“And Jacob dreamed: Behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it” (Genesis 28:12).
The angels of God were ascending and descending on the ladder that Jacob saw in his dream, and this vision is a beautiful likeness of Christ. He Himself, being both God and man, became the mediator between the two, establishing communication between heaven and earth. He descended in the incarnation and ascended when He was received by His suffering disciples on the mount of Bethany. Christ is this living bridge that unites the divine to the human, the eternal to the temporal.
Jacob’s vision also offers a vivid representation of the Christian life. What is our faith, if not this continual communication with God? Like the angels on the ladder, our prayers and obedience ascend to Him, while His blessings and goodness descend upon us. When we show our love for God through obedience to His commandments, this ladder becomes firm, connecting us to the Father through the Son.
This connection is a privilege, an opportunity that unfortunately most people reject. By living in faithfulness to God, we experience Jacob’s vision. It is through obedience to the Father that we have access to Jacob’s ladder, the Messiah of God, whose sacrifice brings eternal life to all who believe and obey. –Adapted from Henry Müller. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, I thank You for Jesus Christ, the living bridge that unites us to You. I acknowledge that through Him I have direct access to Your presence and to all Your blessings. Help me to live in constant communication with You, sending up my prayers and obedience, while receiving Your goodness and guidance.
My Father, today I ask You to strengthen my faith so that I never stray from this divine connection that Jesus made possible. Teach me to obey Your commandments with love and devotion, making firm this “ladder” that unites me to heaven. May my life reflect gratitude for this privilege and the commitment to live according to Your will.
Oh, Most Holy God, I adore and praise You for sending Your Son to be the mediator between heaven and earth. Thank You for the opportunity to be so close to You through Christ. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law is a light that guides my steps every day. Your beautiful commandments are delights to my taste. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
