Climb Up Higher

July 18, 2005

The story of Jacob’s ladder provides an excellent setting to explore how God wants us to “climb up higher” in our spiritual lives.

Higher Dreams – Dreams played an important role in the Bible. Many times, God used dreams to show visions of where people were to go. A sad reality is that, as we get older, we forget how to dream, and become increasingly cynical. The Bible speaks of a time when “your OLD MEN will dream (new) dreams”. That’s quite a feat: to have OLD men dreaming new dreams. I am 57 years old, and I am still dreaming new dreams of what God can do. I find far too many of my university students, many half my age, who have already given up on their dreams. Jacob’s renewed dream was a turning point in his life.

Questions: Are you a dreamer or a cynic? Do you expect great things from God and attempt great things for God? Or do you say, “Ain’t no use trying. Nothing ever turns out right no-how.” Climb up higher.

Higher Commitment – Up until the “ladder dream”, Jacob was immature, “playing games” with is brother, Esau, and his parents, Isaac and Rebecca. Now, because of his foolishness, Jacob was literally running for his life. (It’s difficult to see the goal when you are running in survival mode.) After this encounter with God, Jacob “grew up” and accepted responsibility for his own spiritual life. He quit blaming others, and making excuses. He set about to mend broken relationships, make wrongs right, and (most importantly) complete God’s will for his life. In short, he took responsibility for his life, his happiness, and his spiritual growth.

Questions: Can God depend on you, or are you AWOL? When Christian duty calls, can you be found faithfully at your post of duty? Or, are you missing in action? (Charles Wesley said it well, “A charge to keep I have…”) Are you looking to others for your own happiness, or blaming others for your unhappiness? Climb up higher.

Higher Awareness – When Jacob awoke from his dream, God reminded Jacob of His purpose for Jacob’s life. Jacob erected an altar there, and named the place Beth-El (House of God). The saddest part of the whole story is when Jacob lamented, “Surely God was in this pace, and I DID NOT KNOW IT”. We need a higher awareness that we walk with God, for He is (as Jim Thompson sang so beautifully yesterday) before us, behind us, beneath us, and above us at all times.

Questions: Have you seen God today? Is he real and personal in your life? If not, why not? Are you aware that God is IN YOUR PLACE? If not, climb up higher.