Sunday, December 6, 2015

1 Nephi 8:19

19  And I beheld a arod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.
            -why is the rod of iron near/parallel to the river of water (or vice-versa)?  Is the intent to signify how close danger lies to a departure from the truth and right living?
            -rod of iron = principles, teachings, truths and ordinances of the gospel that we need to engage in and make a part of us.  These are our guides that will not fail to keep us safe and to direct us through any storm of life.
            -Consider the sequence of these things:  Laman and Lemuel’s refusal occurred before mention of the rod of iron  -signifying, possibly, that even though all the assistance/tools are available they are of no consequence when a person will not come.  There is no question about how to get into the celestial kingdom  -the answers and the assistance is in place.  The variable is us:  will we choose to get there?

      “it extended along the bank…”
            -we are not expected to travel dangerous roads alone or unassisted.  The guideline is there, God will not leave us to wander by chance.
            -a primary feature of mortality is the proximity between good and evil.  They brush up against each other on a frequent basis.  The lines between the two are thinner than we anticipate.  This is one reason for the necessity to be exactly obedient.  One slight deviation can land us in the realm of sin and destruction.  Consider sexual purity for example, the distance between kissing, intimate touching and sex is razor thin.  So it is with many other behaviors.  One small concession can lead to  significant consequences.

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