A Wrestling Match

The most dramatic night of Jacob’s life took place on the River Jabbok. He feared the encounter he was about to have with his brother Esau. At some point during the night, someone grabbed Jacob around the neck and threw him to the ground. On and on through the night, they wrestled. Who was this stranger? Jacob would later say, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared” (Genesis 32:30 NLT).

God let Jacob fight until it appeared that Jacob was in control. And then, with one touch, God dislocated his hip. Jacob fell to the ground, broken and humbled. The hip is the largest weight-bearing joint, and it engages some of the strongest muscles. Yet it was putty at the touch of the Stranger. The message of the dislocation? “You aren’t as strong as you think. Rely on me.” Is that a message for you?

Devotion by Max Lucado | The Almighty Jehovah | https://thealmightyJehovah.com

Look for God

With the passing of years, Henry’s life had changed. His children were grown. The neighborhood was different. He was unhappy. He asked his minister if he was unhappy for some sin he’d committed. “Yes,” the wise pastor replied. “The sin of ignorance. One of your neighbors is the Messiah in disguise, and you have not seen him.”

With time, Henry saw things in people he’d never seen. When others spoke he listened. After all, he might be listening to the Messiah. The bounce returned to his step. His eyes took on a friendly sparkle. He said, “All I know is that things changed when I started looking for God.”

Now, that’s curious. The old man saw Jesus because he didn’t know what he looked like. The people in Jesus’ day missed him because they thought they did. How are things looking in your neighborhood?

The Next Door Savior

In the aftermath of 9/11 a group of religious leaders was invited to come to Washington and pray with President Bush. The group was well-frocked and well-known. You might wonder if I felt out of place. The only time I wear a robe is when I step out of the shower.

But when it came my turn to meet George W. Bush, I added, “And Mr. President, I was raised in Andrews, Texas—a half-hour drive from your hometown.” He smiled that lopsided smile and let his accent drawl ever so slightly. “Why, I know your town. I’ve walked those streets. I’ve even played your golf course.” It was nice to know that the president knew my home.

How much nicer to know the same about God. Yes, he rules the universe. Yes, he has walked your streets. He’s still the next door Savior. Jesus – above all powers? You bet he is!

A Wrestling Match