Holy Devotion
Bible Devotional
Genesis 32:24-31 - Wrestling in prayer

Scripture:

Genesis 32:24-31
24 Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.
25 When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob's thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him.
26 Then he said, "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking." But he said, " I will not let you go unless you bless me."
27 So he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob."
28  He said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed."
29 Then Jacob asked him and said, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And he blessed him there.
30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, " I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved."
31 Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over Penuel, and he was limping on his thigh.
NASU


Thoughts:

Jacob wrestles with God manifesting Himself in the form of a man (a theophany).  It is a strange account whose only analogy for us, is in prayer.  We strive in prayer in much the same way in our times of anguish.  Jacob's source of concern would seem to have been his soon meeting with his estranged brother Esau (recall that he had greatly wronged Esau more than once, for example Genesis 25:29-34).  Because of his concern, Jacob sends what amounts to a bribe before him as he enters Esau's land:

Genesis 32:19-20
19 Then he commanded also the second and the third, and all those who followed the droves, saying, "After this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him; 20 and you shall say, 'Behold, your servant Jacob also is behind us.'" For he said, "I will appease him with the present that goes before me. Then afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me."
NASU

It seems horrible that Jacob was injured in this episode, however this ailment would remind him for the rest of his life not only of his struggle with God (verse 30), but also of the answered prayer that followed as Esau received him joyfully:

Genesis 33:4
4 Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.
NASU

Prayer:

Like Jacob wrestled all night, help me to not grow weary and even apathetic in prayer.  Help me to truly believe You will answer.  You are always faithful, remind me as You did Jacob -- I don't wish for an injury, but strong memories, nonetheless.

Amen

 
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