Jacob: Beyond the Comfort Zone (Gen 32)

Beyond the Comfort Zone (Gen 32) -  Unexpected Moments of a Disciple

Soon Yean. 30 October 2015

Chapter 31^{: 3} Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”

Chapter 32: ²⁴ 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. ³⁰ So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.” ³¹ Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over Penuel, and he was limping on his thigh. ³² Therefore, to this day the sons of Israel do not eat the sinew of the hip which is on the socket of the thigh, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.

1. An Unexpected Call to Return

• Return to where we came from “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives…”. God will be with us …”and I will be with you.”
• Jacob could go anywhere else. But God asks him to return to his past. God may asks us to leave a place to return to the past, sometimes an uncomfortable place. He does it by assuring us He will be with us.
• What are the events of the past we have run from and are afraid of confronting and returning ? Are there areas where there is a lack of closure?
• If God asks us to return, will we have the courage to obey?
  
  

2. The Unexpected Dark Night

• “And Jacob was left alone…” – this is not a passing statement. He has a whole platoon of servants, he was a feudal lord, and yet, the Bible records for us – he was left alone that night. 
• The Lord visits us when we are alone and honest with ourselves, and on dark nights when we can’t see. Dark nights are a gift from God. 
• Put in practice what we already know 
• Know that nothing and no one can help us except God 
• Leads us out of our comfort zone 
• Clarifies what God wants for us in our life 
• Reveals the resources God has given us. The burden becomes a bridge.
  
  

3. The Unexpected God Encounter

• “A man wrestled with him until day break…I have seen God face to face ” . Encounters result in struggles with God. Jacob did not run away.
• Jacob “prevailed” spiritually even though he was hurt and dislocated. He acknowledged God was sovereign and believed Him. He did not give up.
• Crippled to be crowned. God works by design and not by default. God breaks down our independent spirit and allows us to become more Christ-like in our brokenness from our encounter with Him.
  
  

4. The Unexpected New Name

• “What is your name? And he said, “Jacob.” He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel…” 
• The old name Jacob represents the old nature. God wants to give us a new name. 
• John 1: 42He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter or Rock). 
• Rev 21 : 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” 

Application

A-B-C:  Accept God’s work, Believe in Him and His love, Commit our life anew.

Reflections and Prayer Time

1. Are we called by God to go (physically, emotionally, spiritually) where we are not comfortable with or afraid of?  Pray for strength to obey.
2. In our struggles with God, do we feel like giving up? Pray for endurance in the faithful race.
3. If God gives us a new name, are we prepared to embrace it? Pray for courage to start anew.