Wrestling With An Angel
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | January 28, 2024
Open your Bibles to Genesis 32:22-32. Today’s sermon, “Wrestling With An Angel,” is the third in our angelic encounters series. The text says: “There wrestled a man with him… I have seen God face to face.” Let’s pray: Father, thank You for this congregation, online listeners, and blessings. Help the unsaved find salvation, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jacob, fleeing Esau’s wrath, faced a divine wrestling match. Alone by the Jabbok, God—appearing as a man—attacked him. They wrestled all night; God dislocated Jacob’s thigh, yet Jacob clung on, demanding a blessing. Renamed Israel, a prince prevailing with God, he limped into sunrise, forever marked. Three lessons shine forth.
The Privilege Of Confrontation With God
“Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him” (v. 24). God initiated this battle—a privilege! “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved” (v. 30). God confronts us all—through family, friends, or kids singing at church. Abraham, mired in idolatry, was called out by God’s grace. That touch is a gift; it shapes our eternal destiny and blessings. Will we wrestle back?
The Challenge In Our Relationship With God
“Let me go, for the day breaketh… I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (v. 26). God challenged Jacob mid-struggle, thigh dislocated, yet he wouldn’t quit. Pain didn’t stop him—what stops us? A man’s measure isn’t achievements, but what makes him quit. I recall coworkers nearly grasping God’s power but choosing work over blessing. Jacob held on; God let him win, as I let my boys win arm wrestling—God delights in our victory!
The Privilege Of Being Changed By God
“Thy name shall be called… Israel… he halted upon his thigh” (vv. 28, 31). Jacob’s limp marked a changed man—no longer a trickster, but a prince. God marks us too—when we wrestle and win, we’re transformed. Past sins don’t hinder; holding onto God does. I’d rather limp with His blessing than stride without it. Will we prioritize God over the day’s rush? I’ve won many matches—God’s let me, and joy floods my soul.
