Jacob's Defeat - Jacob's Victory!

Jacob had deceived his brother – his father – his father-in-law and even himself! Yet now he meets a 'man' who he cannot deceive or defeat! Fearing an encounter with his brother, Esau (who had sworn to kill him on sight) Jacob resumes his former self by acting cunningly and cowardly. Sending the women and children first to the river he waits to see what happens just in case he needs to flee the other way abandoning all his family and wealth. During this alone time, God meets with him and they struggle – to Jacob's defeat and victory!

The story is a contradiction and yet a solution as well. Paul says, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” As Paul learned the hard way on the road to Damascus so did Jacob learn at Paniel. Sunday is a great story – just like the old Wild World of Sports intro – “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat!”

Pastor Mike

“When we pray for the Spirit's help ... we will simply fall down at the Lord's feet in our weakness. There we will find the victory and power that comes from His love.” Andrew Murray