October 4, 2022 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John

Guest Author/article writer/Dr. David Fisher

Jacob Wrestled

Jacob was on his way back home from Haran to Canaan, with his family and his herds of cattle. Suddenly, he met a band of angels and knew he was on sacred ground. He named the place "Mahanaim" ("the double encampment of God").

He must have been wanting to meet with God, because he sent all his family and his possessions across the river that night and remained alone at God’s camp, Mahanaim.

Then an unusual man showed up and entered into a struggle with Jacob, a kind of wrestling match that lasted all night long! As the morning drew near, the man "saw that he would not win the match", but he was able to injure Jacob’s hip. "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!" the man cried. Jacob responded, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Genesis 32:26 NLT

Wow! We interrupt this broadcast with a news bulletin! A Hebrew man just held Almighty God in custody!

Here it is from the Bible: "’What is your name?’ the man asked. He replied, ‘Jacob.’ ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob,’ the man told him. ‘From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won." Genesis 32:27-28 NLT

What a victory! Many people believe that God wants people in this world who have no will of their own. Just the opposite is true. God chooses strong-willed people to do His Will! So do military leaders and businesspeople in this world. Weak-minded "milquetoasts" never get anything done for God or anyone else.

When Jesus said, "Not my will but Yours be done," He was not a spineless, wimpish "Que será será," kind of guy. He waged a bloody struggle in the Garden before submitting His Will to His Father.

Israel (Jacob) had one more request from God. "’Please tell me your name,’ he asked." No answer at that time. It was way too early yet.

I believe Jacob had a "pre-incarnational encounter" with Jesus Christ. Why?

1) He did not reveal His Name. Angelic beings usually identified themselves.

2) After Jacob saw Him, he said, "I have seen God face to face." Genesis 32:30 NLT He even named the place "face of God" (Peniel). "So, we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT

3) The Man changed Jacob’s name (which stands for his character) and blessed him. Only God can change someone’s nature. Also, we find in Hebrews that you are always blessed by a better person. "The One who blesses is greater than the one who is blessed." Hebrews 7:7 GNT This Man was greater because He blessed (added something to) Israel!

What if Jacob had let go of God too soon? What if God got away before He blessed him? What if Jacob’s tenacity and his fierce desire to be blessed lessened and he started thinking, "It’s not worth all this. I’m outta here."

Are you being tempted to give up on something you have been holding on to concerning the will of God? Learn from Jacob and don’t quit too soon!

Dr. David Fischer, Pasadena CA

Pastor/Minister/Teacher

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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