Scripture
Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob but Israel because you have struggled against God and men, and have overcome.”

Observation
Jacob is on his way to a reunion with his brother Esau. He sends his family and possessions on ahead and spends the night alone.

A man comes and wrestles with him in the night. Neither is able to win over the other. Finally at daybreak the man tells Jacob to let him go. Jacob refuses to do so until the man blesses him.

The man blesses him and calls him Israel for Jacob has struggled against God.

From that day, Jacob walks with a limp because of the injury to his hop from the man.

Application
Jacob is a wrestler all his life- a grasper and grabber of advantage. This comes to an end as he wrestles with God and receives a new name and a new nature.

What is perplexing is Jacob's constant striving for words of blessing. God blessed him before he was born. He conned Esau into giving him his birthright. He stole a blessing from his father. Now he wrestles God for a blessing that he already has.

Jacob's orphan heart refused to accept his destiny and blessing. The orphan heart always holds us in captivity to insecurity and unworthiness, preventing us from growing into the destiny that God has planned for us.

The cure is to receive the Father's blessing and love and to allow Him to heal us.

Prayer
Lord when I am tempted to wrestle with you for the blessing I already have, please remind me that I am already yours. Amen.