1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
It is my understanding that Christ is the word that was with God in the beginning. Nephi in seeking to understand his father's vision received this revelation.
25 And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God. (1 Nephi 11:25)
With that thought in mind go and read the vision of the tree of life that Lehi had and the interpretation Nephi received. (1 Nephi 8, 11-15)Whenever the iron rod is mentioned think of Christ as the rod. How does that affect your perception of the vision?
In all things we should rely on Christ. When we do so he can safely lead us to the fountain of living waters or to the tree of life. He will lead us back to our Heavenly Father.
The Iron Rod
1. To Nephi, seer of olden time,
A vision came from God,
Wherein the holy word sublime
Was shown an iron rod.
(Chorus)
Hold to the rod, the iron rod;
'Tis strong, and bright, and true.
The iron rod is the word of God;
'Twill safely guide us through.
2. While on our journey here below,
Beneath temptation's pow'r,
Through mists of darkness we must go,
In peril ev'ry hour.
3. And when temptation's pow'r is nigh,
Our pathway clouded o'er,
Upon the rod we can rely,
And heaven's aid implore.
4. And, hand o'er hand, the rod along,
Through each succeeding day,
With earnest prayer and hopeful song,
We'll still pursue our way.
5. Afar we see the golden rest
To which the rod will guide,
Where, with the angels bright and blest,
Forever we'll abide.
