Genesis 28:12(NIV)
He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it
On the first Friday of Advent, we remember Jacob's Dream.
The ornament for today could be a wooden ladder.
The story of Jacob's ladder is found in the book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 28. According to the story, Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, was fleeing from his brother Esau after being deceived out of his birthright and blessing. Jacob stopped for the night and used a stone for a pillow. While he was sleeping, he had a dream in which he saw a ladder stretching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. At the top of the ladder, Jacob saw God, who spoke to him and reaffirmed the covenant He had made with his grandfather Abraham.
From this story, we can learn several important lessons. Firstly, it teaches us about the accessibility of God. The ladder in Jacob's dream represents the connection between heaven and earth, reminding us that God is accessible to us and desires to communicate with us.
Secondly, the story highlights the faithfulness of God. Despite Jacob's deceitful actions, God reaffirmed His covenant with him and promised to be with him wherever he went. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our merit or performance but is based on His character.
Additionally, the story emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's promises. Jacob's dream reminded him of God's promises to his grandfather Abraham and encouraged him to trust in God's guidance and provision. It reminds us that we can rely on God's promises and trust that He will fulfill them in His perfect timing.
Furthermore, the story of Jacob's ladder points forward to Jesus Christ as the ultimate connection between heaven and earth. Jesus referred to Himself as the "Son of Man," who would be the bridge between heaven and earth (John 1:51). It reminds us that Jesus is the way to access God and receive eternal life.
Overall, the story of Jacob's ladder teaches us about the accessibility of God, the faithfulness of God, the importance of trusting in His promises, and the hope found in Jesus Christ as our Savior. It encourages us to seek God's presence, trust in His guidance, and rely on His faithfulness.
For further reading, check out Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25:19-34; 27, Jacob’s Vision of God in Genesis 28:10-22, and Jacob Returns to the Land of His Fathers in Genesis 31-33.