JACOB WRESTLES WITH THE LORD
(Genesis 28:10-20)
Jacob left Laban, his father-in-law,
By whom he had been deceived.
He took his family and all he acquired,
So his life could be retrieved.
On the way to find another home,
He planned to meet his twin brother.
He deceived Esau 20 years prior;
Which forced him to live with another.
So Jacob divided his family up;
For fear of an attack.
Tho’ he feared his brother, as it turned out,
His brother held his anger back.
But before Jacob met Esau,
He spent some time alone.
A man appeared and wrestled with him,
‘Til the man touched Jacob’s hipbone.
The man asked Jacob to let him go,
But Jacob would not agree.
Tho’ his hip was wrenched, he told the man,
“I won’t stop until you bless me.”
Jacob realized the man was special—
That he came from heaven above.
He knew the man could kill him,
But he was also aware of His love.
The man asked Jacob his name,
As he was asked 20 years prior.
This time Jacob was truthful,
Knowing God wouldn’t bless a liar.
“Israel is your new name,” said the man,
“You have struggled and overcome.”
His struggles were not yet over, though,
For in life, there will always be some.
The holy man finally blessed Israel,
For whom He truly cared.
Israel said when he named the place,
“I saw God, yet my life was spared.”
There will be times in our lives,
When with God we find ourselves wrestling.
He may slow us down a bit,
‘Til in His arms we are nestling.
Becky Wall
