Broadcast
Wrestling With God - Part 2
Genesis 32:24-25
02/27/2024
24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with
him until the breaking of the day.
25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against
Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip
was put out of joint as he wrestled with him.
(ESV)
Jacob, the grandson of Abraham and the son of Issac, was
returning to the land of his birth. Because he had cheated his
brother, Esau, out of his inheritance and birthright, Jacob
feared the retribution which could happen. He sent his wives and
possessions into safety across the Jabbok River while intending
to spend time alone in repentance and prayer.
``And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him
until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not
prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip
was put out of joint as he wrestled with him.''
Jacob may have thought that his rival was Esau, but it was
indeed the LORD God. The physical wrestling match mirrored the
spiritual wrestling match, the perseverance of prayer, which
Jacob offered. Repenting of his sin against his brother, Jacob
was asking God for His grace. Jacob did not deserve forgiveness
and God's protection, but knew of God's love. No matter what
happened, Jacob was certain of God's mercy.
All that night Jacob wrestled with the unknown man,
overcoming even physical injury. As the day broke, Jacob, though
injured, was not defeated. His physical and spiritual wrestling,
his faith, was still firm.
May our Lord grant us a firm faith in Him as we wrestle with
the problems and chances of this life. Amen.