Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Wrestling with God

Wrestling with God.
The Daily Evidence | September 16, 2011 at 6:00 pm | Categories: General | URL: http://wp.me/p1hdG9-eo

It has been said that Jacob was as twisted as a corkscrew, and it took an act of God to straighten him out. Jacob, by an act of deceit, had robbed his older brother, Esau, of their father’s blessing. It was fear that his vengeful brother would kill him that drove Jacob to seek God’s favor.

It is legitimate to come to the Savior in fear. We have greatly wronged the One who gave us life by vio- lating His Law, and His wrath abides upon us. If we do not repent and trust in the Savior, we will reap the terrifying fruit of our actions: death and everlasting hell. What a fearful thing it is to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31)! R. C. Sproul rightly said that Jesus doesn’t save us to God, He saves us from God.

Those who have had an encounter with God will, like Jacob, thereafter walk with a limp. Whereas we once had a haughty look and proud heart, we now bow in quiet humility and walk in lowliness of mind. And like Jacob was given a new name, when we meet the Lord we, too, become new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17). We are born again, with a new heart and with new desires.

And just as Jacob wrestled alone with God, each of us must make our own peace with God; no one else can do it for us. Notice that Jacob said he would not let God go until He blessed him. God honors persis- tence. Seek God’s blessing until you know that you have peace with Him. Call on the name of the Lord. Be like the blind man Bartimaeus, who in desperation called to Jesus, despite the rebuke of those around him (Mark 10:48). Do not give up until you have made your own call and election sure (2 Pet. 1:10).

After you encounter God, be earnest always to keep His smile on your life. Jacob asked God for His name and then rejoiced that his life had been preserved (v. 30). Once you have come to know Him who suf- fered for you, you will rejoice with joy unspeakable and never forget the name of the One whose blood pre- served you for His everlasting kingdom.

Genesis 32:24Â Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.

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