Broadcast
Wrestling With God - Part 4
Genesis 32:26-28
02/29/2024
29 Then Jacob asked him, ``Please tell me your
name.'' But he said, ``Why is it that you ask my
name?'' And there he blessed him. (ESV)
Through the long, dark night, Jacob wrestled with God and
prevailed. As dawn broke, the two ceased their contest, with
Jacob demanding a blessing. God gave Jacob a new name, Israel,
which means ``one who wrestles with God.'' ``Then Jacob asked
him, `Please tell me your name.' But he said, `Why is it that you
ask my name?' And there he blessed him.''
Jacob wanted absolute proof that he was indeed wrestling
with God. However, we should not ask nor seek the hidden name of
God, but we should only rely on that which is revealed in the
Bible. Although we desire to know more than that which is given
to us, speculation on God's hidden will is doomed to failure. We
know His revealed will, that all people be saved and come to the
knowledge of the truth of salvation by grace alone through faith
alone for the sake of Christ alone.
God repeated the blessing given to Jacob earlier.
I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the
God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to
you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be
like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad
to the west and to the east and to the north and to the
south, and in you and your offspring shall all the
families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with
you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring
you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I
have done what I have promised you.[2]
May our Lord richly bless us with the sure and certain hope
of life everlasting for the sake of His Son. Amen.
____________________
2. Genesis 28:13-15 (ESV)