Genesis 32: 22 – 32

Jacob took his two wives, his two concubines, and his eleven children, and crossed the Jabbok River. After he had sent them across, he also sent across all that he owned, but he stayed behind, alone.

Then a man came and wrestled with him until just before daybreak. When the man saw that he was not winning the struggle, he hit Jacob on the hip, and it was thrown out of joint. The man said, “Let me go; daylight is coming.”

“I won't, unless you bless me,” Jacob answered.

 “What is your name?” the man asked.

“Jacob,” he answered.

The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won; so your name will be Israel.”

Jacob said, “Now tell me your name.”

But he answered, “Why do you want to know my name?” Then he blessed Jacob.

Jacob said, “I have seen God face-to-face, and I am still alive”; so he named the place Peniel. The sun rose as Jacob was leaving Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip

Picture

Today’s painting is by the artist Gaughin, and is inspired by this story

Prayer

I have long loved the idea of ‘limping with the Lord’ – the consequence of having wrestled with God, or with God’s angel, and then walking into the future with God.

God of Jacob, who not only allows, but seems to appreciate our wrestling with who you are, and what your require of us, help us in this Advent journey to have the courage to ask our questions, voice our concerns and to do the work of grappling with ideas, so that, as we limp towards Christmas, may do so assured of your accompaniment and blessing.  Amen.