In this time and season, the Lord is saying to His people to get ready for a deeper experience and encounter with Him - where heaven and earth meet! Yes, even in your time of worship, in your time of reading the Word, and in your time of prayer!
John 1:47-49 (NKJV) says, 'Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"'
The name 'Nathanael' in Hebrew means 'Given of God, Appointed of God', from the words 'Nathan' meaning 'to give, to appoint, to bestow, to ascribe' and 'El' meaning 'God'.
'Under the fig tree' mentioned by Jesus here was a phrase Rabbis would use to describe meditation on the Scriptures. So, possibly, Nathanael spent time in meditating on the Scriptures and in prayer, and Jesus told him "I saw you."
John 1:50-51 (NKJV) then says, 'Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these." And He said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."'
You see, the Lord was getting Nathanael ready for a deeper experience and encounter - an open heaven experience - where angels ascending and descending! An appointment set up by the Lord Himself!
People of God, just like for Nathanael, this is the time the Lord is setting up appointments with you too! Wisdom and revelation from heaven is going to flow right to your life like you've never seen before! Get ready!
Even in a time of darkness and uncertainty around you in this world, angels ascending and descending! What does this mean? Angels bringing your problems, requests, or situation to heaven! And angels bringing your solutions, answers, or resources from heaven!
In cross-reference, Genesis 28:12 (NKJV) says, 'Then he (Jacob) dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it'.
The word 'ladder' here is 'sool-lawm' in Hebrew, from the word 'saw-lal' meaning 'to mound up, to exalt, to raise up'. You see, this 'ladder' was set up by God Himself, and there angels were ascending and descending on it. Now, when God is the One who set it up, it works!
What are the similarities between John 1:51 and Genesis 28:12 here? Heaven open! Angels ascending and descending! This 'ladder' in Genesis 28:12 speaks of Jesus Himself - the 'link' between heaven and earth, between heaven and you!
Let this 'ladder' be set up in your life, your home, your family, your household, your business, your profession, your career, your God-given ministry, and even your health! And you will never run out of His wisdom, revelation, ideas, or whatever breakthrough that you need on earth. Amen!
