John 1:51 - And he said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'

In John 1:51, Jesus makes a profound statement to Nathanael, one of his early disciples. He tells Nathanael that he will see 'heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.' This cryptic statement is actually a reference back to the story of Jacob's ladder in Genesis 28. In that account, Jacob had a dream of a ladder stretching from earth to heaven, with the angels of God going up and down on it. God Himself stood above the ladder and reaffirmed to Jacob the covenant promises He had made to Abraham. Jesus is making the bold claim to be that ladder - the bridge between heaven and earth, the mediator between God and man. He is the 'Son of Man', a messianic title that points to His divine identity and mission. Through Jesus, Nathanael and all believers have access to the very presence of God. The veil between heaven and earth is removed in Christ. The image of the angels ascending and descending also speaks of Jesus' ministry. He would descend from heaven to earth in the Incarnation, minister, die and rise again, then ascend back to heaven to reign at the right hand of the Father. From there, He continues His ministry through the Holy Spirit and the church. One day, Jesus will descend again from heaven at His second coming. He will come, not secretly, but in power and glory for every eye to see. Then the heavens will be opened and the dwelling place of God will be with man forever in the New Heaven and New Earth. All of this is possible because Jesus is the ladder, the door, the way to the Father. In Him, heaven comes down to us, and we have access to ascend to heaven.

What an amazing truth Jesus reveals in this simple statement to Nathanael! In Christ, the barrier between God and man has been removed. Through faith in Him, we have bold access to enter into the heavenly places and commune with God. No longer do we need a priest to go between us and God, for Jesus is our Great High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us. Yet how often do we live as if this is not true? How often do we feel far from God, unworthy to enter His presence, unsure if He hears our prayers? We need to continually remind ourselves of our position in Christ. When we trusted in Him, we were raised up with Christ and seated with Him in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). We have an inheritance, a hope, a home in heaven with God. This should give us great confidence in prayer, knowing that we can approach the throne of grace with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). It should comfort us in trials, knowing that our momentary afflictions are preparing for us an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). It should motivate us to holy living, knowing that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). One day, Jesus will return and heaven will come down to earth in the fullness of God's kingdom. But even now, we have the firstfruits of heaven in the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. We can experience a foretaste of that perfect communion with God that we will know in eternity. May we never take for granted the incredible access and relationship we have with the living God through Christ! And may we be heavenly minded, setting our hearts on things above, eagerly awaiting our Savior's return. Let's live now in light of eternity, investing in the kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let's proclaim the good news that heaven has come near in Jesus and that eternal life is found in Him alone. May the reality of the open heavens shape everything about our lives here on earth until that day when we see our Savior face to face.

Our Father in Heaven, We marvel at the access we have to You through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You that the barrier of our sin has been removed and we can boldly approach Your throne of grace. Thank You that through Jesus, we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom that cannot be shaken. Forgive us for the times we have lived as if this were not true - for the times we have felt distant from You, doubted Your love, or feared Your rejection. Remind us continually of our position in Christ and the hope of heaven that is our inheritance. Help us to be a heavenly minded people, setting our hearts on things above. In the midst of the trials and troubles of this life, may we find comfort in knowing that this world is not our final home. Give us boldness to proclaim the good news that eternal life is found in Jesus alone. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the down payment of our inheritance. May we walk in step with the Spirit and experience even now the joy and peace of unbroken fellowship with You. We long for the day when Jesus will return and heaven will come down to earth. Maranatha, come Lord Jesus! In His mighty name we pray, Amen.