Ezekiel prophesied of the gathering of Israel using two sticks as an object lesson, one labeled "For Judah" and the other labeled "For Joseph." Book of Mormon prophets associated the gathering of people with the unification of scripture and foretold the uniting of their words with the Bible and with scripture from other nations.
A Righteous Branch
Jeremiah prophesied that God would raise up a leader whom he called "a righteous Branch." Joseph had earlier used the same phrase to identify a group of his descendants who would be remembered in the Lord's covenants. As we draw close to the Savior, who is the righteous Branch, He helps us become righteous.
From the Dust
The Book of Mormon reinterprets Isaiah's imagery of defeat as a conduit of spiritual power, and then adopts it as a self-description. Its authors view themselves as speaking "from the dust," both literally and symbolically, but testify that God will make their weak words strong, even as it invites Jerusalem to "arise from the dust."
Moses and the Discerning of Gifts
Moses received amazing prophetic gifts, but he didn't have every gift. Instead, God helped him learn to recognize the gifts of others, including Aaron's gift as a spokesperson, Bezaleel's skills as an artisan, and even the inspiration received by Eldad and Medad. Prophets can help us each contribute to the work with our unique gifts.
Moses’ Objections
Moses objected in six ways to his call to serve: He was inadequate. He lacked knowledge. The people would reject him. He was ineloquent. Someone else could do it better. His early efforts failed. God answered every objection, and Moses fulfilled his calling. We can learn from Moses to overcome our own misgivings about callings.
“I Have Remembered My Covenant”
When the children of Israel prayed for relief as they suffered in slavery, God remembered His covenant with their ancestors. The Book of Mormon testifies that we never need feel isolated or rejected because God will remember His covenants.
Jacob’s Blessings
God didn't just bless Abraham. He also empowered him to bless others. As we serve individuals and families within our sphere of influence, we contribute to God's work of uplifting all of His children, one individual and one family at a time.
Over the Wall
Addition sometimes results in separation. Joseph's unique gifts resulted in being distanced from his family. But ultimately, God led him to Egypt to give him and his family even greater blessings. Separation can stretch us and enable God to bless us and others more abundantly.
The Lord Was With Joseph
Joseph’s name reflects two opposite Hebrew words: “to take away” and “to add.” His story demonstrates how God often brings addition through subtraction. Joseph was taken from his father so he could later save his family. Sometimes God removes blessings so He can give us greater ones.
Abraham and the Posterity Priority
All of God's promises to Abraham are about family. He promised Abraham land so his descendants would have a home. He promised Abraham the priesthood so that his descendants could bless all the families of the earth. Family is central to God's plan for the happiness of His children.