Jacob’s Ladder (#79 of 365+)

“And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night... and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a
ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it” (Genesis 28:10-12 KJV)

Before I started reading the bible, I thought Jesus Christ didn’t come on the scene until the New Testament. But he appeared in several places in the Old Testament as the “Angel of the Lord”, a being who was identified as God or who referred to God in the first-person. Another “Christophany” is Daniel 3:25 when he protected the lives of three young Jews in the midst of a fiery furnace. An unbelieving king who saw him in the flames declared he had seen the Son of God! And, as though that isn’t enough to capture a skeptic’s attention, there are dozens of foreshadowing illustrations of Christ throughout the Old Testament.

Noah’s ark + God’s specific instructions
          = God’s salvation plan in Christ
Jonah + 3 days + belly of a big fish
          = Jesus Christ + 3 days + the grave
Abraham + son Isaac + altar
          = God the Father would willingly offer his only Son for us

In today’s devotional, Joni mentioned that Jacob’s dream of a ladder stretching between heaven and earth was another foreshadowing of Christ. I never realized this before! Jesus confirmed it when he said, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:51).



Religion is mankind’s futile attempt at reaching out to God, but Christianity is the good news that Jesus Christ has bridged the gap between us and God through his death and resurrection. If you want to receive God’s free gift of salvation, here’s how:

1. Admit your need (I am a sinner).

2. Be willing to turn from your sins (Repent).

3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave.

4. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit (Receive Him as Lord and Savior).

Lord, thank you for choosing us before the foundation of the world. Help us to live lives that are worthy of your calling. In Jesus’ name. Amen.