9 July 2013 - wrestling the restless

9 July 2013 - wrestling the restless

Jacob was left there alone.
Then some man wrestled with him until the break of dawn.

We all experience wrestling with God at some point.  It isn't that our will is going to prevail against the Almighty, obviously. But even when we feel like we're being bent and pressured beyond our capabilities we have to hold on.  It is like a mother lion wrestling with her cubs.  If the cubs just roll over they won't go strong.  It isn't that they are trying to win.  They need their mother.  But they need the strength this will give them.

But Jacob said, “I will not let you go until you bless me.”

True victory in this contest is the strength that comes from holding out to the end.

“You shall no longer be spoken of as Jacob, but as Israel,
because you have contended with divine and human beings
and have prevailed.”

Let us remember that God is first and foremost Father.  He tests us and disciplines us only in order to help us to grow as his children.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
I in justice shall behold your face;
on waking, I shall be content in your presence. 

Jesus has the same heart for us.

At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them
because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd.

It is for this reason that he heals disease, makes the mute speak, and proclaims the kingdom of God.  He does it all because he sees us wandering on our own.  We are overwhelmed by the world.  We are orphans who never had our strength built up to deal with it.  All we can do is wander until disaster strikes.  But in Jesus we are no longer orphans.  We cry out "Abba, Father!" (cf. Romans 8:15)  Let us hold fast to him!  Blessing is coming.