It is a nice reflection, of course, to express desire to rise to God. But Jacob did not rise. In fact, I have come to believe that the detail of his dream at Bethel is profoundly important.
Jacob had stolen both birthright and blessing. He was away from home because of the threat of violence against him from Esau. Jacob, in fact, was growing tired of ladder climbing and foot grabbing. The dream was starting the journey of letting go and letting God, a heart journey that would eventually lead to wrestling the angel, the very identity of Israel, and justice and reconciliation with his brother.
This movement of his heart started with letting go of the ladder, watching God's angels go up and down instead. May it be so with me, Lord.
