Percy’s Blog

Why Ask?

Genesis 32:29 Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared." 31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob's hip was touched near the tendon.

Jacob knew it was God in human form with whom he wrestled. How? A wrestling match could last a long time when it is just a tussle. This lasted the night when Jacob had spent a long day preparing to meet his brother. The key was the new name Israel. Jacob knew it because he asked for blessing which means that even as he struggled, there was no winning, but persistence counted. His declaration is awesome: “I saw God face to face”. This proves to be a very unique encounter because Moses couldn’t, Joshua only got angel visits and we do not hear of many others even getting close. Have you and I underestimated Jacob/Israel? I admit I have only seen the thief of his brother’s birthright and his father’s blessing. I have heard him put down the vision of the ladder and offer only an “if you…” to God’s promise. Yet, here at the end of great struggle, he sticks to the visitor and gets the blessing again. He asked because he had struggled for God’s promise even as he lived out the time with Rachel’s father. Have we asked the blessing or do we take the promises for granted as if they just flow out from His hands? We ask because we know He blesses before He punishes those who cling to Him.

For Your Prayers: The nation of Malaysia