The Iron Rod, Part 1

View Part 2 here.

I have been studying Lehi's vision in depth recently, in particular the iron rod in conjunction with the armor of God, the justice and mercy of God, and the cherubim and flaming sword. More recently, I have felt _flooded_ with inspiration - I keep feeling like I need to share it, but every time I have started to write this out, I have been led to new nuances - opened new doors and made new connections - there's no way I can write it ALL here, so I am praying for the words and the focus God would have me share. The words are finally flowing, so here goes!

Doctrine & Covenants 33:1 "...hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, whose WORD is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged SWORD, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit; and is a DISCERNER of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

The iron rod represents the word of God. So does the sword of the Spirit, part of the armor of God, in Ephesians 6:

17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the WORD OF GOD:"

I have thought it interesting that you can loosely describe a sword as a rod of iron, but there is more - I believe it could also be called the "arm of God," in particular the arm of mercy which is extended towards us. One definition of the word "arm" is weapon - (consider the right to bear ARMS). I find it even more interesting that the word "armor" has the word arm in it (kind of the arm-ing of the armed).

1 Nephi 15:23-24
"23 And they said unto me: What meaneth the ROD OF IRON which our father saw, that LED TO THE TREE?"

Pausing to point out that the iron rod follows (I might say guards, like armor!) the path to the tree of life. This is another big clue as to what it represents. More later.

"24 And I said unto them that it was the WORD OF GOD; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the FIERY DARTS of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction."

This last verse shows us that the iron rod has additional properties which also belong to the armor of God from Ephesians 6 - concerning the fiery darts of the adversary.

"16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the FIERY DARTS of the wicked."

So somehow, so far, the iron rod is both sword and shield (this actually eventually led me to an understanding that holding the iron rod is putting on all the armor of God, but I'm getting ahead of myself). There is more.

There are two more scripture verses that mention "fiery darts," both in Doctrine & Covenants - Doctrine & Covenants 27 has good stuff, but I wanted to point out Doctrine & Covenants 3:8:

"8 Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have EXTENDED HIS ARM and supported you against all the FIERY DARTS of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble."

So far, the iron rod is a sword (/shield) or an arm (/armor). Swords have hilts. Arms have hands. So much symbolism. In fact, the 1828 Webster definition of "hilt" is  "The handle of any thing; but chiefly applied to the handle of a sword."  I love that word HAND-le.  :)  Now in the past, I have always imagined us walking hand over hand along the iron rod, and in a sense, I think that's a fine image. But thinking of the iron rod as a sword - consider again the verbiage in 1 Nephi 8 24:

"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."

That sounds to me now more like holding a sword than going hand over hand along a railing. Consider also v. 30 of the same chapter:

"But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they 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."

I looked up the word "hold" in the 1828 Webster dictionary. As a verb, one of the definitions is "to wield." As a noun, the first part of the definition reads, "A grasp with the hand; an embrace with the arms; any act or exertion of the strength or limbs which keeps a thing fast and prevents escape. Keep your hold; never quit your hold" Related, and interesting, is the next part of the definition, "It is much used after the verbs to take, and to lay; to take hold or to lay hold is to seize. It is used in a literal sense; as to take hold with the hands, with the arms, or with the teeth; or in a figurative sense." (That reminds me of Mormon in Moroni 7 ... lay hold [seize] upon every good gift, touch not the evil gift.)

The first two definitions of the word "fast" also teach us: "1. Literally, set, stopped, fixed, or pressed close. Hence, close; tight; as, make fast the door; take fast hold.  2. Firm; immovable."  Hold fast can thus mean to hold or press close - even firmly!  (You can see relation to the words FASTEN and STEADFAST, as well).


John Pontius spent a lot of time writing about the "word of God" including more than scriptures and conference/prophets; it is also personal revelation through the Holy Ghost. The scriptures also teach us that angels are involved in transmission of the word.

Alma 32:23
"And now, HE IMPARTETH HIS WORD BY ANGELS unto men, yea, not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the learned."

2 Nephi 32:3
"ANGELS speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they SPEAK THE WORDS OF CHRIST. ..."

One day at church earlier this year, a friend of mine said to me... did you notice that Lehi did not hold the iron rod on his way to the tree? This led to a fun discussion as I responded - what if the man dressed in white WAS Lehi's iron rod - and he held his arm/hand as he pressed forward to the tree? What if Lehi's personal journey to the tree is part of the MEANING of others' journeys in the same vision. ...

From 1 Nephi 8, going in order, but paraphrasing:
v. 4 Lehi sees a dark and dreary wilderness (world).
vv. 5-6 He sees a man in a white robe who speaks and bids him to follow him (caught hold of iron rod)
v. 7 beholds the dark and dreary waste (mist of darkness descends)
v. 8 after many hours in darkness, he prays for mercy
v. 9-10 after he prays he can see the tree (the mist of darkness is dispelled!)
v. 11 continues until he partakes of the tree (love of God/Jesus Christ)
v. 13 looks for his family
v. 15 BECKONS to his family and says to "come unto me" (he becomes the iron rod for others - bringing souls to Christ)

I came across new meaning to this beautiful scripture earlier this year which I want to tie in:

Alma 19:6
"Now, this was what Ammon desired, for he knew that king Lamoni was under the power of God; he knew that the DARK VEIL OF UNBELIEF was being cast away from his mind, and the LIGHT which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness—yea, this light had infused such joy into his soul, the CLOUD OF DARKNESS having been dispelled, and that the LIGHT of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God—"

CLOUD of darkness reminded me of the MIST of darkness from Lehi's dream - the temptations of the adversary - maybe in particular the temptation of unbelief if the mists of darkness are also the dark veil of unbelief - interesting also that it is "cast away." Also noteworthy to me that light takes its place.

I want to include the next scripture because there is lots of Lehi's vision imagery:

Psalm 119:105
"Thy WORD is a lamp unto my feet, and a LIGHT unto my PATH." (also here could be seen as a connection to the feet shod with spiritual armor)

Now back to 1 Nephi 8. After Sariah, Sam and Nephi make it to the tree, there are still 2 more journeys to the tree that Lehi outlines.
Group 1 that makes the tree:
v. 21 numberless concourses press forward to obtain the path
v. 23 exceedingly great mist of darkness causing many to stray
v. 24 others press forward THROUGH THE MIST, clinging to the iron rod until they come forth and partake
v. 25 after they partake of the fruit they look around as if ashamed
v. 28 the ashamed fall away into forbidden paths and are lost

Group 2 that makes the tree:
v. 30 other multitudes press forward,
catch hold of the rod of iron,
press forward holding fast to the rod of iron,
come forth and fall down at and partake of the tree
v. 33 heed not the scorners
v. 34 (or whoever does falls away)

There are a couple of differences between these groups - but one possible difference that I never noticed until recently. Now, I am still studying this, and there might be other interpretations, so please, look for the gold if any and discard the dross. Group 1 maybe never has their mist of darkness lifted until they are at (or close to) the tree (they didn't look around until then!) - which might imply blind faith, or no perspective, or they can't give up the so-called comfort in the temptations/false beliefs of the adversary - they are going through the motions - but ultimately, at the tree, they are ashamed and heed the scorners. Maybe they didn't pray for mercy like Lehi did (v. 8), or ultimately could not forgive themselves, or whatever the case...  Edited to add - this shame and falling may be the ultimate deceptions that "deceive the very elect if that were possible."  Deception is another way of saying false belief.

Notice that in group 2, the mist of darkness is not mentioned! Now, it could be implied, I suppose. But it makes me wonder if their mists of darkness were dispelled early, like Lehi - and Lamoni - their dark veils or cloud of darknesses were cast away or dispelled - they didn't travel THROUGH them like group 1, but they could see their goal more clearly and keep what we might call an "eternal perspective" along the path. They received light and their light grew brighter and brighter - a lamp/light unto their feet on the path. Perhaps that made all the difference at the tree with not feeling ashamed and not heeding the scorners. ?



I feel to stop here and make a part 2 later, because this is already pretty long.

Part 2 will be as soon as it feels right.  I was in a good writing flow, and I could feel it turn off almost like a water faucet!  (Then the doubt about sharing this inspired knowledge creeped in.)  But blessed be the name of the Lord!  :)

April 2018 Conference Themes

Sometimes, when you listen to conference live with a specific question, it seems as though every speaker addresses your topic!  Then when you study the talks again, sometimes it seems like it was a stretch to call that your topic!  I have had this experience many times, but I also like to keep my ears open for themes in conference.  What themes stood out to you?  These are the themes that stood out to me:

1. Prophets and the solemn assembly
2. Ministering
3. Following the Spirit
4. Preparing for the Second Coming

Prophets and solemn assembly
We had a solemn assembly and sustained a new prophet.  Many, MANY speakers bore testimony of President Nelson being called of God to be His prophet today.  Some speakers directed their entire message to the topic of prophets, solemn assemblies, and President Nelson.  See President Ballard's talk, Elder Stevenson's talk, Elder Andersen's talk, President Nelson's Sunday morning talk,  Am I missing any?

Ministering
Speakers continually used this word on Saturday - I wrote it down with the intention of studying its use in the scriptures, and then on Sunday afternoon, we learned why the emphasis!  The new Ministering program was announced - a higher, holier way of Christlike service.

Following the Spirit
This may have been more of a message for me than a theme - but I kept getting promptings about taking the Holy Spirit for my guide, following the Spirit, and so on.

Preparing for the Second Coming - I kept hearing this over and over, especially on Sunday.  When I went back to look for these quotes, they did not seem as prominent.  But I thought it would be fun to collect the quotes about coming days and anything about preparing for the Savior's return.  Grasping at straws?  You decide.  Emphasis added.

President M. Russell Ballard, Sat morning, this quote talks about difficult tasks ahead:

"If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, the Lord can help us remove the mountains of discouragement and doubt in the tasks ahead of us as we serve with God's children, including family members, Church members, and those who are not yet members of the Church." 

Elder Brian K. Taylor of the 70, Sat morning, this quote brings up the sin-resistant generation phrase that foreshadows Millennial days:

"To mothers, especially young mothers, who often feel overwhelmed and underwater while striving to raise 'a sin-resistant generation,' never underestimate your central role in God's plan."

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, of YW presidency (released), Sat afternoon references celestial families and the "great work" which is God's work:

"Together these beautiful, strong, faithful young women and young men are preparing to be wives and husbands, and mothers and fathers who will raise families worthy of the celestial kingdom of God.
"...  Our precious young women have an important role to play in helping to accomplish this great work."

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo of the 70 on Sat afternoon tells us how to find light in the darkening world:

"I promise that participating in ordinances and honoring the associated covenants will bring you marvelous light and protection in this ever-darkening world."

Brother Douglas D. Holmes, FC in YM Presidency in Priesthood session:

"Young men, God has a work for you to do.  Your Aaronic Priesthood ordination is central to helping His children receive Christ's atoning power.  I promise that as you put these sacred duties at the center of your life, you will feel the power of God as never before.  You will understand your identity as a son of God, called with a holy calling to do His work.  And, like John the Baptist, you will help prepare the way for the coming of His Son." 

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the 12 in Priesthood session:

"I cannot adequately express how excited I am to contemplate the increasingly vital role that elders quorums will play in the future.  The wisdom, experience, capacity, and strength that will be found in these quorums portend a new day and a new standard of priesthood service across the Church." 

Also later:

"Yes, thanks be to God for the men of the priesthood and for the service they will yet render in lifting individuals and families and in establishing Zion." 

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the 12 in Priesthood session:

"Indeed this is a time when the Lord is hastening His work."

President Russell M. Nelson, prophet, in Priesthood session:

"While you sing, think of your duty as God's mighty army to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.  This is our charge.  This is our privilege." 

Sister Reyna I. Aburto, SC in the RS Presidency, Sun morning:

"As we work in unity, our purpose should be to look for and do the Lord's will; our incentive should be the love we feel for God and for our neighbor; and our greatest desire should be to 'labor diligently,' so we can prepare the way for the glorious return of our Savior.  The only way we will be able to do so is 'with one accord.'"

 President Russell M. Nelson, prophet, Sun morning:

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again.  We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory.  But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the 12, Sun afternoon:

"I witness that, as prophesied in the holy scriptures, including in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, 'the Lord's kingdom [is] once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah.'" 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the 12, Sat afternoon:

"In the spirit of President Nelson's marvelous declarations and testimonies last night and this morning, I bear my own witness that these adjustments are examples of the revelation that has guided this Church from its beginning.  They are yet more evidence that the Lord is hastening His work in its time." 

Also, later:

"...may we labor side by side with the Lord of the vineyard, giving the God and Father of us all a helping hand with His staggering task of answering prayers, providing comfort, drying tears, and strengthening feeble knees. ..." 

Sister Jean B. Bingham, RS president, Sun afternoon opened and closed her talk with references to the Second Coming:

"What a wonderful blessing to live in a time of continual revelation from God!  As we look forward to and embrace the 'restitution of all things,' which has and will come through the prophesied events of our time, we are being prepared for the Savior's Second Coming."

And later:

"I gladly bear my personal witness that these revelatory changes are inspired of God and that, as we embrace them with willing hearts, we will become better prepared to meet His Son, Jesus Christ, at His coming.  We will be closer to becoming a Zion people and will feel surpassing joy with those whom we have helped along the path of discipleship." 

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the 12, Sat afternoon - his entire talk was full of Second Coming imagery - even the talk was "Prepare to Meet God"!  Here are some choice quotes:

"...three ancient prophets, Moses, Elias, and Elijah, appeared and committed keys which were essential to accomplish the Lord's purpose for His restored Church in this dispensation.  That purpose has been simply, but eloquently, defined as gathering Israel, sealing them as families, and preparing the world for the Lord's Second Coming." 

...
"Home and visiting teaching, now 'ministering,' as taught so eloquently in this session, will prepare Latter-day Saints to meet God."
...
"For those of us alive at this time, he increase in temples and family history work is phenomenal.  This pace will continue and accelerate until the Second Coming of the Savior, lest the whole earth 'be utterly wasted at his coming.'"
...
"As individuals, we would do well to evaluate our effort in pursuing missionary work, temple and family history work, and preparations to meet God."