Day 12
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Jacob Wrestling with the Angel, painting by Rembrandt
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Observation
Before Jacob can make amends with Esau, he must first be reconciled to God. After sending his family and possessions across the Jabbok River, Jacob wrestles with an angel of God. At last he receives the blessing for which he demanded, along with two reminders of the encounter, a new name, Israel (“one who has power with God”), and a permanent limp from the wrestle. An emotional reunion with Esau is followed by a divine confirmation of promises, previously made to Abraham and Isaac, regarding a large posterity and an eternal inheritance--God's chosen people are called the children of Israel and the house of Jacob for they could not bear the name of Jacob's father or grandfather because the Ishmaelites lay equal claim to descent from Abraham and the Edomites were sons of Isaac. But the twelve tribes that identified themselves as "Israel" were the only descendants of Jacob.
Application
Put yourself in Jacob’s shoes for a minute. You wronged your brother years ago, you fled the area because he threatened to kill you. Now you hear he is headed your way, 400 men strong. What do you think is his intention with you? (a) He is making a social call. (b) He is coming to make things right. (c) He is coming to put me six feet under!
At last, after perhaps many years of scheming and conniving, Jacob had come to the end of himself. For the first time in his life he realized that he is in desperate need of God! His prayer life showed it (32:9-12); his wrestling with God's angel showed it (32:24-26). And in response to Jacob’s earnest searching and struggling, God broke his self-will, transformed his deceitful heart, and provided the birthright blessing which Jacob had tried so long to buy or steal.
Perhaps, we should examine ourselves and see if we are wrestling with God over control of an area of our life that has yet to come under his Lordship? Our thought life, internet habits, social media life, finances, etc. Jacob has a word of counsel for us! Don’t wait until God has to bring us to the end of ourselves, or even cripple us for life, before we yield that area to his loving control--let him wrap his loving arms around us now. We will only win if we give in to God!
At last, after perhaps many years of scheming and conniving, Jacob had come to the end of himself. For the first time in his life he realized that he is in desperate need of God! His prayer life showed it (32:9-12); his wrestling with God's angel showed it (32:24-26). And in response to Jacob’s earnest searching and struggling, God broke his self-will, transformed his deceitful heart, and provided the birthright blessing which Jacob had tried so long to buy or steal.
Perhaps, we should examine ourselves and see if we are wrestling with God over control of an area of our life that has yet to come under his Lordship? Our thought life, internet habits, social media life, finances, etc. Jacob has a word of counsel for us! Don’t wait until God has to bring us to the end of ourselves, or even cripple us for life, before we yield that area to his loving control--let him wrap his loving arms around us now. We will only win if we give in to God!
Prayer
Lord, Lord convict us of our sins and teach us to repent and sin no more. May we forever be in your presence under your control, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit! Amen!
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The Reconciliation of Esau and Jacob, 1624 painting by Peter
Paul Rubens
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