Genesis 32:24-28
Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
As Kingdom Warriors, we understand the significance of being battle tested. The Bible is clear and instructive concerning the complexities of Spiritual warfare. We must adorn ourselves in powerful spiritual armor: helmet of salvation, girdle of truth, shoes made of the Gospel of peace, shield of faith, and sword of the Spirit. We also know the enemy! That old serpent that comes to kill, steal and destroy God’s people. But every now and again we need to use that holy aggression to doggedly and consistently seek life-changing blessings from the Lord.
May I digress for a second? It’s interesting how very often nicknames and childhood monikers stick to us the rest of our lives. I hear about people I knew from years ago with great confusion and uncertainty, until someone mentions their nickname. Then they become clear in my mind. Sadly, more often than not, while these names may be fitting, they are not that flattering. That was the case with Jacob.
As we review our scripture text, please note that while Jacob wrestled with an angel, he wasn’t so angelic in his life. In matter of fact, the name Jacob, literally meant, trickster, conman, and troublemaker. And up until this moment, he lived up to his name. But aren’t you glad we have a God of a second chance?
I pray this battle and discourse with the angel of God serves as a demonstration of the level of desperation and determination we must muster if we’re going to get all that God has for us. Not that God is hiding it, or intentionally keeping it away from us. But, as is true in the case of Jacob (and probably true for each of us) internal character changes need to happen before any external blessings can be applied. In other words, Jacob needed to wrestle with Jacob first. His defeat of his own ungodly tendencies and sinful proclivities, left him totally naked, alone, vulnerable, and perfect for the Lord to work on. And work on him the Lord did.
I found a truism in this story that spans time, culture, experience and knowledge. If you challenge God long and hard enough, He will come and deal with you. And the aftermath of God’s dealing will change you forever. In Jacobs’s case, it is believed the angel touched his hip joint and made him to forever limp in remembrance of the audacity he had to challenge God. But in exchange, Jacob was blessed beyond anything he could’ve imagined. He was no longer Jacob (the trickster) but Israel (triumphant with God). Not a bad trade at all. And the best part is he lived up to his new name. New name, new expectations.
Dearest Child of God, sometimes it seems impossible to get out of the predicaments we’ve gotten ourselves in. They seem like life sentences, with no parole. But we have a Savior that forgives, restores, empowers, elevates and blesses beyond measure. However, we need to make the determination that we are ready to make the change, no matter what! Even if we have to wrestle with an angel. So…..LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE. lol
God bless
