Open Heaven

For 2017, our church focused on the theme “Open Heaven”. For our church, what does “Open Heaven” mean? “Open” means to have access; “Heaven” is the location where God abides. If we put the words together, “Open Heaven” means to have access to God. How do we have access to God? How do we have “Open Heaven”?

As we read Jacob’s story in the Bible we find that his life was filled with problems, yet God made a way for Jacob to have access to Him. Jacob did not have the best family relationship, and through a heated family affair, Jacob’s older brother wanted to kill him. Jacob ended up moving away from home and during his travels he met with God (Genesis 28:10-22). In a dream, Jacob saw a stairway that connected heaven to earth, and on the top of the stairway was God who spoke into Jacob’s life. After that interaction, Jacob’s problems didn’t go away, but he was able to go through every problem together with God.

The stairway in Jacob’s dream symbolizes the distance between him and God, yet also the connection that God wanted to make. This connection can be illustrated through a hiking experience that I had this summer. During the hike, a friend pointed out the wooden boardwalk, and we wondered how it was made. It must have been a lot of work for a team to make the trail ahead of us. One thing for certain is that someone was here before us, and they were able to make a way for us to hike up this mountain; likewise, God made a way for us to reach Him. It would be impossible for anyone to try to reach God; only someone who is perfect can obtain such a goal. Jesus Christ stated in John 1:51 that He is the stairway connecting heaven to earth. Christ made a way, connecting imperfect people to a perfect God. Imagine going hiking with the One who made the path, as He explains the map and walks with you; there is a sense of peace, security, relationship and love: this is what it is like to put our faith in Christ. Problems in life do not go away, but His Spirit guides us, as we learn more about Him in the Bible. The troubles of this world can be overwhelming, but when I find my rest in Christ, I come to this place of “Open Heaven.”

“Open Heaven” is not just a yearly church theme, but a life-long reminder for every Christian: to connect with God because He is our source of peace, hope and love. If you would like to grow and connect with God, feel free to join us for our church service, and if you have any questions I am happy to connect with you.

Published by Pastor Jason Ho

He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” (John 1:51, Jesus Christ to His disciple)

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” (Psalms 16:11, David’s composition towards God)