Isaac’s son, Jacob, extorts his brother Esau’s inheritance and blessing, then flees for his life. In a dream, he sees angels ascending and descending a ladder, and God promises, “Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth… All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring” (Genesis 28:14). Living with his uncle Laban, Jacob, true to his name, “heel grabber”, experiences the pain of being deceived. Laban tricks him into 14 years of work for his wives, then manipulates his wages for another six. Yet God blesses Jacob with twelve sons. When he returns home, Esau approaches with an army. Alone, Jacob wrestles with an angel through the night. The struggle mirrors his life of striving, until the angel touches his hip and renames him Israel – “God prevails.” “The sun was rising as Jacob left Peniel, and he was limping” (Genesis 32:31). Limping and humbled, Jacob meets Esau, trusting God instead of his own strength. At last, he finds peace with his family. In our lives too, we often wrestle with God. But it is only when we yield and let Him prevail that we discover true peace. (Craig B) Open Bible – https://bit.ly/Gen28v14, https://bit.ly/Gen32v30-31
