"And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this church have I established and called forth out of the wilderness" (D&C 33:5)
Jesus Christ established His Church, not Joseph Smith. I imagine Joseph would likely be the first to clarify this important fact. Over and over again His miraculous hand was manifest in preserving the plates, protecting the prophet, restoring priesthood authority, etc. etc.. Sometimes we may yearn for those days when heaven was so visibly and dramatically involved in the work. It has been said that angelic visitations and the signs and wonders that seemed so prevalent in those early days were necessary to that period to establish the Church. Maybe so. Then the next verse:
"And even so will I gather mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe in me, and hearken to my voice." (D&C 33:6)
"Even so" - the same miraculous way - does He gather.
The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah wrote concerning a miraculous future gathering saying: "Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers." (Jeremiah 16:14-15)
Whereas the parting of the Red Sea and the deliverance of children of Israel from Egypt through it had been the signature display of the Lord's hand and power for centuries, the gathering would eclipse even that.
Those that will "believe in [Him]" (let God prevail in their lives), and "hearken to [His] voice" (hear Him) will be gathered.
"Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground." (D&C 8:2-3)
Aren't we are living the fulfillment of this prophecy right now? Our beloved prophet has invited us to join the Lord's battalion to gather Israel. He has defined Israel as those who let God prevail in their lives, and put repeated emphasis on growing our ability to #HearHim.
Sometimes we still want to respond tentatively though - it can be an intimidating prospect to share the gospel with others... just like it was intimidating for Joseph and for Moses. But the work is not ours to accomplish alone "Even so will I gather mine elect" He says though, In the same miraculous manner. He invites us to be a part of this most important thing happening on the face of the earth and be first person witnesses to His mighty power - as HE gathers Israel. What an opportunity!
