Wrestling with God ∙∙

Wrestling with God ∙∙

Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God. – Hosea 12:3

Genesis 32:24-31

24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break.
25 When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket.

26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

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

30 Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.”
31 The sun was rising as Jacob left Peniel, and he was limping because of the injury to his hip.

Hercules is one of the best-known heroes in Greek and Roman mythology. He was renowned for his extraordinary strength and daring exploits. One of his 12 exploits was his mission to steal the apples of the Hesperides, the “Nymphs of the West.” On his way to accomplishing this task, he had to fight with Antaeus. Antaeus would challenge all passers-by to wrestling matches. He was undefeated. He had a secret; he remained invincible as long as he remained in contact with the ground. He consistently killed his opponents because he drew his strength from the earth.

Hercules took up the challenge and began to wrestle with Antaeus despite his reputation. Hercules soon realized that Antaeus could not be defeated by throwing or pinning him to the ground. He came up with a new strategy. Hercules held him above the ground, and using his super-human strength, he crushed him to death with a powerful bear hug.

Wrestling with a powerful opponent is not the wisest choice. But attempting to wrestle with an undefeated one seems foolhardy at best.

Jacob was on his way to a very close encounter with his brother Esau. Jacob had greatly wronged Esau and feared he would kill him in revenge. He had sent gifts and all the people that had accompanied him on ahead in an attempt to soften Esau’s heart. “It was the darkest night of Jacob’s life as he sat alone reflecting on the past and on what the sunlight might bring, alternately shivering in the mountain cold and trembling at the approach of Esau” (Hughes).

In the pitch-black night, Jacob found himself alone and suddenly seized by an unseen force. With no words exchanged, he was thrust into a fierce struggle, grappling with a figure of immense strength. Initially, Jacob’s mind raced with fear and confusion, suspecting perhaps that Esau had sent an assassin to eliminate him. Yet, caught in the throes of a life-or-death struggle, Jacob had no choice but to wrestle with his mysterious adversary.

The darkness obscured vision, and the silence deepened the mystery as Jacob, strong in his own right, battled this formidable opponent. They clashed for hours, locked in combat through the night, neither gaining the upper hand. As the first light of dawn crept in, the figure finally broke the silence, requesting that Jacob release him and end the match. It was then that Jacob sensed something extraordinary—his opponent was no mere man but someone with the power to bestow blessings, perhaps even an angel.

In a bold move, Jacob demanded a blessing, and the stranger’s response was transformative. “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” he declared, “but Israel.”

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.”

With these words, Jacob now puts it all together. Jacob understood that his adversary was more than an angel. His opponent was God Himself, manifest in human form. This revelation mirrored the earlier appearance of the Lord to Abraham, where God was also mistaken for a man (Genesis 18).

Jacob named the place Peniel, meaning “face of God,” marveling that he had seen God face to face and survived the encounter.

Genesis 32:30 Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.”

This remarkable wrestling match is later referenced in Hosea.

Jacob had wrestled with God in bodily form (Hosea 12:3-4).

What a profound moment of spiritual significance. The Father allows His children to wrestle with Him, sometimes even initiating the struggle, offering transformation rather than condemnation.

The blessing Jacob received came with a cost. He emerged from the encounter with a new identity, Israel, signifying “God fights” or “he fights with God.” Yet, there was collateral damage. He bore a permanent mark of the struggle—a limp that would accompany him for the rest of his days.

Jacob seemed accustomed to getting his way and never losing a wrestling match, reminiscent of Antaeus. The Father, however, chose to hold back His limitless power, giving Jacob the opportunity to wrestle with Him. At any moment, He could have easily overpowered Jacob. This dynamic mirrors the myth of Antaeus and Hercules, where Hercules ultimately triumphed over Antaeus through a combination of godlike strategy and restraint.

REFLECT & PRAY

It is one thing to be curious and seek understanding; it’s another to cross the line into arrogance and argumentativeness.

Father, it is part of human DNA to ask, “Why?” Encourage us to be respectful and open-hearted rather than condemnatory.

INSIGHT

Wrestling with the Father can take many forms, often involving challenging conversations. A poignant example of this is found in the story of Habakkuk, an Old Testament prophet who engaged in a verbal struggle with God. Unsatisfied with the state of affairs in Judah, where rampant sin and a lack of justice were prevalent, Habakkuk was bold in voicing his frustrations. He confronted the Father, questioning the violence and injustice that surrounded him, and challenged the Father to do something about it.

Habakkuk 1:2-4

2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save.
3 Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.
4 The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted.

Sound familiar?

The Father had a solution that would end their evil activities. But the cure was worse than the disease. The Babylonians were coming to conquer, destroy, and take the people captive.

Habakkuk cannot believe his ears. He was in shock.

If Habakkuk had been concerned and argumentative before, now he was livid. His complaints became white-hot. While the people of Israel are bad and iniquitous, they are not as bad as the Babylonians, who were brutal conquerors. On top of that, they were the chosen people, special, unique, and the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). Surely, the Father is too good to allow such a thing to happen. Habakkuk becomes sullen and retreats into arrogant self-pity.

Yet, the Father, unfazed, addressed him with a profound truth that cuts through all complaints and doubts: “The righteous shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). God’s response was unwavering. He confronts Habakkuk and provides the ultimate answer for all incredulous, complaining, arrogant whiners.

While it’s natural to question and seek understanding, God’s answers can sometimes be more unsettling than the questions themselves.

Ultimately, His answer is always the same, “Trust Me.” Trust in My character and My plan. Live by faith, lose the attitude, and surrender to His will.

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© Dr. H 2024

Your Father’s eyes ∙∙

Your Father’s eyes ∙∙

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9

2 Chronicles 15:2-7

2 Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the LORD is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

3 For many days Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest, and without law.
4 But in their distress, they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him.

7 But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.

Throughout history, people, families, groups, kingdoms, and nations have joined forces to achieve mutual benefits. Successful collaborations rely on meticulous planning, wise decision-making, and genuine cooperation. There are five critical strategies for success: a shared goal or vision, prudent investment of resources, clear expectations and execution, complete trust, and adaptability over time to changing circumstances.

Unlike any other partnership, a strategic alliance with the Father is unique because it is solely for our benefit. Humanity was intelligently designed by the Father to find ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction through alignment with Him and complete reliance on His guidance. The Father seeks to form alliances with children of the King. He seeks seekers.

How do we live wisely in our dark and fallen world?

The Scriptures are rich with informative stories, wisdom, prophecy, history, and doctrine. The Word of God is a guidebook, an owner’s manual for life on planet Earth. It provides instructions on how to live wisely in a fallen world. We could spend our whole lives studying the Father’s Word and barely scratch the surface.

1 Corinthians 10:11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

“Everything in the Scripture exists for our example, warning, and admonition. We are to note what God’s people did in the past and how God reacted to them in order to move ahead in our own walk of faith” (Stanley).

Romans 15:4 Everything was written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

The Old Testament Scriptures offer guidance, inspiration, motivation, and hope. By learning from historical events, we equip ourselves to tackle present challenges and look forward with hope to the future.

One notable figure is King Asa of Judah, Solomon’s great-grandson, who initially aligned himself with the Father and enjoyed His favor. At the start of his reign, Asa’s heart was devoted to the Father, and he thrived.

2 Chronicles 14:2 states, “Asa did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the LORD his God.”

Unfortunately, Asa later broke his alliance with the Father and instead sought protection through a coalition with Syria. Although Ben-hadad, of Syria, was a valuable ally for a short while, the partnership was unstable and ultimately failed. Asa’s experience serves as a powerful lesson for all children of the King.

The Father is a seeker. The Father is always searching for those who are willing to trust Him. He is ever-ready to assist those who seek Him. Every child of the King can take comfort in knowing that as we pursue God, He will empower us, providing the strength and capabilities needed to fulfill the responsibilities and assignments He sets before us.

2 Chronicles 15:2 assures us, “The LORD will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.”

The Father is wholly committed to every child of the King, intricately involved in every aspect of our lives. His care is marked by profound, loyal love, and He desires to strengthen and support each of us.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father watches and waits for us. His support is permanent. He is not there for us only in times of need. His commitment is unwavering and extends beyond mere moments of crisis.

Father, it is so easy to waver in our trust and devotion. Even when I understand the truth, I behave like a fool and acted unwisely. Father, encourage me to immerse myself in Your Word, meditate on it, and remain steadfastly aligned with You.

INSIGHT

2 Chronicles 16:9 reveals, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

The Father delivers all who seek, find, and commit to Him. However, to enjoy fully what the Father promises, we must continually be fully committed to Him. If we falter in our commitment, His magnificent promises slip beyond our grasp.

That was precisely what King Asa failed to do. He was not consistent. He lapsed. He acted the fool and did what was right in his own eyes. He was confronted and pronounced a fool. He suffered the consequences. Instead of peace and safety, the rest of his reign would be marked by discontent and war.

Understandably, Asa turned to what was tangible. Rather than remaining faithful to the Father, the unseen eternal God of heaven, Asa limited his vision to what he could see. He chose to rely upon a human king.

1 Chronicles 28:9 Learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him.

Paul compassionately reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 that even though our bodies may be facing challenges and weariness, our spirits are being renewed each day. He acknowledges the weight of our struggles, saying in verse 17 that while our present troubles may feel overwhelming, they are ultimately minor and temporary. It’s heartening to know that these difficulties are shaping us for glory that far exceeds our current pain and will endure for eternity.

In verse 18, he encourages us not to fixate solely on the visible troubles surrounding us, which can often feel consuming. Instead, He gently urges us to turn our gaze towards the unseen, enduring promises of hope and love that last forever. It’s a comforting reminder that while the trials we face may be challenging, they are fleeting, and there is so much more that awaits us beyond our current circumstances.

“The contrast between seeking and forsaking is strong. They are two modes of life. One yearns for God and is devoted to him with a whole heart and delighted soul . . .. This expresses the integrity of a person’s life. A dedicated life finds peace and joy in serving God. The other, however, yearns for something or someone else. It forsakes God to serve other gods. Solomon is given this fundamental choice – the choice we all have – of seeking or forsaking God” (John Mark Hicks).

Are you a seeker or a forsaker? Choose wisely!

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© Dr. H 2024

Gently correct – enduring evil ∙

Gently correct – enduring evil ∙

The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. – James 1:20

2 Timothy 2:23-26

23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.
24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient when wronged.
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

The story is told of Luca, a 30-something young man who had lived in a new neighborhood for several months. He tried to get to know his neighbors. But everyone seemed too busy to do more than stop and talk for a minute or two. Jim, one of his neighbors, came over. He asked to borrow his truck. Luca was a bit miffed, thinking to himself, Jim didn’t have time to talk to me, and now he wants to borrow my truck. That’s pretty audacious.

But rather than being rude and obnoxious, Luca simply said that his truck’s tires were nearly bald, and he was afraid to let anybody drive it.

The next day, Jim visited with Luca and mentioned that he was getting new tires for his SUV. He told Luca he could have his old tires. He only needed to go by the tire store, and they would mount them for him. Luca was a little bit ashamed, but he was genuinely grateful. He thought to himself, “What a magnanimous act of kindness.”

Luca went to the tire shop and identified himself. They took his truck and told him to relax in the waiting room. When they came to get him, he was shocked to discover that they had mounted brand-new Michelin tires on his truck. Luca was puzzled and a bit concerned about the mistake that they had made. He asked where the old tires from Jim’s car were.

The shop manager said, “Jim used the story about the ‘old tires’ to get you to come into the shop. Jim bought you a brand-new set of tires as a gift.” Luca went from being a little bit ashamed to very, very ashamed. He had to rethink his attitude toward his neighbors. Someone he hardly knew was so kind to him. Luca realized that he should be kind to others in the same way. He needed to learn to restrain his unspoken critical thoughts and words.

As children of the King become more and more familiar with the Truth found in the Word of God, a strange thing happens. They begin to see themselves as correctors of others. They seek to instruct those lacking in knowledge or immature in the faith. It often becomes their mission in life to “fix” others.

Paul recognizes similar traits among learned Jewish people. They saw themselves as correctors of the foolish and teachers of the immature (Romans 2:20).

The reality is that most people don’t want to be “fixed.”

But the question is, how does the Father want the children of the King to help others and coax them to faith and maturity?

REFLECT & PRAY

“The most admirable quality among people is when we pause and think of something to say, without ripping others to shreds (even if they deserved it)” (Efrat Cybulkiewicz).

Father, teach me to be tolerant and calm rather than reactive to others’ ideas and thoughts. Encourage me to realize that Your ways are different from mine.

INSIGHT

Paul shows the way. Some conversations are useless and only lead to fights. Be selective and choose your battles carefully. What really matters and what does not? And if you engage, will the outcome be beneficial or ineffectual?

2 Timothy 2:14 [Do] not to wrangle about words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
2 Timothy 2:23 Again, I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

2 Timothy 2:24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient when wronged.
2 Timothy 2:24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil (ESV).

The first part of the verse is pretty straightforward. Children of the King are encouraged to be kind. They are not to start quarrels or fights. A provocative, striking, and totally unpredictable appeal is at the end of the verse.

The Greek term anexikakos is translated in very diverse ways: patient when wronged, patient, not resentful, and patient with difficult people. These translations focus on the corrector, not those corrected. It’s all about their reaction when they speak to others. They must be tolerant and patient without becoming angry or upset as they contend with others. The translations attempt to mitigate the correctors’ emotional response.

But that is not what the Greek term anexikakos means. Anexikakos comes from the Greek words anecho – to bear, tolerate + kakos – evil, bad. It actually means to endure or tolerate evil. Children of the King are to be put up with evil, that is, to bear evil without resentment.

Instead of retaliating or intensifying our attempts to “correct” those who are misguided or lack information, we are encouraged to hold back, respond with kindness, and patiently present the truth.

What a shocking contrast to Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:9 to abhor what is evil.

Somehow, it just doesn’t seem right. But it is right. When we attempt to bring people from darkness to light, we do not attack the darkness. Instead, we illuminate the darkness with light. The objective is not to correct the theology or doctrine of others. It is to lead them to a greater understanding of the Father’s Truth and allow the Truth to persuade them.

Why would Paul teach such an apparently paradoxical method? Paul understood that true transformation occurs not through forceful correction but through the gentle revelation of truth. If anyone could persuade others with powerful argumentation, it was Paul. He explains,

1 Corinthians 2:2-5

2 For I decided that while I was with you, I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.
3 I came to you in weakness – timid and trembling.
4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.
5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

James adds: Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. – James 1:20

Therefore, Paul instructs the children of the King to speak and act in a manner that may seem foreign to our natural instincts.

2 Timothy 2:25-26

25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

“It’s easier to treat people properly than to repair broken relationships” (Frank Sonnenberg).

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© Dr. H 2024

Peace before war! ∙∙

Peace before war! ∙∙

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down, and a time to build up. A time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace. – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Deuteronomy 20:10-12

10 As you approach a town to attack it, you must first offer its people terms for peace.
11 If they accept your terms and open the gates to you, then all the people inside will serve you in forced labor.
12 But if they refuse to make peace and prepare to fight, you must attack the town.

The original Latin phrase “If you want peace, prepare for war” comes from the book Epitoma Rei Militaris by the Roman general Vegetius. This work is regarded as the foremost military treatise in Western history.

Vegetius noted that even before the Roman Empire’s decline, its army’s quality was deteriorating. The decay of the military came from within. He argued that prolonged peace led to idleness, causing soldiers to abandon their armor, making them susceptible to attacks and prone to flee from battle.

Vegetius’ quote suggests that preparing for war is crucial during peaceful times, as a strong army can deter potential invaders by signaling that an attack may not be worthwhile (N.S. Gill). As Douglas MacArthur said, “The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”

Abraham Lincoln once urged, “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds . . ..” Abraham Lincoln emphasized the importance of forgiveness and kindness towards everyone, including former adversaries, while consistently striving for what is morally right. It underscores the need for unity and healing to repair the divisions caused by conflict.

Francis Bacon wisely noted, “This is certain, that a man that studies revenge keeps his wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well.” In a world filled with adverse events, from serious offenses to minor slights, we have a choice: we can either respond with anger and seek revenge, or we can choose forgiveness and focus on doing good.

The Bible clearly outlines the path we should follow, urging believers to act as peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). At first glance, this directive might seem daunting, even unrealistic. When we first hear the scriptural imperative and let it soak in, our initial reaction is, quite frankly, something like, “You gotta be kidding me!” But the Father is not kidding. He is not providing advice and counsel. He is telling us how to live. We are never to return evil for evil; instead, we seek peace and conquer evil with good. The Father’s admonition applies both to warfare and everyday family disputes.

Romans 12:17-21

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.

20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Paul is both idealistic and realistic. He recognizes that despite the best efforts of the Father’s children to live in peace with others, others will frequently make it impossible. They simply want what they want when they want it on their own terms. They prefer aggression (passive or active) and hostility.

In fact, throughout history, taking an absolute stand for the Lord Jesus Christ as the only way to come into a right relationship with the Father often arouses enmity, open opposition, and hatred. Why? Because the Lord Jesus Christ is hated!

John 15:18 If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.

REFLECT & PRAY

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18

Father, I would much rather be a peacemaker than a warmonger. Yet revenge lurks within my heart. Encourage me to do what is right.

INSIGHT

The Father commissioned ancient Israel to conquer and take over the promised land. But they were supposed to do so in a specific and distinct fashion that we may consider very strange, almost bizarre. Two strategies were involved; for cities outside of Canaan, a diplomatic offer of peace was proposed. The enemy city was given a chance to surrender and commit to personal service to the Israelis. The alternative was certain death. If the people accepted the terms, the city and its inhabitants would be spared.

Whoever heard of making war by first offering peace? The answer is, of course, the Father.

Deuteronomy 20:10-12

10 As you approach a town to attack it, you must first offer its people terms for peace.
11 If they accept your terms and open the gates to you, then all the people inside will serve you in forced labor.
12 But if they refuse to make peace and prepare to fight, you must attack the town.

The Old Testament serves as a window into the cultural practices of its time, particularly through the lens of Suzerain Treaties during the conquest of Canaan. These treaties were designed not to view neighboring peoples as foes but to embrace them as friends and allies. Rather than pursuing a path of destructive conquest, this approach emphasized peaceful integration. This technique showcased the Father’s merciful and redemptive heart and nature.

These treaties or contracts were established between two parties: one more powerful, known as the Suzerain, and the other less powerful, referred to as the vassal. This dynamic is reflected in the Mosaic Covenant. God the Father acts as the Suzerain and guarantees the welfare and safety of His people. They, in turn, commit to recognizing Him as their sovereign Lord, pledging their loyalty and submission. This arrangement bears a resemblance to the feudal systems of medieval Europe, where vassals pledged allegiance to their lords in return for security and support.

The Father’s dealings with ancient Israel provide a blueprint for the children of the King to emulate in their relationships with others. Instead of seeing adversaries as foes, we are encouraged to view them as potential friends and allies. Our initial response should be diplomacy, reflecting God’s approach of mercy and reconciliation. Actively pursuing peace and harmony is essential. Forgiveness and kindness should take precedence over antipathy and contentiousness.

As Romans 15:4 reminds us, the Scriptures were written to instruct us, offering hope and encouragement as we patiently await the fulfillment of God’s promises. When we experience God’s forgiveness and mercy, He equips us with abundant grace to extend to those needing it.

Ephesians 4:32 directs us to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving to one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven us. As peacemakers, we embody our identity as children of God, fulfilling the call outlined in Matthew 5:9.

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

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© Dr. H 2024