In Genesis 32 Jacob prepares to meet Esau. Word has gotten to Jacob that Esau knows that he is coming and that he has brought 400 men to meet him. Jacob is scared. The last time he was with his brother we remember Esau was ready to kill him. The preparations for the meeting of Esau are interesting. He divides his camp into two groups thinking that one could get away if Esau attacks. Jacob hand selects a very generous gift to present to Esau. While doing the preparations Jacob reflects upon the fact that when he left the only possession he had was a staff, and now he is a wealthy man with a large family. He has been blessed by God and God has told him to return. Even though Jacob is going at the direction of God he is still fearful and having a hard time putting his complete trust in God. Thus, we have the wrestling match. Jacob wrestles with a man or an angel all night. The match is even. But Jacob will not let go until he is blessed. The blessing was a name change from Jacob to Israel. The name Israel is believed to be interpreted as “God rules.” This was no mere name change. Jacob finally is able to put his complete trust in God.
We today need to wrestle with the things that keep us from allowing God to rule in our lives. We need to grab hold of God through prayer, Bible study and meditation until God blesses us, or until our fears, lusts, negativity, and ego are replaced with complete trust in God.
“Lord, help us to seek You and to hang on until we receive the blessing of faith. Help us to be grateful for all that You have given. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.”
About Me
- Robert and Ray Miller
- Robert is the pastor of First Baptist Texas City, Tx. And Ray is the pastor of First Baptist Mertens, Tx. Robert brings over 30 years of biblical study as a pastor. Ray brings a younger perspective to the Bible and also a command of the original languages. Our greatest passion is to see lives changed through the good news of Jesus Christ.
1 comment:
In verse 31 it says, "The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip." Jacob had wrestled all night with God. He was afraid of Esau and had many worries about his family and what Esau would do, but as he passed Peniel, the sun rose above him.
So often the cares and frights of everyday living can make a peaceful sleep impossible or sometimes we are awakened in the night and can't go back to sleep. I have found that if I use that time to pray for my family, my church, my country that the next thing I know the sun will be rising above me.
Isn't God good.
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