Pastor Josh continues the "Fresh Start" series this week, discussing Jacob's wrestling match with the Angel of the Lord in Genesis. Like Paul, the story changes Jacob's life forever. Jacob has a close encounter with God in this all-night wrestling match. At this point in the story of Genesis, Jacob is at the end of his rope. He has betrayed his father, stole the birthright from his brother and struggled in intense conflict with his father-in-law.
Jacob was desperate for God to intervene in his life. Our desire should have the same desperate hunger for the presence of God throughout our entire walk with Him. We also see that, as we did in the previous week, close encounters with God have life-altering implications. With Jacob’s hip dislocated, there was a physical reliance on God to sustain him from that day forth. But there was also a change in how God saw Jacob's soul as well. Close encounters allow for God to change us and to work in us. Without going deeper and drawing near to the Lord, we might never see Him truly work in our lives. Struggles are also an identity that we are to lose. Just as Jacob crossed the river with a new name and new identity, we have the opportunity to do the same. God has stamped us new creations in Him!
Scripture References:
Genesis 32:22-31
