Jacob Wrestles With....

Genesis 32:24-31

Try as I might, I cannot wrap my arms around this encounter. Perhaps someone, somewhere, sometime, who reads this will bring me insight, but for now - I have my own wrestling match with these pages of God's history.

I believe I understand the conclusion - that Jacob demonstrates his worthiness to God as a "changed man" and capable of filling the role of patriarch.  His determination and persistence is what God wanted to see from a spiritual standpoint, He already knew it existed from the standpoint of striving with man.

What I struggle with is the main figure in the story other than Jacob, I.e.  the angel. If you read the commentaries, you'll find it runs the spectrum, from merely a divine being to that of Christ. Then there is the issue of this seeing God "face to face".  It was my understanding according to Exodus 33:20 that God said, "You cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live."

As I have said here and other places, it's hard for me to comprehend any man wrestling with God and being the victor. Yes, I know that this divine being struck Jacob's hip, apparently in a sign showing that he could, at any time gain the upper hand, but that seems rather a weak argument.  Nevertheless, from the dietary comment at the conclusion of the story, apparently a reasonable one.

This one will have to stay on the burner a while....

I struggle with many issues on my journey. None, I am sure to compare with meeting a jilted brother or preparing to lead a "chosen people", but still they are real issues to me.  Ones I wrestle with sometimes daily. Perhaps I am not fighting hard enough, holding on tight enough, or insisting strong enough. Maybe that's the lesson. At least the lesson for me...today.

Father Spirit, I know you don't buckle under the scrutiny so thank you for letting me ask my questions. You know my pitiful weakness and how quickly I succumb to old habits and basic instincts - this is hard.  I need courage for the battle and determination to endure.  Forgive me for my sins and lead me not into temptation - let me hide your word in my heart that I may not sin against you and find the courage I need to prevail against the enemy.   In Jesus Name