The "Event of Gathering" is a term often used to describe various assemblies or convocations of God's people as depicted in the Bible. These gatherings are significant in both the Old and New Testaments, serving as moments of worship, instruction, and divine encounter. The concept of gathering is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's desire for His people to come together in unity and purpose.

Old Testament Gatherings

In the Old Testament, gatherings often took place during significant religious festivals and events. One of the earliest examples is the gathering of the Israelites at Mount Sinai, where they received the Ten Commandments. Exodus 19:17 states, "Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain." This event marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as it established the covenant relationship between God and His people.

The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is another example of a divinely ordained gathering. Leviticus 23:34-36 instructs, "Speak to the Israelites and say, 'On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the LORD’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it continues for seven days. On the first day there is to be a sacred assembly; you are not to do any regular work.'" This festival was a time of communal celebration and remembrance of God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness journey.

New Testament Gatherings

In the New Testament, the concept of gathering takes on new dimensions with the advent of the Church. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of gathering in His teachings. In Matthew 18:20 , He declares, "For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them." This promise underscores the spiritual significance of believers coming together in fellowship and prayer.

The early Church exemplified the practice of gathering in Acts 2:42 , which states, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." These gatherings were characterized by communal worship, teaching, and the sharing of resources, reflecting the unity and love among the believers.

Eschatological Gatherings

The theme of gathering also extends to eschatological events, where God will gather His people in the end times. In Matthew 24:31 , Jesus speaks of the final gathering: "And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." This future gathering is a source of hope and anticipation for believers, as it signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

The Book of Revelation further describes a heavenly gathering in Revelation 7:9 : "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." This vision portrays the culmination of God's promise to gather His people from all corners of the earth into His eternal presence.

Significance of Gathering

Throughout the biblical narrative, gatherings serve as a means for God's people to experience His presence, receive His instruction, and participate in communal worship. They are moments of divine encounter and spiritual renewal, reflecting the communal nature of the faith. Whether in the context of ancient Israel, the early Church, or the eschatological future, the Event of Gathering remains a central theme in the unfolding account of God's relationship with humanity.