Jacob

When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. ~ Genesis 25:27

Jacob is one of the most interesting characters in the Old Testament for me.  There certainly is a wealth of story to choose from with him:  Jacob tricking Esau out of his birthright.  Jacob trying to win Rachel's hand from Laban.  Jacob's ladder.  Jacob's favoritism of Joseph leading to tragic consequences for the family.

It's what makes Jacob one of my favorite Old Testament characters.  

Though here we are told that Jacob was a quiet man, he was so much more than that. Like Noah, Jacob is a character that is best left unsanitized.  He's far from ideal. He's a trickster.  A liar.  A thief.

He's one who wrestles with God.

And that's the moment where I see some Jacob in myself, and maybe you do as well.  Faith often feels like a wrestling match to me.  What I know vs. what God wants to tell me.  What I believe vs. what I feel.  What I want vs. what God wants.  And finally, perhaps most acutely, the actual process of growing in faith is every bit like wrestling:  holding onto the faith of my childhood when new ideas and growth comes can turn into a wrestling match; clinging to the old rather than letting go to move to where God is leading us to.

And from Jacob we learn God isn't afraid of a little wrestling.  Jacob was many things, but his tenacity to hold onto this visitor showed God that here was a man who was determined.  And one who knew the value of a real blessing.

Jacob - imperfect, trickster Jacob - became Israel.  God gave him the name that became the name of the very country that would come out of this tribe.

God continued to keep the promise to Abraham to spread blessing ever outward.

That blessing is still moving outward.  And sometimes a little wrestling helps it along.

God of blessing, remind me not to be afraid when a new idea or learning challenges my faith.  Hold me tight and comfort me while I wrestle with it, and sometimes even wrestle with you, so that I may continue to grow into the person you have created me to be.  Amen.