THE WORD OF GOD

Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer. (1 Nephi 10:6)

What I would like to discuss today is what we, as individuals, can do to stay on the path leading to the tree despite the temptations, darkness, mocking, and pride.


At the conclusion of his great apocalyptic vision, John the Revelator described the second coming of the resurrected and perfected Christ. He saw Him riding in on a white horse, clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. Revelation 19:11, 13)

In Nephi's explanation of his father, Lehi's, dream, he talks about a rod made of iron which ran along the path leading to the tree.  

And it came to pass that I beheld that a rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or the tree of life . . . (1 Nephi 11: 25)

Nephi tells us the interpretation of many of the symbols he and his father had seen in vision.  In this case, the rod of iron is mentioned as the word of God.  

My entire life, I have believed the Word of God to refer to the scriptures, or perhaps the General Conference addresses of apostles, prophets, and leaders. If I read and studied the scriptures and listened to the Conference talks, I would be clinging to the rod. This is true and it is an important guide to lead us safely home.  As our Primary children sing: Seek, Ponder, and Pray.

This is the word of God - lower case w. It is important, but I don't think it is enough.

My understanding of the Word of God - Word with a capital W - as being Jesus Christ has expanded exponentially.   I have followed an intense study of the New Testament with a likewise intense study of the first chapters of the Book of Mormon and have encountered other references to the Word.  I have come to understand that the Word with a capital W is, in reality, another name for my Savior.

John referred to Christ as the Word in the first verse of the first chapter of his Gospel. 

This has broadened my thinking of the admonition to hold to the rod as the only path to eternal life and the love of God represented by the tree. now see this as my need to center my entire life around Jesus Christ.  I have taken His name upon me; I must always remember Him, I must keep His commandments and study His Word.

As I searched for illustrations for my blog, I ran across a wonderful painting done by the renowned Latter-day Saint artist, James Christiansen.  This picture is truly worth more than a thousand words. I see in it the rod of iron directly above the man's head.  Even though he is somewhat short, he could easily reach the rod and seek his salvation but simply reaching up.  He wouldn't even need a stepping stool.  But sad though he appears, he doesn't do so.  Why? Because he is burdened by the weight of the world.  He cannot let go of mammon and if he does not repent and focus on what really matters, he could be lost.

And thus we come full circle.  The Tree of Life, the Rod of Iron, the Great and Spacious Building. Lehi's dream resonates with a powerful question for today. In our dark and fallen world, which will we choose?

©January 2020, Dr. Kathleen Rawlings Buntin Danielson