Reflection
Jacob encountered angels and named the place Mahanaim (Genesis 32:1-2), meaning “two camps”. Ever since, it became a landmark of relational struggles (Song of Gons 6; 2 Samuel 17). For Jacob, there was his camp versus Esau’s 400 men approaching like a flood, as well as the tension between heavenly and earthly camps. He began to wrestle with God. Can we even do that?
Wrestling involves struggling with someone in close contact. Yet God is the ultimate answer , and His mercy and love permits our honest struggles to find resolution in Him. Jacob wept (Hosea 12:4). The wrestling cost him a lifelong limp, but the potential conflict with Esau miraculously turned into reconciliation. The sun rose (Genesis 32:31) and a new nation was born.
Even Jesus wrestled with the Father at Gethsemane and on the cross (Matthew 27:46), yet through His broken body and shed blood, He gave us healing, remission from sins, reconciliation, and citizenship in God’s Holy Nation.
Prayer
Thank You, Jesus, for never forsaking us. Quicken our consolation and reconciliation, and help us hold tightly to You in times of abasement and abundance (Philippians 4:12). In Your wonderful name, Amen.
Dennis Pho
