20 - Wrestle with the Lord for a blessing

Jacob Wrestling with the Angel  Genesis 32:24-32 (Gustave Dore 3/01/1855)

Chareen's Thoughts:

• It's taken 20 years for Jacobs change of heart. I finally see a glimmer of this change in Jacob's prayer: I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. ...(Genesis 32:10) In Genesis 32: 1-23 we read all about his fear of Esau. It is good to read and see he comprehends what he did to his brother all those years ago and just how his brother felt about it. 
• Sadly he still does not keep his word with his brother.  He says you go on ahead and I will slowly catch up. So Esau trusts him and moves on but Israel does not keep going he stops buys land and sets up his tent. 
• It's only after this change of heart that the Lord changes his name. He is now known as Israel (One who wrestled with God for a blessing) Genesis 35:10 and Genesis 32:28
• It's interresting to note that as God builds the house of Israel He changes names as He brings about change. (Abram - Abraham, Sarai - Sarah, Jacob - Israel)

As I read about Israels wrestle for a blessing I felt this in another key for me to take to heart.


Sometimes we need to be on our knees and wrestle with Him for a blessing. There is no shame in this.





Blessings
Chareen