January 11 – Reading 11

JANUARY 11 – Reading 11

by John Pra | January 11

“LIMPING WITH GOD”
(Genesis 32:1-35:26; 1 Chronicles 2:1-2; Genesis 35:27-29)

And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” – Genesis 32:24-28

Jacob’s name defined him from the womb – self-centered, deceiver, manipulator. It played out dramatically when he schemed to steal his brother’s blessing from his aging father, Isaac (Gen 27). Encouraged by his mother, Jacob enters his blind father’s tent pretending to be Esau. When Isaac asked his name, Jacob replies, “I am Esau your firstborn … Bless me.”

Twenty years later (Gen 32), after running for his life from Esau, Jacob begins his journey back home hoping the wrath of his brother has been forgotten. Along the way, God shows up in the night at Jacob’s camp. A wrestling match ensues and God strikes his hip and puts it out of joint. Before the sun comes up, Jacob asks God for a blessing. The strange response from God is, “What is your name?” A flash back to that moment his dying father asked him that same question.

What’s the point? In order to receive God’s blessing we need to go through a process. Twenty years and Jacob hasn’t changed. He’s still what he was when he ran from home. But on this night, God would change his name and his nature. From living in the flesh (Jacob) to living in the Spirit (Israel).

This moment would not be forgotten. Jacob would never take another step without pain. He would never walk the same way he did before his encounter with God. The same is true for us. When going through affliction and pain, we must remember that God is working all things for our good (Rom 5:8). And that God’s blessing often comes with a limp.

We must remember, when going through affliction and pain, that often God is using it to ultimately bless us. And that God’s blessing often comes with a limp.

Pray for…

• The Holy Spirit to open my eyes to see God in my struggles. Guiding me even when life’s battles are overwhelming.
• Resilience to endure the struggles that shape me, knowing that even in pain, You are working for my good.
• Gratefulness for the blessings that come through struggle and refinement. Teach me to see the “limps” in my life as reminders of Your work in me.