GREAT PRAYERS. A HEAVENLY MAN WRESTLED WITH JACOB. Genesis 32

Jacob desperately feared meeting with Esau. He sent his two wives and children over rhe ford of Jabbok, leaving him alone. ’A Man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day.’ An unforgettable experience to spend a night in deadly combat with this unknown Person. Sunrise saw Jacob exhausted and speechless. The Person was the eternal Son of God in human form before He was born of the virgin Mary, and lived and developed and died and rose again. No wonder Jacob sweated as he struggled with the Lord in His Christophany. ( appearance )

Jacob fought a losing battle. For ’he saw that he did not prevail against HIM, ’The Creator Anatomist knew the physical strength of Jacob, touching the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as he wrestled with HIM (v25) ’Let Me go, for the day breaks.’ the Lord responded. Jacob resisted ’ I will not let You go except you bless me.’ Have you hung on to your Lord, yearning for that sought-after blessing or enrichment, which only the Giver could proffer?

I visited missionaries on the fly river in Papua New Guinea, when an urgent call for prayer came through the missionary radio. Murray , having forfeited a place in New Zealand All-black rugby team had come to Papua New guinea to serve his Lord. He met and fell in love with Lorraine, singer and brilliant linguist. Recently married, his new wife became desperately ill with amoebic encephalitis, her life, poised in the balance. Totally unexpected, our plans for the night of fellowship were altered.

We decided on a night of prayer- an unusual procedure for us all.

We commenced with the psalms, praying through each verse. Earnestly we implored the Lord to spare this beautiful young wife. When we reached Psalm 116, we studied the amazing ’Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints.’ Weeping, we read it numerous times; unable to proceed. We assumed that Lorraine had gone to be with her Lord, tearfully thanking Him that she was with her Lord. Her brilliant missionary career and rich, brief time with her husband had been cut short. We prayed that a grieving Murray would rest in the arms of his beloved

Saviour and Lord. So ended the attempt to pray through the night.

The MAN asked him ‘What is your name? ‘Jacob!’ meaning supplanter, trickster. Not flattering, such a name. ’Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with GOD and with men and have prevailed.’ A new man emerged after the night of struggle. The change of name accompanied a change of character, after a personal encounter with the living God. When did you last stumble upon the eternal God? And the direction of your life totally transformed. Have you triumphed with God and man? God’s Word anticipates victory and overcoming for His children. Could your name reasonably be Israel?

Jacob asked an unusual question, ’Tell me your name, I pray. ’Why is it you ask Me about My name? And He blessed him there.’ (v29) The Bible answers Jacob.

Study with adoring heart His Glorious entitlements: FOR HE IS :

The second Adam. ( 1 Cor 15 ): so all in Christ shall be made alive.

Our advocate. (1 John 2:1 ) No more loving, tender One to speak to the Father.

Alpha and Omega. ( 1 Cor 15 ) Every language will extol His glory.

The Author and Finisher of our faith .(Heb 12:2 Salvation began in His heart.

Blessed and Only Potentate. ( 1 Tim 2) Compassionate, gentle Jesus our strength.

Captain of our salvation (Heb 2) Joshua’s entry to the promised land-and ours‘.

Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5) Psalm 23 and John10 show His limitless shepherding.

Counsellor ( Isaiah 9 ) In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Dayspring from on high (Haggai 2) Son of righteousness has risen: He visited us. .

Emmanuel (Isaiah 7) Infinite mystery- God with us. Beyond all human thought.

Everlasting Father ( Isaiah 9 ) Christ rightly claimed ‘I and My father are one.’

Good Shepherd (John10) He gives His life for His sheep; knows us; we know HIM

Governor (Matt 2) He alone has the right to govern your life Does so successfully.

Great High Priest (Heb 4) He is our glorious, priest: representative with the Father.

Head of the church (Eph 4 ) Christ cherishes, empowers and sustains His body.

Heir of all things (Heb 1 ) Because of His death, resurrection and enthronement.

I Am ( John 8) The eternally existent One. Living bread, water of life, resurrection.

Lamb of God ( John 1:36 ) He fulfilled all the types of the Old Testament.

Lion of the tribe of Judah ( Rev 5 ) He is the ruling Monarch -Lord of all.

Lord God Almighty, ( Rev 15 ) His deity and omnipotence describe Him.

Lord our righteousness (Jeremiah 23) He was made sin for us; to make us righteous.

Mediator (Galatians 3) The Man Christ Jesus fulfils the requirements of God/Man.

Messiah (Daniel 9 ) He is Prophet, Priest and King. Full acknowledgment is just.

Morning Star ( Rev 22) He sacrificially dispelled the darkness of sin’s long night.

Redeemer ( Job 19:25 ) His precious blood paid the full redemption price for us.

Resurrection and Life (John 11 ) Lazarus’ resurrection released this amazing truth

Son of God ( John 3 ) foundational truth: Describes His deity: one with the Father.

Son of Man ( Matthew 16) Virgin-born; obedient to parents; suffering on Calvary.

Wonderful (Isaiah 9) Indescribable awe, transcendent glory, unrivalled majesty.

Word of God ( Rev 19 ) Made flesh dwelt among us. We beheld His glory.

Be specific when you call HIM by His illustrious Name. Bow at His feet reverently.

A regenerated Israel changed the name of the place Peniel, claiming ‘I have seen God face to face and my life has been preserved.’ Spiritually empowered, but physically hampered, ’The sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip‘. The Lord had touched the socket of Jacob’s hip in the muscle that shrank.’ (v32 ) Israel had learned that his spiritual power greatly outclassed his bodily. Have you reached that profound conclusion? It may be crisis point in your life!