The Iron Rod

In the Book of Mormon we read of a dream of the prophet Lehi depicting a narrow path to the tree of life. Leading to the tree is an iron rod which represents the word of God. This rod directs through clouds of darkness, rugged ways, dangerous waters, and sneering, mocking, and ridicule from haughty onlookers. The message was and is simple, we need to "press [our] way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until [we come] forth and [fall] down and [partake] of the fruit of the tree." (1 Ne 8:30).

Many things may entice us to let go of the rod: pride, independence, fear, apathy. Whatever the reason, we need to remember to hold fast to the security of the word of God. If we loose our grip of the rod and stray for a time, we must turn back and return to our place of security. Keep in mind the goal of our journey here, to reach the "golden rest" which is eternal life with our Father in Heaven, our family, and other loved ones.

In this arrangement of The Iron Rod for four-part choir, you will hear a verse depicting the sorrow, hardships, and darkness that we will go through in this life. But this somber verse is followed by the hopeful, stirring 5th verse.  While almost never sung, it provides us a reminder of the goal of our journey:

And when temptation's pow'r is nigh,

Our pathway clouded o'er,

Upon the rod we can rely,

And heaven's aid implore.

Afar we see the golden rest

To which the rod will guide,

Where, with the angels bright and blest,

Forever we'll abide.