“And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.”
Genesis 28:12
Dear members and friends,
The Bible contains several remarkable dreams and dreamers, and among the most famous is Jacob’s dream in Genesis 28. At that time, Jacob was traveling to Haran after hastily leaving home to escape the anger of his brother Esau. His future was uncertain, and his journey was filled with risk and anxiety. Jacob had obtained the blessing he desired, but it came at a great cost: the loss of the safety and comfort of his father’s household.
As he traveled into an unknown future, Jacob could not see what lay ahead. Yet God had a purpose for him. The blessing Jacob received would lead him into a destiny far greater than he could imagine. At the very beginning of this journey, God appeared to him in a dream and revealed a vision of heaven and earth joined together. Through this experience, Jacob received comfort, hope, and a new sense of purpose. Most importantly, the dream assured him of God’s presence. God who had guided Abraham and Isaac would also guide Jacob. In a moment of fear and uncertainty, Jacob was reminded that he was not alone. This assurance gave him courage for the road ahead.
Swedenborg teaches that dreams can sometimes provide glimpses of the spiritual world and, on occasion, bring us into the company of angels. While most dreams may simply reflect the activity of our minds, some can leave us with a profound sense of peace, encouragement, or insight. We may awaken feeling comforted, strengthened, or reassured, without fully understanding why. Such experiences can remind us that the Lord is always present, gently leading and supporting us.
My brothers and sisters in God, let us take time to reflect on our dreams and the deeper movements of our spiritual lives. Not every dream carries a special message, but some may invite us to look beyond the surface and consider what the Lord may be teaching us. Like Jacob, we may discover that even in times of uncertainty, heaven is nearer than we realize, and God’s angels are continually ascending and descending upon the ladder between heaven and earth.
Blessings,
Rev. Junchol Lee