Thursday August 3rd, 2017 Genesis 32:22-31
Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. (verse 24)
In the Old Testament story, Jacob leaves with his wives, children and all his possessions, and then he sends them across the Jabbok River and remains by himself. Not for long though. It seems he wrestles all night with another man and as he’s about to win, his hip is put out of joint so now he’s limping.
Alone and wrestling may seem opposites, because if one wrestles, it’s often against another person. You might recall a time you tossed and turned through a night with a decision, whether to make a career move and put all that seems certain on hold to take up something new. The new thing might look promising and offer advantages, but there’s always the time of transition where finances will be uncertain. Are you wrestling with yourself, someone you know, or with God?
Jacob was wrestling with a mighty force. He would go forward, albeit with a limp. The other man would not name himself, but he gave a blessing when asked for one. Was it assuring Jacob of peace with his brother?
What would your blessing be?
Dear God, In spite of ourselves and our sinful nature, you still love us and want us to keep going forward. Thank you for your love for us. Amen. — CRW
Contributed by Alone and Wrestling
In the Old Testament story, Jacob leaves with his wives, children and all his possessions, and then he sends them across the Jabbok River and remains by himself. Not for long though. It seems he wrestles all night with another man and as he's about to win, his hip is put out of joint so now he's limping.
Alone and wrestling may seem opposites, because if one wrestles, it's often against another person. You might recall a time you tossed and turned through a night with a decision, whether to make a career move and put all that seems certain on hold to take up something new. The new thing might look promising and offer advantages, but there's always the time of transition where finances will be uncertain. Are you wrestling with yourself, someone you know, or with God?
Jacob was wrestling with a mighty force. He would go forward, albeit with a limp. The other man would not name himself, but he gave a blessing when asked for one. Was it assuring Jacob of peace with his brother?
What would your blessing be?
