In contrast to the tree of life, was the large and spacious building. While the tree of life represented Jesus Christ and His atonement, the large building represented the pride and vain imaginations of the world. “The large and spacious building stands in opposition to the Savior, who is the tree of life.” (BOM student manual p 22)
To set the stage for Lehi’s concern for his sons, we must understand what was at stake. Lehi saw four different types of people. There were those who were desirous to reach to tree, but became lost in the dark mist. There were those who desired to reach the tree, held to the rod of iron, reach the tree and partake of the fruit, but then observed those in the large and spacious building mocking them, and became ashamed and fell away. There were also those who had no desire to reach the tree, but instead head towards the large and spacious building. Lastly there are those who pursue the tree, hold to the rod of iron, and partake of the fruit, and do not fall away. Glen L. Pace made this comment on those who are headed towards this building:
To those of you who are inching your way closer and closer to that great and spacious building, let me make it completely clear that the people in that building have absolutely nothing to offer except instant, short-term gratification inescapably connected to long-term sorrow and suffering. The commandments you observe were not given by a dispassionate God to prevent you from having fun, but by a loving Father in heaven who wants you to be happy while you are living on this earth as well as in the hereafter. (Glen L. Pace quoted in BOM student manual p 23)
So Lehi, having partaken of the fruit of the tree of life desired his family to partake. “…And I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted... And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceeding great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.” (1 Nephi 8:11-12)
Lehi called to his wife and Sam and Nephi, and they all come and partook of the fruit and received the joy that Lehi had felt. He looked for Laman and Lemuel, and upon seeing them, called them to the tree, but they would not heed him, and instead were amongst those heading to the large and spacious building.
Lehi also observed a rod of iron which lead to the tree. Through Nephi's own vision, and the interpretation he gives we know that the rod of iron represents the word of God. And so we are given the key to reaching the tree of life, and being able to take of the fruit, of Christ's redemtion. To study the word of God by reading the scriptures. I have found Book of Mormon study is most important to overcome the mocking of those world. Scripture study, prayer and church attendance help us maintain our grip on the rod of iron.
Nephi concludes telling of his father’s dream in this fashion. “…He exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord. And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent…” (1 Nephi 8:36-37)
And so I am desirous to approach my children, with the same tenderness as Lehi, and encourage them to partake of this fruit. Also quoted in the institute manual is Robert D. Hales. “We too must have the faith to teach our children and bid them to keep the commandments.” (Robert D. Hales as quoted in BOM student manual p 23) And so I call to my children. “Come take of the fruit; come take of the joy that is the atonement of Jesus Christ.”
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