Devotion:
Read Genesis 32:22-28.
This passage comes at a pivotal point in the life of Jacob. His name means “Grabber,” and he had earned his name even at birth, grabbing at the heel of his twin brother Esau in a futile attempt to hold Esau back and be born first. He deceived his father Isaac into giving him the blessing that was rightfully Esau’s and had to leave home to escape Esau’s wrath. In an almost comical back and forth with his father-in-law, Laban, Jacob had deceived and had been deceived. Now with wives, children, and huge herds of animals, Jacob is returning home to face his brother Esau. On the night before what may be a violent encounter with him, Jacob is alone as he lies down to sleep.
During the night, Jacob struggles with a man representing God. Jacob is tenacious, fights hard, and refuses to let the man go at daybreak. The man gives Jacob a new name…Israel, “one who struggles with God.” Jacob had gotten it right. Facing his guilt and fearing what his brother Esau might do to him, he turned to God and struggled. Our first reaction might be to recoil, thinking this is wrong. Struggling with God almost always leads to an intimate relationship. It is ignoring or disregarding God that leads to emptiness and loss.
Personal Worship Option:
In prayer, it is a good practice to have a dialogue with God, speaking and then listening. In our best prayers, we are honest and push back when we do not like what God is saying to us. God can handle our struggles and resistance, and I am guessing God loves our honesty. Try it today!
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