One of the greatest (and most uncomfortable) gifts we are given is the knowledge of our deep and lasting need for the Lord.  For me, this is most tangible during times of heartache and loss.  I’ve returned over and over to the passage in Genesis 33 where Jacob wrestles with God because it’s an impressive image of intimacy and struggle and vulnerability and desperation all mixed together with a physicality that is arresting.  Let’s pick up the story in verse 24 where we find Jacob wrestling with a figure that scholars suggest is a pre-incarnate Christ:

 

“24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.

25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.

26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

27 The man asked him, “What is your name?”“Jacob,” he answered.

28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

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.”

 

Jacob’s bold demand of “Bless me, Now!”, should startle us!  We see Jacob walking out of this struggle in pain and in promise.  He bears physical limp, but also a new name--Israel--that will come to encompass the entire people of God.  Our struggles are reflected in Jacob’s struggle.  We wrestle with the Lord individually, and also as a community. How often do we bear the effects of struggle in our bodies? In our souls?  We can lean into the discomfort with assurance that we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  We long for the day when the Lord will wipe away every tear and make all things new.  Until that day, we weep, we rejoice, we look to Jesus.  We cling to Him.  Bless us, now, our Savior.  We come to Thee!

 

I Need Thee Every Hour

I need thee ev'ry hour,

Most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like thine

Can peace afford.

 

I need thee, O I need thee,

Ev'ry hour I need thee,

O bless me now, my Saviour,

I come to thee.

 

I need thee ev'ry hour,

Stay thou near by;

Temptations lose their pow'r

When thou art nigh.

 

I need thee ev'ry hour,

In joy or pain;

Come quickly, and abide,

Or life is vain.

 

I need thee ev'ry hour,

Most Holy One;

O make me thine indeed,

Thou blessed Son.