In the Book of Mormon Nephi shares part of the dream his father had, about the Tree of Life. Lehi saw a great and spacious field, and then a tree covered with fruit. He walks to the tree and eats of the fruit. After partaking of the fruit he looks around (see 1 Nephi 8:4-13). It makes me wonder if he was so focused on the tree that he saw nothing else until he reached it.
He notices Sariah, Sam, and Nephi, calls to them, and they come and eat the fruit. It isn’t until he sees Laman and Lemuel that he mentions the rod of iron and the path. “And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood." Lehi sees a river that runs near the tree. He also sees that the rod of iron extends along the bank of the river. (see 1 Nephi 8:19-20)
What I understand from this is that if your feet are solidly on the path, the rod should be within your grasp, and will stand as a barrier between you and the river, which Nephi later learns is “filthy” and represents “the depths of hell” (1 Nephi 12:16). The iron rod represents the word of God and leads to the tree of life, or the love of God (see 1 Nephi 11:25). Elder David A. Bednar taught,
“The fruit on the tree is a symbol for the blessings of the Atonement. Partaking of the fruit of the tree represents the receiving of ordinances and covenants whereby the Atonement can become fully efficacious in our lives” (link to article).
Lehi also saw “numberless concourses of people” who commenced in the path but a mist of darkness arose and they lost their way (see 1 Nephi 8:21-23). Nephi explains that "the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost” (1 Nephi 12:17).
Darkness, fogginess, or anytime we can’t see clearly can be disorienting. When I have been in such a situation I have become confused as to which way to go. Moving forward to a specific location in total darkness (even if I've seen it before) can be challenging. When we are unable to see, how much more important would it be to be holding onto something solid? President Boyd K. Packer gave a little insight when he said “If you hold to the rod, you can feel your way forward with the gift of the Holy Ghost” (link to talk). I think it is very important to note that there is no mention of this group holding on to the rod.
One thing I found interesting is that when Nephi speaks of the path that these people are following he uses the word in. I find this very descriptive of the type of path they (and we) are following.
A number of years ago I had the opportunity to go and see some of the early pioneer landmarks; the ruts in Gurnsey, Wyoming were among them. In this area the pioneers had to go over some rocks. Group after group after group went over these same rocks, until eventually a path was worn into the rocks.
The strait and narrow path has been around for a very long time. Adam and Eve were the first on this earth to trod it, followed by many faithful others throughout generations. By following the examples of the righteous and obedient men and women in the scriptures we can stay in the well-marked path.
There are two other groups of people mentioned that grab the rod, press forward, and partake of the fruit, but the outcomes are very different.
Both of these groups press forward and have a grip on the rod. The first group is described as clinging to the rod. They make it to the tree and partake of the fuit, but when the mocking voices and fingers of scorn are felt, they seem to backtrack in their conviction. Nephi recounts,
“And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree….
“And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost” (1 Nephi 8:24, 28).
The other group is described as continually holding fast to the rod. This group "came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree” (1 Nephi 8:30).
In contrasting the idea of clinging versus holding fast I am reminded of an experience I had.
In Zion’s National Park there is a beautiful hike, known as “Angel’s Landing”. It truly felt like I was standing in the place of angels when I was at the top overlooking the vast expanse.
Near the end of this hike, however, there was a steep climb. As I started on the final climb there were strong, sturdy, thick chains that were bolted into the side of the mountain, alongside the trail. A sign said to hold on to the chains as you climb. I remember walking along the path, and keeping my fingertips on the chain, or not quite holding on because the path was wide. I was comfortable with the width of the path and wasn’t worried about falling off, and felt that it was something I could handle without a problem. When the path narrowed, and the fear of falling became real, I would grip the chain tightly until the narrowness, and fear, had passed.
Comparing this to Lehi’s vision I wonder if those from the first group were casually walking in the path—doing all the right things—but not holding fast to the rod. Perhaps they were gently grazing their fingertips along the rod, feeling that this journey was something they could handle on their own (pride maybe?), but hanging on just in case troubles came up. This group doesn’t seem to have fully internalized the gospel into their lives, because when the mocking and scorn came they fell away (see 1 Nephi 8:28). Did Nephi use the word “forbidden” because of covenants they had made?
Jesus taught this idea of holding to the word of God, in a parable. In the parable of the sower he speaks of the seed being thrown to several different groups. I want to point out what happens to one specific group.
“Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
“And when he sowed…
“Some [seeds] fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
“And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away” (Matthew 13:3, 5-6).
Jesus explains this parable to his disciples. First, he teaches that "The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). The rod of iron also represents the word of God. The Savior's continued explanation seems to fit the clinging group of people from Lehi's dream.
“But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
“Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended” (Matthew 13:20-21).
It seems that these people may have been doing the right things (they started in the path) and they were at least doing something right (they made it to the tree), but along the way something was missed. They went through the motions, but I don’t think they internalized the reason behind what they were doing. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf explains,
“Sometimes, in the routine of our lives, we unintentionally overlook a vital aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ.… In our diligent efforts to fulfill all of the duties and obligations we take on as members of the Church, we sometimes see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must add to our already impossibly long to-do list, as a block of time that we must somehow fit into our busy schedules. We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why….
“[T]he gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation; it is a pathway, marked by our loving Father in Heaven, leading to happiness and peace in this life and glory and inexpressible fulfillment in the life to come. The gospel is a light that penetrates mortality and illuminates the way before us.
"While understanding the 'what' and the 'how' of the gospel is necessary, the eternal fire and majesty of the gospel springs from the 'why'” (link to talk).
When we understand why we are in the path and why we are holding on to the rod, it will make the temptations more bearable, and the challenges of life's journey easier to get through.
I find another parable fitting to the dream of the iron rod. We know that in the Parable of the Ten Virgins the oil represents spiritual preparedness, and all ten virgins are members of the church—meaning all have been taught the truth (link to article). Yet half are wise and half are foolish. From the scriptures we learn that to be wise means to “[apply] your hearts to understanding” (Mosiah 12:27). Another scriptures goes along with President Packer's quote above,
“For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived” (Doctrine & Covenants 45:57).
It seems that having access to the Holy Ghost as you travel in the path is a critical element. In Lehi’s dream I think that those who are continually holding fast to the rod of iron are those who lived “by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God” (Doctrine & Coventants 84:44) and have served Him “with all [their] heart, might, mind and strength” (Doctrine & Covenants 4:2). This can be shown by the exertion that has been spent to get to the tree, for they fall down when they reach it (see 1 Nephi 8:30).
Elder Robert D. Hales shares what this group of people may have done to keep a firm grip on the rod of iron.
“I testify that when we do what is necessary to know [Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ] and know Their love for one another, we will obtain 'the greatest of all the gifts of God'—even eternal life….
“How can this gift be ours? It comes through a matter of personal revelation…
“As you seek a personal witness—your personal revelation—you will discover that Heavenly Father has provided a special way for you to know the truth for yourself: through the third member of the Godhead, a personage of spirit we know as the Holy Ghost” (link to talk).
Nephi also taught that,
“the power of the Holy Ghost…is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men….
“For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them” (1 Nephi 10:17,19).
This group had paid the price to obtain their own spiritual witness through the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal Son of God. They had received a witness that Jesus Christ really is who He said He is. They had learned, through their own experience, about the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. They had felt the peace “which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). They knew that Jesus Christ,
“would overcome the world; he would descend beneath it all. He would make it possible for every person of every age to overcome every obstacle, every weakness, every sin, and every tinge of guilt” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p 205).
They had full confidence in the promises of our Heavenly Father, and our Savior Jesus Christ. It is no surprise that they paid no heed—mindfulness, consideration, study—to those mocking from the great and spacious building. They knew in whom they had trusted (see 2 Nephi 4:19).
Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke of our journey through life similar to being in a boat on a white-water rafting trip. The boat symbolizes The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of the rules on this journey is to “stay in the boat”.
“Along with rule number one as I’ve applied it, remember rules two and three: always wear a life jacket, and hold on with both hands. The words of the Lord are found in the scriptures and the teachings of the apostles and prophets. They provide us counsel and direction that, when followed, will act like a spiritual life jacket and will help us know how to hold on with both hands.
“We need to become like the sons of Mosiah, who 'waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth.' We can become men and women 'of a sound understanding.' This can be accomplished only by our 'search[ing] the scriptures diligently, that [we] might know the word of God.'
“In searching the scriptures and the words of past and current apostles and prophets, we should focus on studying, living, and loving the doctrine of Christ.
“In addition to developing the habit of personal scripture reading, we need to be like the sons of Mosiah and give ourselves 'to much prayer, and fasting.'
“It seems that these things which are not easily measured are of great importance. Stay focused on these simple things, and avoid becoming distracted” (link to talk).
I felt this very fitting to Lehi’s dream of the rod of iron. We need to hold on firmly with both hands, and we can do that as we follow Elder Ballard's counsel. There will be times when we stumble, or fall, but if we are holding steadfastly to the rod of iron we will only fall so far. As we keep focused on the Lord: obeying His words as found in the scriptures, and the words of His prophets; we can stay in the path that He has already walked. By doing these things we can make it to the tree of life and experience God's love in its fullness.
No comments:
Post a Comment