The GOD of Jacob

"24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel,saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” - Genesis 32:24-30

In the course of reading through the bible in 2008, I have already in these last 17 days arrived at a conclusion. I am humbled and exceedingly overwhelmed with joy that I serve THE GOD OF JACOB. When Jacob's life is examined, the majority of his life was lived in a state of looking out for his own interests and paralzyed by fear as a result of his choices' consequences. He stole the birthright from Esau, fled his home to avoid his brothers wrath, was treated dishonestly by Laban, fled in fear the household of Laban, and convinced himself his brother would destroy him upon his return. But something amazing happened to Jacob on his return home. He contended with God.

Jacob wrestled with God pleading for his blessing upon his life. As a result not only did Jacob's life change but his name reflected this change. Jacob began to live in state of awe of the Lord. No longer did he live looking out for his own interests but he began to look after his family; even asking Esau to allow them to travel at their own pace in returning home so his livestock and family would survive the journey. Jacob began to ask the Lords blessing on his life rather than attempting to cheat, steal, and negotiate his own wealth and happiness.

When I observe Jacob's life, I begin to notice the multiple parellels of his life to my own. How often have I lived in a state of fear too scared to trust in the Lord? How often have I tried to gain my own happiness rather than waiting and pleading before the Lord for his blessing and favor? Far too often have I sought my comfort and enjoyment before addressing the needs of others. Yet, I serve a God who will bring us to a place; a wilderness, where we will ultimately contend with the GREAT I AM and our focus will forever shift to pleasing Him ALONE. OH the fulfillment our souls will attain as we are made new in that place where we will be given a new name! A name marked by the interceding mercy of our Lord. A name displaying the faithfulness of our Glorious Father always working to bring his children back to his heart. A name marked by the sacrifice and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who took our place bearing our shame and attaining our eternal salvation! The God I serve is proud to be known as the God of Jacob because when his creation contends with the Lord of Hosts we have but one thing to say : Soli Deo Gloria! - To GOD alone be the Glory!