Have you ever heard the old gospel song “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder“? It’s a reference to Jacob’s vision as described in Genesis 28.
I heard a Sunday school lesson about this passage recently, and was struck by this verse:
And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! (Genesis 28:12)
Did you know that this ladder spanning the distance from heaven to earth is a picture of the Messiah-to-come, Jesus Christ?
We know that because the gospel of John tells us so:
And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:51)
Aren’t you thankful for a Savior who bridged the gap between you and God?
I sure am.
It was a divide we could never cross on our own.
Look with me again at Genesis 28:12. Do you notice that the ladder was “set up on the earth”?
Other versions tell us that the ladder “was resting on the earth” and “was set on the ground.”
As I pondered this verse right in the middle of my Sunday school class, I became overwhelmed with gratitude for a Redeemer who went all the way.
Because guess what? If that ladder had extended from the highest heaven and stopped even a mere six inches off the ground, I would be completely and utterly without hope.
Left to my own devices, even my very best efforts on my very best days amount to nothing more than filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).
That means that apart from Him, I couldn’t take even one step in the right direction. Not even one pace toward Him. Not even one rung climbed on my own.
So He came.
And He came all the way.
Oh, how I love Him for it.
Jennifer…I am overwhelmed with joy when I think of all Jesus has done for me. I am not worthy of his love but He loves me anyway! I thank you for this insightful reminder via a bible story from my youth( I still remember the picture of the ladder and angels!) I am humbled and so thankful for his everlasting love! Thanks again for sharing such an insightful post. I was truly blessed by it as usual. Have a wonderful weekend!
Amen, Horace! Thank you so much for stopping by and for praising this Savior with me.