Doctrine and Covenants Section 37: A Call to Gather, Unite, and Obey
Welcome to Mindful Latter-day Saint Christian Living! Today, we’re delving into Doctrine and Covenants Sections 37 through 40, with a spotlight on Section 37. This week’s Come Follow Me study highlights the profound theme from Section 38: “If ye are not one, ye are not mine.” Together, we’ll explore the historical roots, spiritual insights, and practical applications of this revelation, uncovering its relevance for us as modern believers. The Come Follow Me curriculum invites us to draw nearer to Jesus Christ through daily engagement with His words—a gift for all, whether you’re a lifelong Latter-day Saint or simply curious about these teachings. So, grab your scriptures and a notebook, and let’s begin!
Historical Context: A Pivotal Moment in 1830
In December 1830, Joseph Smith was deeply immersed in translating the Bible—what we now call the Joseph Smith Translation—alongside Sidney Rigdon, a recent convert from Kirtland, Ohio. Their collaboration followed a surge of missionary success in Ohio, where over 100 individuals, including Sidney, embraced the restored gospel in mere weeks. Amid this transformative work, on December 30, the Lord revealed Section 37 near Fayette, New York.
This revelation delivered two critical directives. First, Joseph and Sidney were to pause their translation efforts and preach the gospel, particularly to the faithful Saints in Colesville, New York, whose prayers had reached heaven. Second, the Lord issued a groundbreaking command: the entire Church—roughly 250 members—must gather to Ohio, a daunting 300-mile trek.
Imagine the scene: winter gripped the land, roads were treacherous, and many Saints had built stable lives in New York. Relocating meant abandoning homes and farms for an uncertain future. Historical records note some hesitated, awaiting further guidance, but most stepped forward in faith. This wasn’t merely a logistical move; it was a spiritual summons to prepare for Zion, setting the stage for revelations like Section 38, received just days later on January 2, 1831.
Key Insights: Obedience, Gathering, and the Seeds of Unity
Though concise at four verses, Section 37 brims with meaning. Let’s unpack its core messages:
Verse 1: “It is not expedient in me that ye should translate any more until ye shall go to the Ohio…because of the enemy and for your sakes.” Here, divine timing shines—God prioritizes safety and purpose over even sacred tasks, guiding the Saints to Ohio for protection and growth.
Verse 2: The Lord acknowledges the Colesville Saints’ prayers, urging Joseph to “strengthen the church continually.” Our pleas matter, and God uses us to fortify His kingdom.
Verse 3: “Assemble together at the Ohio” marks the first official gathering command of this dispensation—a foundational step toward Zion.
Verse 4: “Let every man choose for himself until I come.” Agency underscores obedience; the Lord invites rather than compels.
This revelation ties to earlier teachings, like D&C 29:7-8, where God calls His elect to gather for Zion’s sake, and foreshadows Section 38:27’s call to unity: “If ye are not one, ye are not mine.” Gathering transcends geography—it’s about forging a people of one heart and mind. For the early Saints, this unity was essential amid trials; for us, it’s a timeless call to prepare for the Lord’s return.
Growing Opposition and Persecution: Prioritizing Personal Safety
The early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were fraught with challenges. By 1830, Joseph Smith and his followers faced increasing hostility from religious leaders, skeptical neighbors, and communities threatened by the Restoration’s bold claims. In Doctrine and Covenants 37:1, the Lord’s reference to “the enemy” signals real dangers—threats to the physical safety and well-being of Joseph and the early Saints. This opposition wasn’t abstract; it included verbal attacks, social ostracism, and, later, physical violence like the tarring and feathering of Joseph Smith in 1832.
God’s command to pause the Bible translation and move to Ohio reflects His priority: protecting His servants. While the translation was vital, the immediate need for safety took precedence. This decision underscores a timeless truth—God’s work advances, but not at the expense of His people’s well-being.
Scripture reinforces this principle of divine protection and timing:
Psalm 91:1-2: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." God offers refuge to those who trust Him, shielding them from harm.
Ecclesiastes 3:1: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." God’s timing ensures that every purpose unfolds when conditions are right, even if it means pausing one task for another.
Isaiah 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." His wisdom surpasses ours, guiding us through challenges we may not fully understand.
Modern Application: Today, we may not face the same persecution, but opposition—whether societal pressures, personal trials, or spiritual struggles—still arises. Trusting in God’s timing and seeking His protection help us persevere, knowing He prioritizes our safety and growth.
The Need to Strengthen the Church: Unity and Organization
The directive to move to Ohio wasn’t just about escaping danger; it was a strategic step to fortify the fledgling Church. Kirtland, Ohio, became a hub for the Saints, where the first temple was built, and critical revelations, like those in Doctrine and Covenants, shaped the Church’s doctrines and practices. Gathering in Ohio allowed the Saints to organize, receive guidance, and grow in faith together.
This need for strength through unity is a biblical principle:
Ephesians 4:11-13: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Church leadership and fellowship “perfect” the Saints, building a strong, unified body of believers.
In Ohio, the Saints found a place to establish roots, receive ordinances, and support each other. This strengthening laid the foundation for future growth, showing that God often directs His people to where they can thrive collectively.
Modern Application: Today, we strengthen the Church through our wards, stakes, and global community. Attending meetings, serving others, and participating in temple worship mirror the early Saints’ efforts in Ohio. Unity and organization remain essential to our spiritual resilience.
The Lord’s Design to Gather the Saints: Fulfilling His Purpose
The move to Ohio was part of a grander divine plan—the gathering of God’s people. In Doctrine and Covenants 29:7-8, the Lord declares:
"And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts; Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked."
This gathering isn’t just physical; it’s a spiritual unification, preparing the Saints for God’s purposes, including the building of Zion and the Second Coming of Christ. In 1830, Ohio became a stepping stone for this vision, fostering a fellowship where the Saints could worship, share resources, and align their hearts with God’s will.
Insights from History: The early Church’s gathering efforts—first to Ohio, then Missouri, and later Utah—reflect a pattern of coming together to fulfill divine mandates. Each move strengthened their resolve and capacity to serve.
Modern Application: While we no longer gather to one location, the principle persists. We gather in congregations, temples, and families, uniting in faith and purpose. Missionary work and family history extend this gathering, inviting all to join God’s fold. This unity equips us to face modern “tribulation and desolation” with hope.
Conclusion: Trusting God’s Timing and Joining His Work
Doctrine and Covenants 37:1 reveals God’s masterful orchestration of His work. Amid rising opposition, He protected His prophet, redirecting efforts to strengthen the Church and gather the Saints. These principles—personal safety, Church fortification, and unified fellowship—show that God’s timing aligns with His purposes, even when we don’t see the full picture.
Today, we can apply these lessons:
Trust God’s Timing: When plans change or challenges arise, His wisdom guides us.
Strengthen Each Other: Active participation in our Church community builds collective faith.
Gather with Purpose: By fostering unity and sharing the gospel, we fulfill His call.
As we face our own “enemies”—be they trials, doubts, or distractions—let’s rely on God’s protection and timing. By supporting our fellow Saints and gathering others to Christ, we contribute to His divine plan, just as the early Saints did in Ohio. How have you seen God’s timing in your life? How can you help gather and strengthen His people today?
Personal and Spiritual Application
For modern believers, gathering extends beyond physical relocation to spiritual and communal actions. Attending church, participating in temple ordinances, and strengthening family and community bonds fulfill this principle. Unity, as emphasized in Section 38, involves loving others, serving, and avoiding contention, fostering a Zion-like community. Obedience can be applied through daily practices like scripture study, prayer, and following personal commandments, reflecting on how these build personal Zion.
Considerations include:
How can you gather with Saints today through church attendance or family home evenings?
How can you promote unity by resolving conflicts or serving others in your ward?
What commandments challenge you, and how can obedience bring blessings, as seen in the early Saints’ example?
Thompson Chain Reference Style: Detailed Scripture Passages
To deepen study, here are scripture chains related to gathering and obedience, following a Thompson Chain Reference style, linking topically related passages:
Gathering Chain:
D&C 29:7-8: "And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts; Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked."
Isaiah 2:2-3: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
3 Nephi 20:22: "And behold, this people will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob; and it shall be a New Jerusalem. And the powers of heaven shall be in the midst of this people; yea, even I will be in the midst of you."
Obedience Chain:
Mosiah 2:22: "And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you."
John 14:15: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
D&C 58:2-4: "For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation."
These chains provide a network for deeper study, linking Section 37 to broader scriptural themes.
Study Tools: Deepening Your Understanding
Elevate your scripture study with these practical approaches:
Scripture Chains
Inspired by the Thompson Chain Reference Bible, link related verses to explore themes. For Section 37, try:
Gathering:
D&C 29:7-8: Gathering the elect for Zion.
Isaiah 2:2-3: The Lord’s house in the last days.
3 Nephi 20:22: A New Jerusalem.
Obedience:
Mosiah 2:22: Blessings for keeping commandments.
John 14:15: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
D&C 58:2-4: Rewards after tribulation.
Start with a theme, trace it across scriptures, and watch revelation unfold.
Highlighting and Notes
Make your scriptures a personal treasure:
Highlight “it is not expedient” (v1) in yellow for commands.
Mark “preach my gospel” (v2) in blue for instructions.
Use green for “assemble together at the Ohio” (v3) to note key events.
Jot “Divine timing” by verse 1 and “First gathering command” by verse 3 in the margins. Cross-reference D&C 38:27 for unity.
Tailor this system—colors, symbols, or insights—to leave a legacy for your future self.
Reflective Questions: Inviting Revelation
Pause and ponder these:
What commandments test your obedience today?
How can you strengthen your local Church this week?
When has obedience brought unexpected blessings?
Journal your thoughts or share them with loved ones. These aren’t just questions—they’re doorways to personal insight. What is the Spirit whispering to you?
Your Call to Action
Section 37 weaves together obedience, gathering, and unity—timeless blueprints for discipleship. This week, study Sections 37 and 38, set a goal to gather (perhaps a temple visit) or promote unity (maybe mending a rift), and share your story in the comments. Let’s inspire one another!
If this resonates, like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more Come Follow Me discussions. Thank you for joining this journey of mindful Latter-day Saint living. See you next time!
Section 37
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, near Fayette, New York, December 1830. Herein is given the first commandment concerning a gathering in this dispensation. 1–4, The Saints are called to gather at the Ohio.
1 Behold, I say unto you that it is not expedient in me that ye should translate any more until ye shall go to the Ohio, and this because of the enemy and for your sakes. (Divine Timing)
2 And again, I say unto you that ye shall not go until ye have preached my gospel in those parts, and have strengthened up the church whithersoever it is found, and more especially in Colesville; for, behold, they pray unto me in much faith.
3 And again, a commandment I give unto the church, that it is expedient in me that they should assemble together at the Ohio, against the time that my servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them. (First Gathering Commandment)
4 Behold, here is wisdom, and let every man choose for himself until I come. Even so. Amen.
Gathering Chain:
D&C 29:7-8 (Gathering the elect)
Isaiah 2:2-3 (Mountain of the Lord’s House)
3 Nephi 20:22 (A New Jerusalem)
Obedience Chain:
Mosiah 2:22 (Blessed in keeping commandments
John 14:15 (If ye love me, keep my commandments)
D&C 58:2-4 (Blessings after tribulation)
Highlight:
“It is not expedient’ (v. 1) in yellow for commandments
“Preach my gospel” (v. 2) in blue for promises
“Assemble together at the Ohio” (v.3) in green for key events
Margin Notes:
Next to verse 1: ‘Divine Timing’
Next to Verse 3: ‘First Gathering Commandment”
Cross Reference D&C 38:27 for Unity
