Last week in front of the UBC bookstore I saw the most wonderful sight:

A staircase as if lowered from heaven was deposited on top of the new SUB.

I recalled God’s invitation to Jacob. (Genesis 28:11-19)

Unless God comes reveals we will not see Him.

Unless God makes a way we cannot reach Him.

Unless God comes down…

It’s the week of Jesus’ passion — His suffering.

The cross was the trajectory of His life.

He “came down” that we might “go up to Him.”

He fulfills the longings of our heart to be near to God.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gosY-UrpHcA&feature=youtu.be

In Nearer my God to Thee Sarah Flower Adams reflects on Jacob’s experience and our longings.

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me;

Still all my song shall be nearer, my God, to Thee,

Chorus: Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,

Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;

Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee,

Chorus

There let the way appear steps unto heav’n;

All that Thou sendest me in mercy giv’n;

Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee,

Chorus

Then with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,

Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;

So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee,

Chorus

Or if on joyful wing, cleaving the sky,

Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upwards I fly,

Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee,

A sixth verse was later added to the hymn by Ed­ward H. Bick­er­steth, Jr. as follows:

There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,

There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;

Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee.

Chorus

(Thanks to Stacia Sealey for the UBC New SUB Stairs picture.)