Daily Devotion, June 13, 2020

Devotion: Read Genesis 32:3-33:11.

  Jacob’s life had come full circle. Because of the way he tricked and deceived his brother and father, he had to leave home. However, the Lord had blessed him and he had done well for himself. He had become a wealthy man. He now had a large family, many servants and large herds of animals. Then God let him know that it was time to go back to his homeland and face his brother. Though he trusted God, he had to wonder if this reunion would go well.

  When he received word that his brother was coming to meet him with four hundred men, his confidence in a good outcome had to be shaken. So he sent lavish gifts ahead, hoping to appease his brother. Then, while all alone on the night the meeting was to take place, he had a wrestling match with God. He emerged with a new name and a limp. I believe that limp helped shape the outcome of the reunion.

  Too often, you and I approach people with whom we have differences thinking we must present some show of power or strength. God forced Jacob to enter this encounter with a limp. It reminds me of another person much later in the Bible story: one who washed the feet of his disciples and died on a cross for us all. Personal Worship Option: The new name given to Jacob was “Israel,” which means “one who wrestles with God.” Is there anything you need to wrestle with God about? Are you willing to leave the match with a limp?