The story of Jacob wrestling with God has captured the imagination of writers and poets for centuries. We are intrigued by the idea that a fearful, exhausted man could actually overcome God and get the blessing that he desires. But as we look at the text closely, is that what actually happens? Is it really a model of persistent prayer that wrestles a blessing out of God’s hands? Is a kitten able to snatch a bone from a bit bull?
Think of the context of the story. Jacob worked for his uncle Laban for 20 years (Genesis 31:38). During that time he worked hard, was married (twice) and grew in prosperity. But while his riches were a “mile wide” his soul was an “inch deep.” During those 20 years we never read of Jacob having a relationship with God. Sure, he made great promises on his way to his uncle’s home (Genesis 28:20) but as soon as he arrives and gets settled, it seems that God is forgotten.
Then one day, God breaks into Jacob’s life and tells him to return to the “land of his fathers.” (Genesis 31:3). To Jacob’s credit he obeys and leaves. But as he goes he grows more and more fearful of his brother Esau who is marching toward him with four hundred men (Genesis 32:6). In “great fear and distress” he divides his entourage in two and sends them on ahead of him while he stays behind alone to pray. And the miracle of it all is that God meets him there by the river Jabbok. Isn’t God’s grace amazing? Why would God meet with Jacob after he had essentially neglected him for all those years? It’s all of grace.
Not only this, but notice that the text says that “a man wrestled with” Jacob till daybreak. (Genesis 32:24). Clearly, Jacob is not the aggressor. Jacob is the one being engaged in the fight. As John White points out, Jacob doesn’t fight because he wants to, but because he is obliged to. The “man” was trying to throw him to the ground.
The story of Jacob wrestling with God is not a picture of a man overcoming God’s will and desires until he receives a blessing. It is a wonderful picture of God who comes to us in his grace and seeks to correct, help and bring us to a place of complete dependence upon him. Jacob had been struggling against God all his life. He depended on his own cunning, skill and cleverness to get him through life. He resisted God’s leadership and his goodness. But here at the river God was determined to bring that to an end and show him the wonderful blessings that could be his if he only depended on him.
We’ll study the text more deeply this Sunday but until that time reflect on your own life…
Has there been a time when you called out to God for help and he answered and delivered you – but now that you are delivered you have neglected your relationship with him?
Has God broken into your life and begun to “wrestle” you back to himself? Do you recognize it as an act of grace or are you resentful and angry that God would break into your life and seek you in such a way?
Maybe God is calling you to be alone with him in prayer and allow him to do the hard work of bringing you low so that he can bless you.
With thanks for God’s gracious times of wrestling with us, Pastor Tom.