Genesis 32:22-32
The stream of Jabbok is the second recorded spiritual
encounter in Jacob's life. The first was
at a place called Bethel. Jacob left
Bethel with a spring in his step, but he left Jabbok with a lasting limp &
a forever-changed heart.
What transpired along the stream of Jabbok?
What transpired along the stream of Jabbok?
I. A Man Sought Solitude - v.22-24a
The conflict of life led him
to be alone.
The character of his life led
him to be alone.
The circumstances of his life
kept him from being alone.
II. A Man Wrestled with God and Himself - v.24b-25a
A Theophany is a pre-Bethlehem
appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ.
When pretense becomes past
tense it often leads to common sense.
III. A Man was Reclaimed by God - v.25b-32
A. He was a Broken man v.25b-27
· He Was Clinging
If we insist on fighting the
Lord, He will eventually bring us to the place where all the fight is
gone.
· He Was Confessing - He is
forced to admit who he was. In
the Bible, receiving a new name signifies making a new beginning.
Like Paul, Jacob became strong
only when he became weak. 2 Corinthians
12:1–10
B. He was a Blessed Man v.28-30
Jacob was no longer the "Deceiver",
but Israel a "Prince with God."
The greatest blessings only
come after a struggle.
