If God were to wrestle a human, who do you think would win? You might be surprised at the answer Genesis 32 gives us. This theophany has some surprises and plot-twists in store — join us this episode ring-side for a fight of biblical proportions. // 1. Have you ever tried to get something you really wanted?Maybe it was a toy, a game, or a piece of technology. Did you end up getting it? Did you have to work hard for it? Did you rely on yourself or ask for someone’s help? // 2. All throughout Jacob’s life, he tried to get what he wanted by his own cleverness and ability. What should we admire about that? What should we be careful not to imitate? Look at Genesis 27:41 (Esau), Genesis 29:31-33 (his wives), and Genesis 31:1-2 (Laban) to see the carnage Jacob left in his path. // 3. Read Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 26:24. Why did God bless Abraham and Isaac: because they deserved it or because God is gracious? So did Jacob need to wrestle with God for his blessing? What was God trying to teach Jacob by wrestling him? // 4. Read Luke 11:11-12 and James 1:17. Is it wrong to ask for blessings from God? How did Jacob show us how not to gain blessings from God? Why does God bless us: because we deserve it or because He is gracious? How does this give us patience and contentment in our lives today?
