January 15 – The Spiritual Ladder

“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 28:12 (KJV)

Jacob, a wanderer far from his home, was shown a vision of a ladder that reached from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending upon it. This divine revelation was designed to teach an essential truth about the plan of salvation.

The ladder represents Christ, the link between heaven and earth. He is the means of communication between fallen humanity and God. Jesus referred to this symbol when He said to Nathanael: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (John 1:51, KJV). In this, the Savior identified Himself as the spiritual ladder, the connection through which heaven and earth are joined.

By taking on humanity, Christ established this ladder upon the earth. Its top reaches the highest heaven, radiating with the glory of God, and its brilliance lights the way for all. Angels move to and fro along this divine pathway, carrying messages from God to humankind and presenting human prayers and praises to the throne of grace. Jacob’s vision illustrated the union of the human and divine in Christ. God, looking down from heaven, views humanity with favor because of the merits of His Son.

The journey to eternal life is not an easy one. It requires advancing step by step, ascending the ladder through living faith and perseverance. Each step forward demands effort, and yet, not a single holy thought or selfless act originates from within ourselves. Only through Christ can there be any virtue or righteousness in us.

Although we can do nothing without Him, we do have a role to play in partnership with Him. We must never relax in our spiritual vigilance. Our lives are poised, as it were, between heaven and earth. We must hold fast to Christ, ascend through Him, and become co-laborers with Him in the salvation of our souls.

Every step we take on this ladder is a step closer to the character of God. Each victory strengthens our connection to Christ, who is both the foundation and the culmination of our faith. Let us cling to Him, who bridges the gap between earth and heaven, and trust in His power to sustain us through every trial and challenge.