“Jacob said, ‘O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, “Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,” I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. But you said, “I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude…”‘
“The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day has broken.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’ And he said to him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Jacob.’ Then he said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.’ Then Jacob asked him, ‘Please tell me your name.’ But he said, ‘Why is it that you ask my name?’ And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, ‘For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.’ The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.” Genesis 32:9-12,22-31
Jacob, from birth, was a wild filly in need of spiritual breaking, and God steadfastly did His work. About to return to his land with the children who would become Israel’s twelve tribes, Jacob had a crisis of fear. Casting himself on God in confession and dependence, he encountered the Sovereign in a pivotal wrestling of soul. God would have His way with His chosen, who would come out with a lifelong reminder hip limp.
Every whack and rub of familial dissension, callous deception, unjust cheating, and facing fears were used of God to humble and shape His man. Still today, there is pain in being broken, but from there issues the Spirit’s power to transform and sanctify. Do we prevail in wrestling until we know who God is there, and taste His blessing? What uncertainties, insecurities, and angst will we leave with God today?
Our Savior Jesus wrestled with His Father, and was broken for us on Calvary. By weakness and death He ushered in strength and life for us, His beloved children. Have we grasped the extent of His sacrifice? Will we cling until we know His benediction? What causes refusal to submit to His loving intrusion to work in soul and Spirit? (Luke 22:41-44)
Lord, help me wrestle rightly and learn fully so I live powerfully, for Your sake and glory.
As the rain and snow 