DAY 11 Read Genesis 31 and 33
Today's reading includes the remarkable experience of a man who wrestled with a divine being--and emerged victorious!
Memory gem: "The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another" (Genesis 31:49).
Thought for today:
What is your name? A man's name sets him apart from all others and establishes his personal identity. Each of us has a name. Each is different from the other.
My name means "lost sinner," so what can I do? Is there any hope for such a one as I? Yes, indeed there is hope for you! A man who had a name like yours had a terrible contest at midnight with an angel, and they wrestled until the break of day. His thigh was put out of joint at the touch of his divine antagonist, and all he could do was to cling helplessly. He could struggle no more, but in faith he cried out, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." And then the angel asked, "What is thy name?"
Ah, that was the worst question of all! Hanging his head, as we may well believe, for the shame that was in his heart, he answered, "Jacob." What did it mean? Why, Jacob meant "supplanter," and every time his name was spoken, his acts and character were made known. He was the man who had lied to his father and had cheated his brother out of his birthright. He had stolen the blessing that belonged to another and had tried to supplant him in the affection of his father. So now, in the darkness by the Jabbok River, alone with One whom he now knows to be more than man, he faces the ultimate question, "What is your name?" He answers truthfully and with sadness, "Jacob"--the supplanter!
But friend of mine, listen to the enfolding mercy of God which brings him forgiveness for all the past because of present victory: "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed" (Genesis 32:28).
How glad we can be today for the men whose names have been changed by the forgiving mercy of God! Old things have passed away and all things have become new to those who are in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Like wrestling Jacob, we must find our strength in surrender to Christ.
Today's reading includes the remarkable experience of a man who wrestled with a divine being--and emerged victorious!
Memory gem: "The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another" (Genesis 31:49).
Thought for today:
What is your name? A man's name sets him apart from all others and establishes his personal identity. Each of us has a name. Each is different from the other.
My name means "lost sinner," so what can I do? Is there any hope for such a one as I? Yes, indeed there is hope for you! A man who had a name like yours had a terrible contest at midnight with an angel, and they wrestled until the break of day. His thigh was put out of joint at the touch of his divine antagonist, and all he could do was to cling helplessly. He could struggle no more, but in faith he cried out, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." And then the angel asked, "What is thy name?"
Ah, that was the worst question of all! Hanging his head, as we may well believe, for the shame that was in his heart, he answered, "Jacob." What did it mean? Why, Jacob meant "supplanter," and every time his name was spoken, his acts and character were made known. He was the man who had lied to his father and had cheated his brother out of his birthright. He had stolen the blessing that belonged to another and had tried to supplant him in the affection of his father. So now, in the darkness by the Jabbok River, alone with One whom he now knows to be more than man, he faces the ultimate question, "What is your name?" He answers truthfully and with sadness, "Jacob"--the supplanter!
But friend of mine, listen to the enfolding mercy of God which brings him forgiveness for all the past because of present victory: "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed" (Genesis 32:28).
How glad we can be today for the men whose names have been changed by the forgiving mercy of God! Old things have passed away and all things have become new to those who are in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Like wrestling Jacob, we must find our strength in surrender to Christ.
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