Jacob: Ordinary People, Extraordinary God

Let’s turn to Genesis 32:22-31.  Here we meet another ordinary flawed person and our extraordinary God.  Wrestling is tough, deciding to wrestle with God is a totally different thing.  Jacob's life shows us that God's plans are not dependent on our precision. Even with Jacob's trickery, God chose to bless him and fulfill His promises. Church, it should be a relief to know that God can work through us, imperfect people, to achieve His purposes. What a blessing to know that God’s grace is available to all despite the mistakes and poor choices we have made.  

     Jacob’s life was one of manipulation and dishonesty.  Many relationships were strained including that with his father, his twin brother, and his father-in-law.  Due to his choices Jacob experienced hardships and challenges.  

     This text is a turning point in Jacob's life.  We hear humility in Jacob’s tenacious prayer.  In the wrestling scene we observe that he is grappling with his innermost thoughts while struggling physically.  He recognizes his unworthiness and acknowledges that his blessings come from God, not from his own efforts.  It was in this pivotal moment that Jacob’s transformation takes root. He is blessed and of course, is renamed Israel. 

      Here’s the point, Jacob got real with God and that interaction forged a new beginning; an authentic and closer relationship with God.  We need to remove the obstacles and facades.  Through submission, God forgave him and blessed him.  God chose Jacob, one who struggled with faith.  Jacob learned the heartache and anguish that resulted from walking alone and when he was confronted and ultimately surrendered he learned the peace of letting go of self-reliance and embracing God’s will. 

     Did you know, it was through Jacob’s family line that Jesus came to our hurting world?  Despite his flaws, Jacob was part of the God’s covenant with Abraham.  The goodness and grace of God are available to us too.  We are also part of God’s plan.  And all God’s people say, amen!

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry  

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