Read Genesis 32 Jacob wrestles with God

Your name will no longer be Jacob, the man told him. From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won." (Genesis 32:28)

When my son was four; he loved wrestling with me. When I gave in to him by falling; he thought he has won the match. Theres another match; Jacob with another.

Jacob heard that his brother, Esau accompanied with four hundred men coming to meet him (Genesis 32:6). Jacob was apprehensive of Esau taking revenge (Genesis 32:7-8). For his safety as well as his loved ones; he planned how to minimize the damages by sending gifts ahead of him to Esau, and dividing his camp. Then in desperation, he withdrew to be alone seeking God for deliverance, Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me and the mother with the children. (Genesis 32:11).

Then a man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Who is this man, an angel or God? The one whom Jacob encounters is God in human form; this understanding is congruent with He took his brother by the heel in the womb, And in his strength he struggled with God. Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; He wept, and sought favour from Him. He found Him in Bethel, And there He spoke to us That is, the LORD God of hosts. The LORD is His memorable name. (Hosea 12:3-5)

The man dislocated Jacob's hip; yet Jacob would not let him go but sought for his blessing. He asked, What is your name? Came the instance reply, Jacob. Translated as "heel, trickster, and one who supplants," Instead a new name, Israel was given him. This name signifies prince of God. It implies of his power with man and God for he prevailed in his sought for blessing.

It becomes evidence when he reconciled with Esau. Before this encounter, Jacob feared meeting his brother. Now he is gracious to tell Esau, "I see your face as seeing the face of God" (33:10).

Prayer: Father God, I have come to a situation that it is just impossible for me to handle it. I seek Your face and realised this is where I am broken, I experience Your power at work in and through me by Your Holy Spirit. You are concerned what is within me. You long for one that trusts You fully for the desire to have Your blessing experienced. I will wait upon You and abide in Christ.

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