Title: Jacob Prayed
Memorize: And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:28 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Genesis 32:22-32 (Nkjv)
[22] And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok.
[23] He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had.
[24] Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.
[25] Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him.
[26] And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”
[27] So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.”
[28] And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
[29] Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.
[30] So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”
[31] Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip.
[32] Therefore to this day the children of Israel do not eat the muscle that shrank, which is on the hip socket, because He touched the socket of Jacob’s hip in the muscle that shrank.
Message:
In my understanding of the Scriptures, I know that it is not possible to overpower an angel, let alone wrestle with him and win; however, Jacob wrestled with an angel and emerged with a new name and a transformed identity. His midnight wrestling experience symbolises our struggles and the power of persistent prayer.
The story in today’s Bible reading shows that prayer is not always easy. Sometimes, we must wrestle with God in the depths of our souls to confront our doubts, fears, and insecurities. In fact, Jacob clung to this angel and refused to let go until he received a blessing. Likewise, you must persevere in prayer until God gives you an answer.
My dear child, when life throws challenges and uncertainties at you, your family, or your academics, do not be afraid to wrestle with God in prayer because, in the end, you will emerge stronger, wiser, and blessed beyond measure.
Action Point:
Keep wrestling with God in prayer until He blesses you.
HYMN 55: CHRISTIAN, SEEK NOT YET REPOSE
1 ‘Christian! seek not yet repose,’
hear thy guardian angel say;
thou art in the midst of foes;
‘watch and pray.’
2 Principalities and powers,
mustering their unseen array,
wait for thy unguarded hours;
‘watch and pray.’
3 Gird thy heavenly armour on,
wear it ever night and day;
ambushed lies the evil one;
‘watch and pray.’
4 Hear the victors who o’ercame;
still they mark each warrior’s way;
all with one sweet voice exclaim,
‘watch and pray.’
5 Hear, above all, hear thy Lord,
him thou lovest to obey;
hide within thy heart his word,
‘watch and pray.’
6 Watch, as if on that alone
hung the issue of the day;
pray, that help may be sent down;
‘watch and pray.’
Bible In One Year: Isaiah 8:1-9:21, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye