For so many years Jacob was a “supplanter” , someone
who would always have his way. He became a successful man like many we would
actually know, but he lacked of something no money could buy: the Peace of God. Jacob was about to meet his brother and the
angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the
Divine protection, (32:1-2). This encouraged him to carefully plan meeting his
brother… his enemy, but still he was consumed by fear! (32:2-8). Would this
meeting be peaceful?
Jacob then prays with thankful acknowledgment of undeserved favors; he
humbly confessed his unworthiness, his fears and distress! He was finally seeking God with all his
being! He was confessing with faith God’s promises to him: “ 12 And You [Lord] said, ‘I will certainly
make you prosper and make your descendants as [numerous as] the sand of the
sea, which is too great to be counted.’” (32:9-12) For a while this prayer seemed to
calm him a bit, then he continued to plan the meeting with Esau by sending a great present to him: “… For he said [to himself], “I will
try to appease him with the gift that is going ahead of me. Then afterward I
will see him; perhaps he will accept and forgive me.” 21 So
the gift [of the herds of livestock] went on ahead of him, and he himself spent
that night back in the camp.” (32:13-21) Then he sends his wives,
children and servants ahead of him and is left alone.
“A great while before day, Jacob
being alone, more fully spread his fears before God in prayer. While thus
employed, One in the likeness of a man wrestled with him. When the spirit
helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words
to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is
indeed wrestling with God. However tried or discouraged, we shall prevail; and
prevailing with Him in prayer, we shall prevail against all enemies that strive
with us. Nothing requires more vigor and unceasing exertion than wrestling. It
is an emblem of the true spirit of faith and prayer. Those who would have the
blessing of Christ, must resolve to take no denial. The fervent prayer is the
effectual prayer. “ M. Henry
Jacob was blessed, and His name was changed from, Jacob =“supplanter” to
Israel= “a prince with God”
Jacob gives a new name to the place. He calls it Peniel, “the face of
God, “because there he had seen the appearance of God, and obtained the favor
of God! (32:30-31)
What about you? Are you anxious about a particular situation in your
life? Are you feeling distressed, weary? Let me remind you of a loving
invitation from our Heavenly Father to you:
1
Chronicles
16:11 (AMP)
10 Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.11 Seek the Lord and
His strength; Seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence].
Psalm
27:8
(AMP)
8 When You said, “Seek My face
[in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You,“Your
face, O Lord, I will seek [on
the authority of Your word].”
Amos
5:4(AMP
)4 For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel,
“Seek Me [search diligently for Me and regard Me as
more essential than food] so that you may live.
Jesus said: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily
burdened [by religious rituals that provide
no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing
your souls with salvation].”
(Matt. 11:28)
We must remember: “If God is for us, who is against us?” If He is for us, we have the victory!
Neither human nor demonic opposition can thwart the purposes of our sovereign
God (Romans 8:31-39). Let us Praise Him as we wait on
that which God has promised to do! Let us take a lesson from Jacob and hold fast
to the One who has promised to never let us go!
Blessings!
Mari