"So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak." Genesis 32:24
Another close encounter of a different kind
After leaving Laban, Jacob again meets "angels of God". Same phrase was used in Gen. 28:12; the only two times in the Old Testament this phrase is used.
God communicated with Jacob as he was leaving his homeland, running from Esau. God reveals His presence again, as Jacob is returning home, and meeting Esau. See Gen. 28:15
Testing the Waters
Jacob, not sure how Esau is going to react to his presence, sends a conciliatory message. Jacob calls himself a servant, and Esau he calls lord (master). Jacob lets Esau know he is willing to buy Esau’s forgiveness. (32:4-5)
But, why doesn’t Jacob remember the lesson of his Bethel Experience? There is no record that Jacob consulted with God before making contact with Esau.
Esau comes to meet Jacob with 400 men, and Jacob absolutely panics. See James 1:5
When All Else Fails, Pray
Finally, feeling trapped, Jacob turns to God. Is this typical of us?
Remarkably though, Jacob’s prayer in 32:9-12 is a model prayer, just like the prayers of Daniel, Nehemiah, and the Lord’s Prayer! Notice the 4 elements…
Jacob designed a clever gift. The gift would come in waves, each with a different kind of animal, and it was gift that would multiply. Was Jacob right or wrong here?
Sleepless in Seir
For a second time, as Jacob spends a night in fear of Esau, God comes to Jacob. This doesn’t seem to be a dream, however. (32:24)
Could God be touching on two of Jacob’s deepest fears, loneliness and being attacked?
Jacob persists in this struggle, until the man blesses him (32:26)
God responds by giving Jacob a new name. Why? How does it address Jacob’s fears?
God leaves Jacob with a painful reminder of his encounter. Again, why? (32:25)
3 Principles
#1) God responds to faith in Himself and His Word
#2)
Once we meet God through Jesus Christ, our lives are destined for change
#3)
God is longsuffering and patient with our growth process
