Devoted, Detoured, Drowned
[1 Nephi 8:29-32] - Choose you this day where you want to go
29 And now I, Nephi, do not speak all the words of my father. 30 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. 31 And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building. 32 And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads. [1 Nephi 8:29-32]
Golden Gigabytes (v29)
I always cringe when I read these words “to be short in writing”—along with the similar words of other historian/prophets who tell us (the readers, believers, livers) that they can’t write all their thoughts down, or that they’ve said enough for now, including running out of room on the plates and not being able to make more (Moroni). I know they have their reasons; it’s not treason or laziness. Can you imagine if they did have the time and technology to write more! I am grateful for every verse that has been preserved for our time and day. And I know we have to be grateful for and use the amount of sacred words we have been entrusted with now, or else why would God want to give us more? I just think it would be great to not have to worry about such limitations on our inspirations. As such, I hope that we will each take more time to write more of our own experiences and wisdom as a light and strength to help guide and guard our children and posterity, also.
Whether it’s a kilobyte, gigabyte or terabyte, your words will provide mega guidance to all who follow you and need to know how to avoid the Filthy Fountain, Strange Roads and the Great and Spacious Building! And that there is always a way back to the Strait and Narrow.
Falling Forward (v30)
“Pressing forward” and “continually holding fast” to the Iron Rod is no easy feat for our hands, or feet. The Mist of Darkness isn’t just trying to blind us, but distract us, to slow down our feet and weaken our grips. That’s why the word “pressing” is used rather than “walking.” While the Strait and Narrow Path is not always a walk in the park, or a walk in the dark, it requires more effort than just putting one foot in front of the other. It requires faith and fortitude so that even when we can’t see the next step, if we hold on to the word of God, He truly will guide and guard us through everything we are to experience and endure in life. This consistent and persistent exertion during their excursion is why they fell down upon reaching the Tree.
They were exhausted from all the battles, but still excited and grateful that God provided the path and the perseverance to arrive and to partake.
Misguided Multitudes (v31)
Nephi’s description of Lehi’s dream doesn’t describe much about why this other group of people chose to “feel their way” towards the Great and Spacious building instead of the Tree of Life. If they were “feeling” the Mist must still have been encompassing them. Did they let go of the Iron Rod? Did they not know about the Tree that was just up ahead, or did they take their eyes off of it, being distracted by the tempting sounds and false lights of the Great and Spacious Building?
When we take our eyes and hearts off of the Lord’s light and love, it’s easier to be distracted by and attracted to the alluring lights and entertainments of the “eat, drink and be merry” multitudes beckoning us to join them.
Detours de Force (v32)
Maybe their hands were hurting from holding onto the Iron Rod so tightly, or maybe walking along and alone through the midst of the Mist of Darkness was becoming a burden, or even getting boring. Maybe this particular multitude planned on just taking a little detour that they were sure would only be a temporary escape?
The devil is fine with just detouring us away from the the Light and Love of Christ. For he knows that the longer he keeps us away from the people, places and practices (Prayer, Scriptures) that invite and improve the brightness and depth of the Lord’s Light and Love, the sooner he can deceive us is greater ways—lie upon lie.
A Wicked Watery Grave (v32)
That doesn’t mean the devil doesn’t desire, or won’t accept a drowning soul over one that’s merely taking a delayed detour! Ever wonder why the devil doesn’t have any barriers, or guiding rails (like an Iron Rod) to keep people he has distracted off the Strait and Narrow Path from drowning, or getting lost before even before they reach the Great and Spacious Building? Because he doesn’t want happy guests, he wants miserable prisoners! And the sooner the better! If we drown on the way all the better for him because it takes less of his time and energy and keeps plenty of vacancy in Hell’s Hotel for those who do make it across the river.
You may be tempted to, or have already let go of the Iron Rod, or are being misguided by and lost in the Mist of Darkness. You may even now be traveling on lonely, strange roads, or drowning in despair. Nevertheless, know this now, you are not lost from Father’s sight, light or love! He can guide you back to safety. His arm of mercy can reach down to you in the greatest, furthest depths of darkness and pull you out and heal your wounded heart. Reach out and take His outstretched hand! And if you are staying in Hell’s Hotel, it’s time to check out, get out and come back to the Tree of Life and the eternal mansions of mercy and grace.