HEAVEN ON EARTH ENCOUNTER
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 28:12-17
Supporting Texts: John 1:51; Revelation 21:3; Isaiah 64:1; Exodus 33:14-15; Acts 2:1-4
INTRODUCTION:
Throughout Scripture, we see moments when the divine invades the natural—when the God of heaven comes down to interact with man. One of the most notable examples is the encounter of Jacob at Bethel. He saw a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels ascending and descending, and above it, the Lord stood speaking. This encounter was not just a dream but a spiritual turning point in Jacob’s life. It became a memorial of God’s divine visitation.
Heaven-on-earth encounters are transformative. They bring clarity, direction, healing, revival, and empowerment. They are sacred moments when eternity touches time, and mortal man becomes aware of the immortal God. Such encounters break barriers, reveal destiny, and shift people into their prophetic future. No man encounters God and remains the same.
Today, many believers live below their spiritual inheritance because they have not experienced, or recognised, a true encounter with God. But God is still visiting His people. His desire is that we, like Jacob, will experience open heavens and come into deeper communion with Him. In these moments, lives are changed, purposes are defined, and the supernatural becomes a reality.
1. HEAVEN ON EARTH IS A DIVINE INITIATIVE
God is always the one who initiates encounters. Jacob was simply sleeping when heaven opened up to him. Divine encounters are not man-made; they are God-ordained moments when He steps into our affairs.
a) God chooses when and how to reveal Himself (Genesis 28:12):
God is sovereign in His dealings with man. He does not need man's permission to reveal Himself. Jacob was not seeking Him, yet God chose to visit him.
b) God invades our space with purpose (Isaiah 64:1):
Every divine encounter has an assignment attached to it. When God invades the earth, it is to accomplish a divine purpose, whether to deliver, commission, or redirect.
c) The initiative of heaven births divine awareness (Genesis 28:16):
Before the encounter, Jacob had no idea God was near. But after the vision, he said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I knew it not.” Divine encounters awaken spiritual sensitivity.
d) God’s presence changes the atmosphere (Exodus 33:14–15):
When God is present, the natural becomes supernatural. His presence separates us from the world and defines us as His people.
Biblical Example: God encountered Saul on the road to Damascus without invitation. That encounter transformed a persecutor into a preacher (Acts 9:3–6).
2. HEAVEN ON EARTH REVEALS THE ACTIVITY OF ANGELS
Whenever heaven opens, angelic activity becomes evident. Angels are heavenly messengers assigned to assist, protect, and carry out divine instructions on behalf of God’s people.
a) Angels ascend and descend with divine assignments (Genesis 28:12):
The ladder in Jacob’s dream symbolised an ongoing connection between heaven and earth. Angels were constantly on assignment, carrying out divine orders.
b) Angels are sent to minister to the heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14):
As children of God, we are not alone. Heaven has released ministering spirits to support and defend us in our journey of faith.
c) The presence of angels signifies open heavens (John 1:51):
Jesus revealed that heaven would open, and angels would ascend and descend on the Son of Man, pointing to a life constantly under divine surveillance and support.
d) Believers must live with awareness of spiritual activity (2 Kings 6:17):
Often, we are oblivious to the spiritual warfare and divine help around us. Elisha’s servant only saw the heavenly host when his eyes were opened.
Biblical Example: An angel rescued Peter from prison while the church prayed, demonstrating divine intervention through angelic activity (Acts 12:7–10).
3. HEAVEN ON EARTH REDEFINES OUR PERSPECTIVE
Encounters with God do not leave people the same. They change how we see ourselves, others, and our surroundings. What once seemed ordinary becomes sacred.
a) Jacob’s view of the place changed after the encounter (Genesis 28:16–17):
He saw the place as just a resting spot, but after the encounter, he declared it was “the house of God” and “the gate of heaven.”
b) Divine encounters shift focus from fear to faith (Isaiah 6:5–7):
When Isaiah saw the Lord, his fear turned into a calling. Encounters empower us to overcome limitations and step into divine destiny.
c) Encounters bring clarity about divine purpose (Jeremiah 1:5):
God speaks identity and assignment during such moments. Jeremiah discovered his calling through divine revelation.
d) When heaven invades, our understanding is renewed (Romans 12:2):
We begin to see with the eyes of the Spirit, gaining new perspectives and godly wisdom to interpret life.
Biblical Example: The disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration saw Jesus in His glory, changing their understanding of who He truly was (Matthew 17:1–5).
4. HEAVEN ON EARTH REVEALS THE GLORY AND PRESENCE OF GOD
Wherever God shows up, His glory is revealed. His presence transforms, sanctifies, and empowers. Encounters are more than emotional experiences—they are glory manifestations.
a) Heaven is the realm of God’s glory (Revelation 21:3):
When God comes near, heaven’s environment enters earth. The holy becomes tangible.
b) God makes His dwelling known among men (Genesis 28:13):
He doesn’t remain distant. He desires to dwell with us and to speak directly into our lives.
c) Divine glory brings reverence and fear of God (Genesis 28:17):
Jacob was afraid because he recognised that he was in the presence of holiness. Reverence is the proper response to divine glory.
d) The glory of God leaves a mark that cannot be erased (Exodus 34:29):
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, his face radiated God’s glory. Such encounters leave an eternal impression.
Biblical Example: At Pentecost, the glory of God fell in the form of fire and wind, filling the disciples and changing their lives forever (Acts 2:1–4).
5. HEAVEN ON EARTH OPENS GATES OF TRANSFORMATION
God never visits a person and leaves them the same. Encounters bring restoration, direction, empowerment, and life transformation.
a) Encounters with God alter the course of a person’s life (Genesis 32:28):
Jacob, after wrestling with God, received a new name—Israel, signifying a new identity and destiny.
b) The place of encounter becomes a place of memorial (Genesis 28:18–19):
Jacob poured oil and named the place Bethel to always remember God’s visitation.
c) God establishes altars through encounters (Genesis 35:1–3):
These altars become spiritual landmarks where covenants are reinforced.
d) Divine encounters empower us for the journey ahead (1 Kings 19:7–8):
Elijah, discouraged and ready to die, received strength through divine visitation to continue his mission.
Biblical Example: Gideon’s divine encounter transformed him from a fearful man into a deliverer of Israel (Judges 6:11–14).
CONCLUSION:
Heaven-on-earth encounters are God's way of bringing divine change to human circumstances. Jacob's dream marked the beginning of a new walk with God—one that shaped his future and legacy. Encounters like these are not reserved for Bible characters alone; they are available to every believer today who is hungry for more of God.
We must desire these sacred visitations. In our prayer closets, worship gatherings, and even in daily life, God is ready to reveal His glory. May we never be too busy or too distracted to recognise when heaven touches earth.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, open the heavens over my life and visit me afresh.
2. Father, let Your presence be tangible in every area of my life.
3. Let angelic help locate me in times of need.
4. Make my life a dwelling place for Your glory.
5. Turn every dry and ordinary ground into a sacred altar.
6. Let my spiritual eyes open to see divine activity around me.
7. Revive my spirit to pursue divine encounters.
8. Empower me to fulfil divine purpose through Your presence.
9. Let my destiny be redefined by divine visitation.
10. Baptise me with Your glory and transform my life completely.
