I've had some incredible experiences in worship where it seemed all of Heaven came pouring into the room, the air almost too thick to breathe. Years ago, in one of these moments I stumbled upon this passage, “Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it. This is none other then the house of God, the gate of heaven.”
There were no better words to describe the moment I was experiencing. I've used the passage over the years to help define my own personal journey as I encountered His' presence.
Jacob was outside under the stars sleeping on a stone. He said, this is THE HOUSE OF GOD. It had nothing to do with windows, walls or doors. No stain glass windows, or high-tech media screens. Just an Open heaven, Angels going up and Angels going down, and a doorway that led from the natural into the supernatural. Or maybe the other way around. An entrance for the Divine to come visit with flesh and blood. "What is man that Thou are mindful of him, or the son of man that you visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels...” Psalms 8:4-5
Again, the mention of Angels.
This was the first time in all of scripture where THE HOUSE OF GOD is mentioned. And by definition, it was a place where the heavens were open, and there was angelic activity. So the first verse of this song is about Jacob and his perspective.
Wandering heart
Searching for promise
Fast asleep under the stars
Had a dream
The heavens were open
Could this be the house of God
The second verse becomes personal. Bringing this idea to the 21st century, to the here and now:
Here we are
With anticipation
In pursuit of who You are
In crowded rooms
Or wide open spaces
I know Heaven's not that far
Surely the Lord is here
Here in this place, here in this place
Then the bridge gives me the most incredible opportunity providing words to describe the glory of God encounters:
I have found the gate Of Heaven
I can see an open door
I can hear my Father calling, Come!
The atmosphere is breaking open
Young and old
Rich or poor
Everyone will see Your Kingdom come!