Alone With God

by N. McKay, Hamilton, Ontario | Category: General | Oct 1981

Jacob pondered over the meeting with his brother. In fear of his life he had left Esau, after having tricked him into losing the blessing. Now he was about to meet him and he laid his plan carefully: The Lord however had other plans for Jacob and they began this night when God met him and wrestled with him until daybreak.

All Jacob's family had crossed the brook Jabbok and he was left to wrestle with the angel of God. What an experience! It was the turning point in his life. Jacob was no longer the supplanter; he had wrestled with man and with God and had prevailed. His new name was Israel - one who strives with God (Gen. 32-34).

How often do we, in our lack of faith, toss and turn all night because of a burden on our heart. After Jacob learned to cling to the Lord the battle was won, for surely God was working in Esau's heart as well as Jacob's. We too can find, like Jacob, that we are not alone. There is One with us whose touch we can experience. Contact with this glorious Person can result in rich spiritual blessing.

The story is told of a young girl who was struggling along carrying her heavy baby brother. One passer-by said, "That's a heavy burden you have" and back came the reply, "He's not a burden, he's my brother". When there is love in the family, the burden disappears. Our burdens will disappear if we truly cling to the One who is the great burden bearer.

Jacob was a changed man after his experience. He was given a new name

- "One who strives with God". Not only was this name "Israel" given to the man but also to his descendants, who became God's people. We too have been given a new name. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. Are we living up to this name? If we are, then the meekness and gentleness of Christ will become part of us and this will change our lives.

N. McKay, Hamilton, Ontario | Oct 1981
General