Message from Scripture: 8/5/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Gen. 32:24: “Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.”

In examining the life of Jacob, few of us would have chosen him for great honor, because he spent a good deal of his life deceiving others and cheating to get his way. Throughout his life, Jacob displayed a disturbing tendency to rely on himself and not on the Lord’s presence and power.

All that changed when he wrestled with “a man” on the borders of the Promised Land. Hosea, by inspiration, tells us he was actually wrestling with God through His angel, perhaps an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ (Hosea 12:3-4). Jacob came to learn that he had been wrestling face to face with God Himself (Gen. 32:30-32). Jacob’s name was changed, from Jacob, meaning “heel grabber,” to Israel, meaning “he who struggles with God,” the name by which God’s people would be known.

 

As Jacob literally struggled with God, which led him to a more personal, intimate relationship with God, so do we figuratively. We struggle as we seek to fight our way out of sin into a relationship with Him. At times it may seem Satan is winning the battle, but if we submit to the Lord and His will for us, we have a new name too, the name Christian. We leave the territory of sin for the citizenship God offers us in Christ. We become strangers and sojourners today that we might have a homeland to enter after this life is over (1 Pet. 2:11-12). Like Paul, we may have the scars that dealing with sin brings today (Gal. 6:17), but there is healing God offers in eternity (Rev. 22:2).

May we count as more precious to us what God has prepared in heaven, than anything this world has to offer. Who or what are you struggling with today? Won’t it be great to hear Him call us His own on that day? Have a great day. God bless.

Robert