Jacob Wrestles with God

Few Biblical passages hold mystery quite like Genesis 32, in which Jacob wrestles throughout the night with God. What is going on in this chapter?

(I once heard Jack Graham give an interesting sermon on Genesis 32. What I write in this post borrows from that sermon.)

Prior to Genesis 32, Jacob's life consists of less-than-noble behavior. He selfishly demands his brother Esau's "birthright." He deceives his father, Isaac, into giving him, rather than his brother, the blessing commonly bestowed upon the eldest son. Fearing Esau's wrath, he flees to a relative, Laban. His time wish Laban is full of more deception, with each man deceiving the other. Eventually, Jacob flees from Laban.

To put it mildly, all of this deception and fleeing does not seem to befit the father of all Hebrews!

And then we reach Genesis 32, where Jacob enters territory controlled by Esau's army. Seemingly in big trouble, Jacob prays a simple, yet beautiful, prayer in verses 10-11 (ESV):

I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant ... Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau ...

Prior to this point, the Genesis record offers no indication of Jacob humbling himself before God. That same night, during their wrestling match, God injures Jacob's hip, leaving him permanently limping.

Yet it's obvious that, as a result of his newfound humility toward God, Jacob has undergone a transformation. In fact, no longer will he be called "Jacob," but rather "Israel." Sure, he's lost his healthy hip, which means he won't be fleeing any more. But he's gained something much more valuable: his soul!

In our own lives, do we behave similarly to Jacob? Do we deceive and flee, and then repeat. When God tries to speak to us, perhaps by (figuratively) injuring our hip, do we recognize that message and transform our lives?

Try a simple, humble prayer like Jacob's. And then listen for God response!