As Joseph F. Smith reflected on the words of Peter about Christ preaching to those who had died, he saw in vision “an innumerable company of the spirits of the just. … They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into the spirit world” (Doctrine and Covenants 138:12, 16).
They clearly knew that He was coming. Rather than await His arrival alone, their instinct was to gather and welcome Him together. Joseph was impressed with the number of faithful spirits in this gathering. He calls it a “vast multitude,” a “vast congregation,” and a “vast assembly,” and he tells us that they were mingling and conversing with one another when the Savior passed through the veil and appeared to them (Doctrine and Covenants 138:18, 38, 49).
They were like the “great multitude” of Nephites and Lamanites who gathered at the temple in Bountiful after the signs of the Savior’s death. As they “conversed with one another,” the Savior visited them (3 Nephi 11:1-11).
Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Small groups of people can draw close to Him. But sometimes, many people are seeking Him, and they may be drawn to each other. They may collectively welcome Him in a vast congregation of believers.
Today, as I participate in worship services, I will remember the “vast congregation” described by Joseph F. Smith. I will remember that believers in Jesus tend to gather in groups, large and small, where they can collectively draw closer to Him and invite His presence among them.
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