Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 32:24-32.

“24 Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob’s thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him and said, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And he blessed him there. 30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.” 31 Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over Penuel, and he was limping on his thigh. 32 Therefore, to this day the sons of Israel do not eat the sinew of the hip which is on the socket of the thigh, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.” Genesis 32:24-32.

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Jacob sought a blessing. “Then he said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Verse 26.

Jacob strived until he got that blessing. “He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” Verse 28.

We can learn from Jacob’s focus, passion, and endurance.

“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 and Psalm 105:4.

“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Luke 13:24.

Such focus, passion, and endurance is worth it.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:45-56.