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A SPIRITUAL WRESTLING MATCH

Text: Genesis 32
23 October 2012

(I) A SPIRITUAL WRESTLING MATCH

Genesis 32:24

1. Jacob all alone

2. A Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day

(II) ENDING THE WRESTLING MATCH

Genesis 32:25-26

1. Jacob persevered in this wrestling match

2. His hip was then made out of joint (great pain)

3. The Man said

“Let Me go, for the day breaks.”

4. Jacob’s reply

“I will not let You go unless You bless me.”

(III) THE BLESSING OF JACOB

Genesis 32:27-29

1. The Man’s question

“What is your name?”

2. The simple reply

“Jacob”

3. The commendation of Jacob

a) With a name change

From Jacob to Israel

b) He had struggled

i) With men

ii) With God

c) He had prevailed

4. An innocent question

“Tell me Your name, I pray.”

5. A profound reply

“Why is it you ask about My name?”

6. The blessing of Jacob

a) No name was revealed

b) But a blessing was pronounced upon Jacob

(IV) REFLECTION ON THIS SPIRITUAL ENCOUNTER

Genesis 32:30-32

1. Naming of the place:

Peniel: The face of God

2. Sobering thought

“For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”

3. Walking with a limp

4. In awe and in respect of Jacob’s encounter with God

No eating of the sciatic muscle/tendon (tradition rather than law)