The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Genesis 32:24-29, “Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.
25 When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob’s thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him.
26 Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.’ But he said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’
27 So he said to him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Jacob.’
28 He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.’
29 Then Jacob asked him and said, ‘Please tell me your name.’ But he said, ‘Why is it that you ask my name?’ And he blessed him there.”

Jacob had played the game; now, it was time to count his losses. Esau had been tricked by his brother, and word had come that Esau was en route to meet Jacob. What can Jacob do?

Weary as he was, Jacob laid down to rest. He was about to lay his head on a rock, as if it were a pillow, when an angel challenged him by wrestling. And the angel asked, “What is your name?” So, Jacob told him, “My name is Jacob.” But the angel said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and men and
have prevaled.”

The brothers’ response is left for telling in the 33rd chapter of Genesis. All was well when the two brothers ultimately met. It’s safe to say that neither of the brothers wanted to fight. The LORD had prospered both of them, and they were ignoring the differences that had once encumbered their thoughts.

We have similar situations that challenge us. There are those with whom we are not that close. We are often fearful as we anticipate meeting those we’ve not seen for a considerable time. We may not agree with their positions on important matters. What are we to do? Remember that wrestling match? The LORD will prevail.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom