SundaySermon - Prince - Jacob at Jabok

 Jacob at Jabok

Passage: Genesis 32:22-29

Jacob was a deceiver and that was what his name meant. He knew how to get things from life and people.

But at this time, he is wrestling with God. He is at his lowest point because he knew that his brother is meeting with him along with 400 men. All his schemes are not working and he has to face reality

Verse: Genesis 32:7

Jacob was terrified at the news. He divided his household, along with the flocks and herds and camels, into two groups.

What is the reality he was faced with?

  • Nothing is going to work. Need to get to a place where he is alone with God
  • Brokenness opens our hearts to God
  • Confess and be honest before God 

Alone with God

Verse: Genesis 32:23‭-‬24

23 After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions. 

24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break.

He is alone with nothing. He has sent his possession to the other side of the river. And so he sought God

Verse: Psalms 34:5‭-‬6

5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 

6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.

The place that Jacob was one that Jacob created on his own. Are we making time to be alone with God? This is different from loneliness..... loneliness happens not because of our will or out creation. Loneliness leaves us wanting for something more..... Alone with God will satisfy you. 

Verse: Exodus 24:2

2 Only Moses is allowed to come near to the Lord. The others must not come near, and none of the other people are allowed to climb up the mountain with him.”

Moses had his time alone with God. Jesus did the same and advised us to it.

Verse: Matthew 6:6

6  But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Brokenness 

Jacob was strong willed that he almost won the wrestling match with God. We fight it out with God. But God's plan sometimes bring you to place of brokenness

Verse: Genesis 32:25

When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket.

Jacob was forever going to be limping. But God wanted him to be close to him. 

Verse: Psalms 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Brokenhearted opens our ears to God. Hardhearted closes God's word in our lives. 

Verse: Psalms 102:4‭-‬7

4 My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lost my appetite. 

5 Because of my groaning, I am reduced to skin and bones. 

6 I am like an owl in the desert, like a little owl in a far-off wilderness. 

7 I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof.

 Confess

Verse: Genesis 32:27

“What is your name?” the man asked. He replied, “Jacob.”

Jacob has to be true to who he was and confess. It was at that point that God changed his name and blessed him.

David had to be true to himself and called himself a senseless animal

Verse: Psalm 73:22

I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

Confession relieves us of the power of sin and blessing will follow

Verse: Genesis 32:28

“Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.”

And Jacob passed his blessing to his children still leaning on his staff..... (signifying his brokenness)

Verse: Hebrews 11:21

It was by faith that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff.

Conclusion

We need to open our hearts to God. We need to alone with God, we need to bring our brokenness of our heart and we need to confess our sins. God then gives us a new name.... a name of victory and blessing. 

Jesus in his brokenness brought blessing to all nations. Are we ready to be open to God?

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