Devotion:
Read Genesis 32:24-31.
You have probably seen a movie or television show where they have the scene shot from overhead as someone tosses and turns all night while trying to sleep. That’s what I think of when I read this story. From that perspective, it looks like they are in a wrestling match. And when any of us face those crisis moments or times of tough decisions, we often use the language of “wrestling” or “struggling” with what to do.
Jacob was facing a crisis moment of meeting his brother Esau, from whom he had stolen their father’s blessing years before, causing Esau to want to kill him. Jacob had no way of knowing if that desire of his brother had changed. The last day or so, he had done everything he could think of to appease his brother with gifts. I think part of what he is wrestling with is whether he had been successful at appeasing his brother or whether he was going to die the next day.
However, as this story is given to us, it appears that God is the one who initiated the wrestling match. In that light, I wonder if God is trying to convince Jacob that his manipulative ways cannot continue; he needs to change. God helps with that change by sending him away with a limp. (When you get close enough to God to wrestle, you won’t come out the same either!) I wonder if that limp helped put him in a posture and spirit of humility, which caused Esau to forgive his brother.
If you and I are willing to examine our ways, God is willing to wrestle with us and guide us to needed changes. God even gives Jacob a new name, forever affirming him (and his people who became a great nation) as one who wrestled with God. How about you? Ready to do a little wrestling?
Personal Worship Option:
Beyond your own need to do some wrestling with God, who do you know that seems to be doing some wrestling or struggling right now? Pray and ask God for wisdom and courage in how you might help them with their struggle.
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