Have you ever felt a horrible sense of guilt for something you did wrong? Maybe it was a lie, deception, or angry words spoken in haste. Many people have done things wrong that they deeply regret. In the Bible, the story of two brothers, Jacob and Esau, is one of deception resulting in great remorse.
The first-born son, Esau was supposed to inherit his father’s wealth and prominence. But in a craftily-planned deception, Jacob obtained the blessing and inheritance of his father. Jacob tried to plan his destiny in his own way, instead of waiting for God’s providence. Esau was so angry for what had happened that he threatened to kill Jacob. In one wrong decision, Jacob had sinned against his father, his brother, his own soul, and his God.
Jacob was force to run away from the comfort and security of home. He was filled with loneliness and remorse for his sin. What made his grief so bitter was the feeling of condemnation and separation from God because of his own deceitfulness. Jacob longed for forgiveness from God. Tired and weary from his running away, Jacob laid down on the cold ground and used a stone to rest his head.
In his sleep, he saw a beautiful, shining ladder from the place where he lay all the way up to heaven. Angels were ascending and descending this glorious ladder and the Lord of heaven Himself was at the top. The voice said, “I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac. . . behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places wither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of” (Genesis 28:13,15).
Now Jacob knew that God was still with him and forgave him. The ladder represented the wonderful connection that he could have with the heavenly Father. Angels would never cease to attend him, and the ladder itself represented Jesus Christ. Although Jacob had sinned, he came to God for forgiveness, and God granted his request. God never forsook him. God make a plan to save Jacob, blessed him and promised to be with him wherever him went. Because of God’s great mercy, Jacob pledge to serve the Lord and give back a tenth of all the Lord’s blessings.
Sometimes you and I may sin and wonder if God really can forgive and accept us back. Jesus Christ, the ladder from earth to God is offered to us, just like it was offered to Jacob long ago. God made a connection to heaven so that all who come to Him could be forgiven and given eternal life. It is a wonderful assurance and promise to us. What a wonderful ladder!
Cynthia Ly Lan Nguyen
