Devotion:
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Read Genesis 32:22-31.
God engages Jacob in a wrestling match, changes his name, blesses him and gives him a limp. Jacob’s name means “heel-grabber” and did he ever embody his name. He was always looking for a way to better himself at the expense of others. He was forever sneaking up behind people - his twin brother, his father, his father-in-law, whoever had something he wanted. This had been going on for years and finally, Jacob was ready to stop - he was tired of running. It was time to face his brother, face himself, and face the God who had been so gracious and good to him.
Jacob wrestles with the “Stranger” all night. He is tossed about and at some point realizes he is wrestling with God and could not possibly win. It may have occurred to him that he’d never find the life he wanted by exerting his will but rather by surrendering it. He quit resisting the Stranger and started hanging on to him for dear life. The wrestling became clinging. Jacob realized he no longer wanted stuff. He wanted the blessing of God.
Jacob began the next day with a permanent limp to remind him of his “wrestling match” and a new name: Israel, which means God prevails.
Personal Worship Option:
Ponder these questions: Jacob’s name change reflected a change in character. How is God wanting to change your character? Would you embrace God’s blessing if it came with a limp?
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