Gather Round the Carcass
Posted by Wade on June 21st, 2006
In modern times, the Lord has declared that we “are called to bring to pass the gathering of [his] elect; for [his] elect hear [his] voice and harden not their hearts.”
Of course, this passage and command refers to missionary work; those who hear the gospel and are baptized are considered the Lord’s elect, and rightly so. But for those of us who are active members of the Church, there is a test to determine whether we currently fit into the category of the Lord’s elect.
It’s a rather obvious test to employ and interpret, yet only obvious on a personal level and not discernable by others. Plainly stated, one is an elect of God if he or she gathers to the carcass.
I know, sounds morbid. But these aren’t my words; indeed, these are the words of the Lord himself. Said He: “For wheresoever the carcase is, there shall the eagles be gathered together.” This phrase is placed at the end of a sermon by the Savior to his Disciples as he sat upon the Mount of Olives. The statement is rather odd and does not seem to really fit in with what he is teaching about the end times. But Joseph shed some light on it for us.
In Joseph Smith Matthew 1:27, the verse is described as a parable. The eagles are a symbol of God’s elect, and the carcass is a symbol of a covenant with the Father through Christ (the Law of Moses is the type here: the carcass of the bullock, ram, or lamb being the symbol of Christ and the covenant through sacrifice). Thus, one is an elect of God if one gathers to the covenant, i.e. wherever the covenant/sacrifice is offered.
Of course, in our day, this would be the altar of the Sacrament table — or anywhere else covenants are made or renewed (e.g. altars of the temples). But the key is not only to be gathered to these places, rather to actually take meaningful part in the process of covenant making. In this manner, one is an elect of God if he/she is truely gathered around the carcass.
Very interesting. I wonder if the Lord was being nice, or flattering when he said eagles instead of buzzards.
Comment # 1 left by Eric Nielson on June 22nd, 2006
Perhaps. Or maybe the image of eagles being “elect” or powerful/good, has been derived from the Lord’s reference? Probably not though — so, yeah you’re probably right. We should be flattered I suppose.
Comment # 2 left by Wade on June 22nd, 2006
I resent this discussion
Comment # 3 left by A Buzzard on June 22nd, 2006
That is one of the most enlightening interpretations of that symbolism I have heard in a long time. It is one that I had a vague idea what it meant, but still couldn’t undestand. Thanks for the post. I have been enlightened.
Comment # 4 left by Jettboy on June 22nd, 2006
No problem Jettboy; thanks for stoppin in.
Comment # 5 left by Wade on June 22nd, 2006
Oh.. thank Jettboy huh? Forget about the buzzards. I see.
Comment # 6 left by a buzzard on June 22nd, 2006
I am sorry about my insensitive comments buzzard.
Comment # 7 left by Eric Nielson on June 23rd, 2006
Mr. Buzzard,
Get over yourself — it’s not all about you!
Comment # 8 left by Wade on June 23rd, 2006
Some of my best friends are buzzards.
Comment # 9 left by Eric Nielson on June 23rd, 2006
Wade is right, get off your high nest. Everybody knows that buzzards are far inferior to eagles…Just listen to your name.. it sounds like you gave the wrong answer: “BUZZ-ard”
What a hoser.
Comment # 10 left by an eagle on June 23rd, 2006
Wow, I never would have guessed my post would turn into such an intellectual, or shall I say “foul”, discussion.
Comment # 11 left by Wade on June 23rd, 2006
A Buzzard said…
I resent this discussion
That was worthy of the snarkernacle (if it was worthy of it).
Comment # 12 left by Stephen on June 25th, 2006