Regularly throughout the Bible, an encounter with God ends with the renaming of God’s followers. Today’s story is no exception. Jacob’s new name, Israel, lifts up the struggle Jacob endured. Perhaps our struggles help shape who we become as well.
Worship this week:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. traditional worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School and Adult class
10:30 a.m. contemporary worship
Devotions for this week:
Jacob Wrestles God Genesis 32:22-30 September 26-27, 2015
Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:26b-28)
Jacob is one of the patriarchs of the origin stories. He is the grandson of Abraham, the third generation of a family line that was the fulfillment of God’s promises – blessed to be a blessing. Like his forebears, he had some doubt about the promises, and took matters into his own hands. That didn’t go so well. He left home under the threat of a very angry twin brother, to make his own way in the world. Today’s scripture shows us Jacob as a grown man with a family, as he prepares to go home again.
Read – Sunday, Genesis 32:22-30, Jacob Wrestles God
Monday, Genesis 32:3-21, Jacob Sends Gifts to Esau
Tuesday, Genesis 33:1-20, Jacob and Esau Meet
Wednesday, Genesis 37:1-11, Jacob’s Son, Joseph
Thursday, Genesis 37:12-36, Joseph is Sold by His Brothers
Friday, Genesis 41:37-57, Joseph’s Rise to Power
Saturday, Genesis 46:1-27, Joseph Brings the Israelites to Egypt
- How do God’s people end up settling in Egypt?
- In what ways is your community blessed? In what ways do God’s blessings seem like a struggle?
- When have you wrestled with God? When have you wrestled with your understanding of God?
Bless: May God walk with you in your struggles and joys. Amen.
