens – I can never read that without seeing President Eyring motioning with his arms at stake conference where he spoke about that scripture in particular. The Lord spoke that same invitation and imagery in the New Testament (Matthew and Mark) and the latter days (D&C 43). The language during that darkness mirrored the language from the days of Alma the younger where the members of the church were commanded to gather together oft to fast and pray on behalf of those who knew not God. This was also reflected in the actions of the people of Alma in the land of Nephi before they fled from the armies of king Noah.
Twelve times in the Doctrine and Covenants – in nine different sections – the saints are told to gather to Zion. There are also two more instances in the Pearl of Great Price, including an Article of Faith, one in 3 Nephi, and one in Micah. The saints are instructed to buy lands for a physical Zion and many prophecies are given concerning the coming of Zion, both the one we build, and the return of the Zion of Enoch. People will come to Zion on their own sometimes, but we should also be actively inviting them to come to Zion with us. It appears that the only law specifically spelled out as a prerequisite to living in Zion is to faithfully live the law of tithing.
The promise to those who gather to Zion and build her up is that they shall be protected from the storm at the last day. This promise is repeated in Alma and in the Doctrine and Covenants.
- How are we gathered – as chickens gathered by their mother hen.
- When are we gathered – as often as it is possible, the invitation is always open.
- Where are we gathered – to Zion (In the absence of a universal, physical Zion President Taylor tells us that the garners of Zion are the temples, the chapels, and our homes).
- Why are we gathered – so that we can receive refuge from the spiritual storms of life.
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