A Pilgrim's Journal

This was so inspiring to me that I need to quote the Beatitudes right here.

I'm being bold here, and titling this post "Jacob's Ladder" because of the following verse:

	And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
	Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God
	ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
	   John 1:51

In cross-references, this verse is linked to the story of Jacob's ladder, where angels were "ascending and descending" on the ladder. This seems to me like a picture of Jesus as the Way to heaven, the Way to God.

And when I read the Beatitudes in this light, I see it as a ladder as well. This is the path that Jesus walked. This is the example He gave us. He is our ladder to heaven and back -- to heaven ourselves and back again to bring more folks with us. And He is the One that works these steps in us. There is no other Way.

	3 Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
   
	4 Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
   
	5 Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
   
	6 Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
	for they shall be filled.
   
	7 Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
   
	8 Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
   
	9 Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called
	the children of God.
   
	10 Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:
	for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
   
	11 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you],
	and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
   
	12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward
	in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
   
	   Matthew 5