WrestleMania with God

I am attempting AGAIN to read through my Bible this year.  So far, so good as I am on track.  Anyways, one of the stories I read recently was Jacob wrestling with God/ an Angel in the night, and would not let go of God until he would  bless him.  The wrestling match finally ended as God put Jacob's hip out of socket.

This is an interesting story as though Jacob blessed by God even though his life journey I am not sure modeled being close, listening, or obedient to God in the details of his life. 

Exhibit A: Jacob deceived his father Isaac into giving him the blessing of the first born which was due to go to his brother Esau. 
Exhibit B: His unique marriage with sisters Leah and Rachel and their battle to produce more offspring was interesting to say the least. 
Exhibit C: Jacob's relationship with his father in law Laben did not seem to involve alot of prayer as there was little trust between them.

So with this trail of doing things his own way Jacob now fears his brother Esau is about to attack and kill him bringing Jacob to that night of WrestleMania with God.

Seems to me Jacob was not reading his bible, or praying the Lord's prayer daily.  Ok, I do know there was not bible for Jacob to read, or the Lord's prayer to model after but my point is Jacob seemed to plow through life without being as in touch with God as he should be. Then as Esau approaches Jacob determines desperate times require desperate measures and so he grapples with God for a blessing .. and oh by the way God, DON'T LET MY BROTHER KILL ME!

While I have not stole any birth rights, married sisters, or schemed against my father in law I can relate to doing things my way.  And unlike Jacob I do have a bible to read, and the Lord's Prayer as I commune with God., but I sometimes let those intimacy times with God slide This often leads to a mess either big or small leaving me to cry to God "Bless me.. I won't quit bugging you til you bless me.  ..  Did you hear me God?  I'm still waiting."

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So I thank God for these Old Testament stories where timeless truths are shared.  The story of Esau is the story of man where God's blessings and goodness go beyond who we are or what we deserve.  Oh it is much easier when I stay close to God, but I thank He is there for me even when I go all 'Jacob' on him.

I pray today God bless each of you with the truth of his love and grace. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you.

Blessings

Jeffrey (Jacob Jr.) Larson

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