GOD WRESTLING WITH MAN

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)

This account of the angel wrestling with Jacob is an instance of God's earnest desire to take from us all that hinders our best and highest life, while we continue to resist. There was much evil in Jacob that needed to be laid aside, and so the love of God drew near to him in the form of an angel to wrestle with him. At first he held his own, but whatever it is that enables a soul whom God designs to bless to stand out against Him, God will touch. It may be as natural as a muscle, but if it robs us of spiritual blessing, God will touch it; it may be as small as a muscle, but its evil influence will compel the Almighty lover of our souls to take notice of it, to cause our scheming to miscarry, and the muscle of our strength to dry up.

Then Jacob abandoned his defense and resistance, and clung to his adversary. It is good when we come to this attitude, for there is nothing which God will not do for the soul that clings to Him in absolute weakness.  And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NKJV)

Three things happened: The changed name, which indicated a changed character. Israel means "prince with God." The supplanter, cheat, and weak instigator became royal! There is only one road to royalty, it is the path of self-surrender and faith. Power: as a prince hast thou power with God, and with men thou shalt prevail. (RV marg.) He who would have power and authority with his associates must first secure it by yielding to God. The beautiful vision: "I have seen God face to face." Our moments of vision come after the night of wrestling. The price is high, but the vision more than compensates. Our sufferings are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed. Such is life! As the dawn of heaven breaks we see the angel of love, and as Christ meets us and we awake to the royalty of the sons of God.

PRAYER

We thank You, heavenly Father, that our backslidings and transgressions, our failures and inconsistencies, cannot turn aside Your compassionate love. We would yield ourselves to You. Make us as rock to the seducing influences of the world and of the flesh, but soft as clay to the least touch of Your hand. Strive mightily in us by Your Holy Spirit, and perfect that which concerns us.  In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #76:
My anointing will teach you all you need to know.

1 John 2:27 (WEB)
As for you, the anointing which you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need for anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, you will remain in him.