Draw Nearნიმუში

Transformed by God

Today we’ll read about Jacob, a son of Isaac and Rebekah and a grandson of Abraham. From the beginning of his life, Jacob struggled with his twin brother, Esau, who was technically the eldest, even though they were born on the same day.

Birth order was significant because, according to custom, the firstborn son received the father’s birthright and blessing, inheriting the leadership and authority of the father. Nonetheless, Jacob—whose name means “deceiver”—conned and tricked Esau out of his birthright and blessing.

Because of Easu’s intense anger, Jacob had to flee his home. Many years passed and Jacob’s hard work brought him a wealth of livestock and the blessings of marriage. He also became a father to twelve sons and a daughter. It was in the midst of these many blessings that God spoke to Jacob telling him it was time to return to the land of his fathers. God promised He would be with Jacob.

On the way back to his homeland, Jacob had a physical and supernatural encounter in which he wrestled all evening with a mysterious opponent that the Bible refers to as both “a man” and as “God.”While theologians have different ideas about the identity of the being with whom Jacob wrestled, what’s most important is that Jacob truly had a transformative spiritual experience.

At the end of the wrestling session, God renamed Jacob “Israel,” saying:

… “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Genesis 32:28 NIV

Jacob drew near and engaged with his God with tenacious faith, knowing that Yahweh was the source of all blessing. And when God drew near to Jacob, it brought about lasting change in Jacob. Although we’re not certain of God’s specific purpose for this night of wrestling, it seems likely that Jacob was greatly humbled and learned to submit fully to God’s ways. I believe Jacob knew he couldn’t risk letting go or stepping away for a moment of rest because of this amazing opportunity to know God more intimately. The God of his forefathers was clearly and fully his God and Lord.

And from that time on, Israel (formerly Jacob) walked with a limp—likely as a reminder of this transformative experience.

Today, we too are encouraged to draw near to God. Jacob’s encounter reminds us that God welcomes our wrestling, our pressing in with persistence, and our gut-wrenching requests and questions. He wants us to show up with our full selves before him when we pray. He eagerly waits to meet with us and to keep transforming us into His image. By pursuing and wrestling with God, we have an opportunity to get to know Him more fully each day.

Pause and Reflect

When was the last time you wrestled with God in prayer? What did you learn about God? How did He grow your faith?

Pray

Heavenly Father, I know I need to create space to take my whole self and humbly wrestle in prayer with You. You always want me to draw near to You with my needs, fears, and disappointments rather than turn and walk away. Thank You for showing me by Jacob’s example that I have permission to engage with You—with all my heart, soul, and strength. As You revealed Yourself to Jacob, transforming him into Your image, please continue to do the same for me. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

This Bible Plan is adapted from the free 4-week Bible study Draw Near. You can find the full study, which includes individual, group, and video content at www.go2.lc/drawnearstudy