See Revival Day Five: The Gate of Heaven

As we reflect on the crazy year of 2020, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is almost difficult to separate our spiritual lives from the realities of that time. As churches were forced to close their doors, many Christians were thrown into an unexpected paradigm: worshiping online. While this shift to virtual gatherings had its successes, it also unveiled a critical lesson—we must learn not just to meet, but to perceive and receive the presence of God wherever we find ourselves.

This truth echoes through the story of Jacob in Genesis 28:10-19. While fleeing his brother Esau, whom he had deceived out of his birthright, Jacob found himself alone and afraid. In a place called Luz, he lay down to rest and had a profound vision—a ladder that reached from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending upon it. At the top of the ladder stood Yahweh, who spoke to Jacob, declaring, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham, and the God of Isaac. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go…” (Genesis 28:13-15).

In that moment of fear and isolation, Jacob encountered the abiding presence of God. This was not merely a dream; it was a revelation that would transform his understanding of the divine. In his realization, Jacob exclaimed, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it. How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God. This is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:16-17). Hence, Luz was renamed Bethel, the “house of God”—a sacred space forever marked by this encounter.

Reflecting on this, we must ask ourselves: Where is our Bethel? Where have we become aware of God’s presence in our lives, amidst all the distractions and challenges? For some, it may be during quiet prayer, fasting, or memorizing scripture. For others, it might be in exuberant worship, singing and dancing before the Lord, or even a peaceful walk through nature. Wherever that sacred place may be, have we taken the time to reconnect with God and recognize His omnipresence in our lives?

Through Jacob’s dream, we catch a glimpse of the pre-incarnate presence of Jesus Christ. In John 1:51, Jesus affirms this connection when He says, “You will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Jesus is the ladder that connects heaven and earth, providing us access to the divine. When we call on His name, we invite the presence of God into our hearts, transforming us into living access points between heaven and earth.

Imagine what it would mean for your life if you carried this awareness of God’s presence with you every moment of every day. How would your interactions be different? How would your prayers shift? As we continue through this revival journey and seek to embody Jacob’s awakening, let us take the opportunity to recognize our own Bethel. In this ongoing relationship with God, may we always remember that the gate of heaven is wherever we are, especially when we choose to seek His face and invite His presence into our day-to-day lives.