Grappling

The story of Jacob is among those that Scripture treats at length. It is a saga, but not a biography. We are treated to only certain significant events over time and often what we are told is only just enough to incite our imaginations. They are evocative, compelling accounts that require us to pay close attention to the words and to grapple with the text.  

And Jacob is the most famous grappler.  

Jacob was born grasping his twin brother's heel and would be named “Heel-Sneak” (in Everett Fox's memorable translation). And he was sneaky, tricking his brother out of his inheritance. And  in a striking image, we find Jacob standing before his blind father pretending to be his brother. If only Jacob had a therapist!

The story of Jacob winds its way through encounters with God and others that test his character and his wits. And eventually he comes to his wits' end. He grapples with a mysterious man at the edge of the river at night. And in that confrontation, his story turns and he is wounded and blessed and receives a new name.  

And that name is the name of God's people, the people who find themselves struggling with God.