Reading Through The Bible: Number 72
On Friday we read the story of Jacob’s dream of the ladder to heaven that had angels ascending and descending upon it and we talked about the amazing grace shown to Jacob the deceiver and cheat. This fellow was so deceitful! Listen to the conversation between him and his father:
“And he (Isaac) said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.” But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?”
And he said, “Because the Lord YOUR GOD BROUGHT IT TO ME.” (Genesis 27:18-20)
WOW! What a lie! He even brings God into his lie to make it sound convincing!!
Anyway, that reminds us of the amazing grace that God showed Jacob when he made the promises He did in his dream of the ladder.
So what does the ladder to Heaven represent? Does it mean that we have to work our way up the ladder in order to get there? As is usually the case, the Bible explains difficult passages elsewhere, and in this case, it is explained by Jesus Himself. He is talking to Nathanael who had just been called to be one of His 12 disciples and He says: “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending UPON THE SON OF MAN.” (John 1:51)
JESUS is the ladder from earth to heaven!! In fact, Peter says: “This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ NOR IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11, 12)
How do we climb it? Just as Jacob did! We acknowledge our sinfulness and tell God we are sorry and really want to live within His will! And we ask Him to forgive us and empower us!
The ladder is always there! UNTIL the day that Jesus says “Enough is enough!”
The angel explained it to John this way: “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” (Then Jesus says:) “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:10-14)
This obviously means that there is a judgment that takes place before Jesus comes because it has already been decided which rewards will be given; life for eternity or death for eternity.
Praise God that you and I are aware of His grace and His caution to be always ready by loving Him enough to obey Him!
Have a great day!