4th.: Jacob’s New Name
Almost home.
Tomorrow, Jacob would see his brother.
But the two had departed on bad terms.
The night before Jacob saw his brother, he sent his family, in two bands, on ahead.
Jacob was all alone (Gen. 32:22-24).
A stranger came to Jacob, and provoked a wrestling match.
They wrestled all night long.
As day broke, the stranger touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh, causing it to go out of joint.
Who was this guy?
Jacob held on tight.
His adversary said, ‘Let me go, for the day breaks.’
God could have easily defeated Jacob.
But He did not.
Jacob saw an opportunity, ‘I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.’ (Gen. 32:26).
The stranger blessed Jacob, by changing his name from Jacob (deceiver/supplanter) to Israel (prince of God),
“for as a prince has thou power with God, and with men, and has prevailed.” (Gen. 32:28).
How often do we not take advantage of the opportunities God gives us?
Of course, we should discuss those opportunities with Him.
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“Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.” (Isa 27:5)
“The blessings of the Lord, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” (Pr. 10:22)