Connecting Scriptures:  Proverbs 18:19, Hosea 12:3-4, Exodus 33:20, Isaiah 6:5, 2 Corinthians 4:7, Isaiah 40:27-29, Psalm 22:1-5

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”—Romans 5:3-5

My own personal questions today brought out one contender—why, out of all the things Jacob could do or say to a messenger of God, perhaps even God himself as the scripture seems to allude, why wrestling?  Why such a physical and barbaric activity?  And, who initiated?  Did the LORD step down, lock eyes with Jacob and say, “Come at me!”?  So many different mini-movies in my mind about how this went down.  That’s when I have to set the drama reel to the side, and reflect on where scripture has brought us thus far with our third patriarch.

Jacob has been wrestling since the womb of Rebekah.  The battle between brothers had been so intense, remember, that Rebekah inquired of the LORD as to the reason.  Jacob wrestled for favor in the family order.  Even though God had assured which brother would serve whom, he felt like he had to live up to his name of deception and trickery.  This was like a mental and relational wrestling.  Jacob had to fight and earn his way with Laban, keeping his wives placated, all the while making a way to return back to his home of origin without empty hands—it was all turmoil and contention. 

As Jacob made that turn toward the land of promise, he is ushered by angels.  That was his first clue that God was going before him and doing what Jacob had asked of him!  Getting him back home.  Even still, the fear was real.  Home meant passing through a place where his greatest enemy lived—his brother Esau.  The last Jacob knew of his brother, was the death wish Esau had put on him, right before he was told to flee toward his mothers people.  This fear drives him in the right direction.  In the past, his fear of measuring up always meant underhanded deeds or working things out in his own strength.  This time, he faces the source of his salvation and prays to God.  This is the first time Jacob does this.  He has spoken of God, and made vows, but he has never taken that step of relationship.  That is what prayer really is, a relationship.  A sacred place we can pour out our hearts, fears, worship, needs—into the Faithful hands of the only One who can truly know and help us.  God knew Jacob, and he answered this prayer with His presence.  

Jacob’s prayer displays humility as he acknowledges his needs and the very real danger he is in at the hands of his brother.  He also holds out the promises God made to him, and calls them back.  Praying God’s word is powerful, and I think we see the evidence of that here.  

Then, in angelic form (perhaps a Christophany?) God comes to Jacob.  He is alone and it seems ready for whatever God has in store for him.  As he wrestles, I think all his attempts to push and force what was already his, fell away.  He had spent a lifetime contending with his brother, his father in law, even his wives, and whoever came across his path.  Really, it was a contention against himself.  When I am at odds with the world, and I am still enough to “wrestle” out the reasoning in my mind, I am really fighting myself.  Jacob’s worst enemy was the name he carried, it was himself.  God had every intention of breaking this identity and making him a new man.  The scripture does not refer to this as repentance on Jacobs part, but it kind of looks the same to me.  Jacob turned to God, and in turning, walked away from the life that had led him thus far.  One that had made a mess of relationships and garnered a few enemies.  

The morning breaks, and so does Jacob’s hip. But, he won’t let go!  Jacob is determined to have God’s blessing and help over his life. The blessing comes in changing Jacob’s name from “deceiver”, to Israel “strives with God”.  One who perseveres with God.  Jacob’s humble heart in expressing his fear and need, and his bold action and endurance to keep after God until he received his hearts desire, would be his crowning achievement.  Not the quantity of his sheep fold, or even his numbered sons.  It was the fact that he refused to let go of God and it changed him to his very core.  That defining moment would name a nation that still holds the title to this day.  That moment helped him walk toward his brother, physically weaker, but strong in faith. 

Questions for Reflection:

1. How do the numerous and extensive gifts Jacob send ahead to his brother show both areal fear of Esau and a change from his previous deceptive behavior?

2.  Can you relate to the way Jacob wrestled with God?  Are there areas in your life that feel like a “wrestling” match with Him?  How can our scripture today encourage you to not let go of God, even in the struggle?