Genesis 32:22-31 (NRSV)
Read Genesis 32:22-31 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. Verse 23He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had.
Verse 24Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. Verse 25When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Verse 26Then he said, "Let me go, for the day is breaking." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go, unless you bless me." Verse 27So he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." Verse 28Then the man said, "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed." Verse 29Then Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him. Verse 30So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved." Verse 31The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.
Devotion
Jacob has been impatient from the beginning. Even as he emerged into this world grasping the heel of his barely older brother, Jacob has sought to gain the advantage. Such was the case when he tricked his brother out of his birthright and, again, when he fooled his father into bestowing upon him the blessing that rightfully belonged to that same brother. One would think that Jacob might have learned patience working for Laban for 14 years to receive the hand of his beloved, Rachel. Yet here, in chapter 32, Jacob again shows that he is not willing to let go without that elusive blessing.
God indeed blesses Jacob, with a name that proclaims his passion for winning. But God does not leave Jacob without a bruise by which to remember the one from whom all blessings ultimately come. Limping, Jacob steps into the continuing promise of God and the plan of salvation that God has put in motion. Wounded, God’s people declare that this one, who will wrestle with us by night, is the one who gives us light and life each morning. In this way, we are the Face of God (Penuel) for the world.
Prayer
One who wrestles with our souls, bless us as you did Jacob, that we might declare your promise of life to all the world. Amen.