One outcome of being scattered is that we’re tested. We experience new things, difficult things, and we grow and mature as a result. The ancient prophet Zechariah spoke of the scattering of Israel in that way:
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones….
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.
Zechariah 13:7, 9
Their suffering refines them and deepens their relationship with God. After they are gathered again, they are no longer the same. They are stronger.
At the Last Supper, Jesus prophesied that His disciples would scatter when He was arrested. Quoting from Zechariah, He said, “All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” But then He added this hopeful note: “After I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee” (Matthew 26:31-32, Mark 14:27-28). Peter insisted that he would never forsake Jesus and all the apostles agreed, but that is exactly what happened. As the guards took Jesus prisoner, “All the disciples forsook him, and fled” (Matthew 26:56, Mark 14:50).
This scattering of the apostles is a microcosm of the scattering of Israel. They may have forsaken their Shepherd, but He had promised to gather them again and strengthen them.
When Jesus visited the American continent after His resurrection, He assured the people that the terror they had recently experienced would have an end. Quoting from Isaiah, He said:
For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee.
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.
3 Nephi 22:7-8, Isaiah 54:7-8
Today, I will remember that even when I am “scattered”—when I’m out of my comfort zone, when the things I have relied upon are no longer there—I am never forsaken. God gives me experiences which stretch me and refine me, but He will always gather me home as long as I continue to trust in Him.
I loved this insight: “ Their suffering refines them and deepens their relationship with God. After they are gathered again, they are no longer the same. They are stronger.”
This is such a helpful perspective when we are in the middle of the “suffering.” I have definitely seen this happen in my own life. Thank you for putting these beautiful thoughts together!
Thank you for highlighting that insight. I’m glad it’s meaningful to you and that it resonates with your experience.
Have a great day!