(Gen 32:26 NIV) Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
This morning we continue our new series entitled, “Faith and Patience VOL III – Never Give Up!” by continuing to look at the life of Jacob. When we ended off last week Jacob all alone. Jacob sent three waves of gifts to his brother Esau, in hopes winning him over and softening his heart. But the uncertainty of the situation was eating away at him as he attempted to endure the night, in the middle of the desert, all alone, rehearsing his life’s journey to that point.
At Jacob’s lowest point God showed up. A man presented himself to Jacob and wrestled with him all night. Jacob somehow perceived that this man was from God. The text does not tell us how, but Jacob knew this was no ordinary man. He sensed that this was his opportunity for a breakthrough. Jacob needed a breakthrough. His servants ahead of him, his family behind him, and an uncertain encounter with his brother awaiting him, Jacob was desperate. He left his country 20 years earlier as a conniving trickster with nothing more than the blessing of his father and his staff (a stick) and he was returning with a family, servants, and wealth. But who was Jacob? Had he changed in those 20 years? He was returning with more “stuff,” but was he returning with more character? I believe these were the questions that Jacob wrestled with before he wrestled with the man.
Jacob was taking inventory of his life when the strange man approached and started wrestling with him. Jacob, perceiving that this man came from God, struggled with him for dear life. The wrestling match continued until daybreak. When the man saw that he would not let go he deliberately threw Jacob’s hip out of joint. Even after the injury Jacob was relentless. Jacob somehow knew that this was an opportunity for a life-change and he was not going to let it go. The man said, “Let me go; it’s daybreak.” Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Jacob was desperate enough to told on ‘till he got his blessing. Even though he was exhausted (mentally, physically, and psychologically) and even through he was in pain (from his hip), Jacob refused to quit. Then the man asked a heart-wrenching question: “What is your name?” As if it were a sort of admission, he answered, “Jacob.” As if he were saying, “Even after all these years I am still Jacob.” Jacob means, “trickster and conniver.” But the man granted Jacob his blessing and said, “Your name is no longer Jacob. From now on it’s Israel (God-Wrestler); you’ve wrestled with God and you’ve come through.” Jacob received his breakthrough, because he would not let go. His determination and his refusal to quit opened the door to the change he was looking for.
So what does this mean to you today? A few of things:
1. Jacob was desperate. Desperation is the breeding ground of miracles. Miracles are much more commonplace in underdeveloped countries than the United States. Why? Because we, as Americans, are very comfortable. The greater you desire it, the greater you open yourself up to receive it. Jacob was desperate and he received his blessing. How desperate are you?
2. Jacob was determined. Jacob sensed his blessing was before him and he held on for dear life. He refused to quit. Life will throw you wrestling matches from time to time. Don’t give up, cave in, or quit. You must be determined to HOLD ON until you receive your breakthrough!
3. Jacob was not in denial. One of the greatest hindrances to progress is denial. Jacob admitted where he was (Jacob) and his admission released God to take him to the next level (Israel). How honest are you with yourself? If you are not willing to admit where you are, God will not be able to take you to the next level!
Closing Confession: Father, I earnestly desire Your blessing. I know that I only am who I am because of Your grace and without Your grace I will never be who You desire for me to be. So I thank You in advance for gracing me to accept and admit where I am, and for giving me the grace to hold on for the breakthrough that will take me to the next level. You know me Father—my faults, failures, flaws, and frailties—and You still want to use me for Your glory. I thank You for that. I don’t deserve the assignment You have given me in life, but I accept it and I am determined to maximize it before I die. I hold on to You, with a bulldog tenacity, until You bless me, change me, and elevate me! I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
