“When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!”But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” – Genesis 32:25-26.
The Bible is the most important book and the ultimate guide to Christianity. God, holiness, the gospel, ancient culture, and the goodness of man are a few of the things that come to mind when people discuss the Bible. It is all that and so much more. There are countless fascinating stories about everyday people and their lives. There are many characters with interesting stories, from the kings to the priests to the warriors to the disciples.
One of them is Jacob. In a strange story in Genesis 32:24-28, we find Jacob alone in a desert where he ends up wrestling with some shadowy figure all night until daybreak—first, the back story.
Jacob was in a difficult position, and it was mostly his fault. After deceiving his brother, Esau, Jacob had fled for his life. Now, many years later, Jacob was on his way back home and sent messengers to Esau. They return to tell him that Esau is approaching them with 400 men. Jacob is trying to figure out how to smooth things with Esau. Finally, in desperation and fear, he cried out to God, “O LORD, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children.” (Genesis 32:11).
The next night—as Jacob waited alone—a stranger came to wrestle with him till dawn. At some point during this weird contest, Jacob realizes that he is wrestling with God. And when God decides it’s time to end the match, He dislocates Jacob’s hip and demands to be released. And Jacob, in significant pain, replies, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26).
This response pleases God, who pronounces this blessing on Jacob. Genesis 32:28 says, “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.” Jacob then limps toward his tense reunion with Esau with a weakened body and a strengthened faith. Having wrestled with God, he knows his prayers regarding Esau will be answered.
Are you wrestling with God? God will meet you in your struggles, fear, and uncertainty. When that happens, remember Jacob. Grab onto God, don’t let go, and let those all-night battles with God be an indicator that your faith is alive and God is with you in the darkest desert.
Discussion Questions:
- How did Jacob’s wrestling with God prepare him for meeting with Esau?
- Is there an area in your life where you are wrestling against God? How does this lesson help you deal with your struggle?Why did Jacob wrestle with God?