Friday, March 14, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Genesis 32:22–32

The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had.

Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the thigh muscle that is on the hip socket, because he struck Jacob on the hip socket at the thigh muscle. (NRSV)

Reflection

The day I received this devotion assignment, I had a hip injury. I initially contemplated turning it down because I wasn’t certain about my recovery. But the serendipitous nature of the assignment arriving and the injury occurring on the same day made me want to explore this passage and what it means for us.

Jacob, estranged from his brother Esau, was headed back home, hoping his brother would receive him. Alone for the night, Jacob was visited by God, who wrestled with him. When Jacob continued to fight back, God dislocated Jacob’s hip. This had to be painful, but Jacob did not give up. As dawn approached, God asked Jacob to give in. Jacob requested a blessing and received it.

What are we to make of this story? God came to Jacob when he was alone, facing an uncertain welcome from his brother, and in pain (due to the hip injury). Jacob was at a low point and he realized he needed God. Like Jacob, I was at a low point when I was injured. Unable to walk, I was dependent on others for assistance. I could not rely on my own strength. It was a humbling experience. I was intensely aware of my need.

Perhaps the lesson we are to take from this passage is that God will be with us when we are aware of our need of God. Maybe God wrestles with us to convince us to rely on God rather than on ourselves alone. When we are at a low point, when we are humbled and aware of our weakness, God will be there for us. The solution is to turn to the One who made us and always loves us.

Prayer
Loving God, make me aware of my need for you. Bless me with your love and encourage my trust in you.

Written by Juli Crabtree, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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