Jacob was desperate. He must have known he was not wrestling with an ordinary man. So, even though the wrestling match was extending to day break, and even though his "opponent" put his hip out of joint, Jacob would NOT LET GO. He doggedly announced, "I will not let you go unless you bless me" v.26.
And so, God blessed him by transforming him. This transformation is indicated by a change in NAME. "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed" v.28.
Jacob received a live-transforming blessing from God because HE WOULD NOT LET GOD GO UNTIL HE GAVE THE BLESSING. Is this not the message of the New Testament, as well? "KEEP ON asking, and you will receive, KEEP ON seeking and you will find, KEEP ON knocking and the door will be opened" Matthew 7:7. "Men should always pray and NEVER GIVE UP" Luke 18:1.
It is always too soon to give us asking, seeking, and knocking. Jacob is a visual for us of this ageless truth. Though God is the Almighty Sovereign One, we can prevail with Him if we refuse to quit crying out for the mercies and breakthroughs we need. Breakthroughs in:
- relationships
- sinful habits
- finding joy in Christ
- guidance
- deep character sin-weaknesses
- the salvation of a family member
Note also that before God blesses Jacob, he puts his hip out of joint. The limp that Jacob received seems to be the weakening of self-strength that is necessary before the blessing of God can be received and benefically used. A strong striding Jacob will never serve God's purposes as well as a limping Israel. Before the blessing comes the humbling.
A limping, dependent heart is the primary characteristic of God's princes.
So...if you are currently wrestling with God, DON'T GIVE UP! And, don't be surprised when God touches a place of supposed "strength" as a preparation for His blessing.
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