February 22

The Ladder To Heaven

And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. — Gen 28:12 BSB

Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” — John 1:51 BSB

Bethel was a bleak moorland in the heart of Canaan. The hills and level downs were strewn with massive boulders. As Jacob fled northward, he found himself overtaken by the swift eastern night while traversing this desolate landscape. There was nothing for him to do but lie down on the hard ground, using one of the large stones as a pillow. As he slept, he dreamed. In his dream, his last waking thoughts merged into a fantastic vision. It seemed as though the limestone slabs around him formed a gigantic staircase, reaching from where he lay to the starry heights above. On this staircase, angels came and went, filling the desolate region with their multitudes, clearly concerned with the lonely sleeper beneath them.

Let us reflect on that mystical ladder, which is Jesus Christ our Lord. By Him, the descent into humanity was made, and through Him, the ascent to the Throne of God is possible. He is "the Way" by which "the sons of ignorance and night" can rise to the eternal Light and Love. Where are you? Perhaps on a barren moorland, in a ship’s cabin, a remote homestead, a humble cottage, a crowded city, or lying on a hospital bed in pain. Wherever you are, Jesus finds you. The one pole of the ladder is the gold of His deity, the other is the silver of His humanity, reaching into your life. Lay upon Him your burdens of sin, care, and fear. “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not.” We have a Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus. None of us is outside God’s loving care. There is always a linking ladder between us and Heaven, with angels still ministering to the heirs of salvation. Let us ensure we wait at the foot of the ladder, ready to claim the blessings that Heaven sends.

Prayer

We thank You, Father, that wherever Your children seek You, there is a ladder reaching beyond the stars to Heaven. Jesus is the Way to You, and we can come to You through Him. In fact, You come to us and send Your angels to meet our needs. Heaven is close to earth, offering comfort, help, and support. Amen.