There were two unmarried sisters who lived together but because of an argument stopped speaking to each other. Since neither one could afford to move they continued to live in the same rooms, use the same appliances and eat at the same table all without one word spoken between them. A chalk line divided the sleeping area in half so that each could hear the breathing of the other but because both were unwilling to reconcile, they coexisted for years in numbing silence.

We all have disagreements with friends and family. Some arguments are obviously more serious than others. Yet, refusing to reconcile can have grave consequences on your life, your health and even your relationship with God. A willingness to confess wrong and forgive on the other hand can be a major turning point. No one understood the power of reconciliation better than Jacob.

Jacob followed his twin brother, Esau at birth grabbing his heel. Throughout his life, Jacob grabbed, deceived and conned to get his way. He grabbed his brother’s birthright with a hot bowl of stew. Jacob conned his father into giving him a blessing meant for Esau. He was caught… and ran. Now, after twenty years of grabbing and running, Jacob was coming home.

For years, Jacob escaped the consequences of deceit and lies. No more. He would soon face the truth before Esau and four hundred armed men riding out to greet him. What would they do to him? Fearful, Jacob sends his family across the river to act as shields while he stays safely behind. (Coward!) But during the long night, Jacob experiences a significant turning point that changes his life forever…”a man came and wrestled with him until dawn.” (Genesis 32:24)

Who is this mystery man? Why is there a wrestling match? What does it all mean?  

“When the man saw that he couldn’t win the match, he struck Jacob’s hip and knocked it out of joint at the socket. Then the man said, ‘Let me go, for it is dawn.’ But Jacob panted, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’ ‘What is your name?’ the man asked. He replied, ‘Jacob.’” (25-27)

Something very significant occurred. First, the hip or thigh in the Middle East symbolizes where vows are made and life is given. Second, Jacob would not ordinarily divulge his name to a stranger because it was believed to reveal your character and surrender power. So first he’s struck down for a life of lies and second by admitting he was Jacob, “grabber and deceiver,” he was for the first time confessing his true character.

As you have probably guessed, the mystery man is God. In other words, Jacob is locked in a wrestling match with God? Why? Jacob needed to wrestle with the consequences of his lies.

Confession was the major turning point that would transform Jacob’s life. What happens next is one of those significant Biblical moments. “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “It is now Israel, because you have struggled with both God and men and have won.” (28) In one significant evening, Jacob the “grabber” became Israel, who “struggled with God and men and won.” But what does it all mean for Jacob and eventually for us?

Ø      There is a Jacob of “grabbing and deceit” within all of us.

Ø      Someday, we must all face our own wrestling match with God.

Ø      Confession is the necessary first step toward divine change and reconciliation.

Did Jacob really change? Absolutely! The former coward who hid behind his family now limps ahead to face his brother and four hundred armed men… alone. But Jacob wasn’t the only one who changed. “As he approached his brother, he bowed low seven times before him. Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him affectionately and kissed him. Both of them were in tears.” (33:3-4) The one who had every right to seek revenge, instead, chose to embrace his brother.

Is it any wonder that Jacob/Israel would say to Esau: “to see your friendly smile is like seeing the smile of God!” (33:10) Such is the power of grace. Jacob’s wrestling match with God led to confession and Esau’s willingness to forgive led to the miracle of reconciliation. 

Are you locked in a disagreement with a relative or friend? Have you stopped speaking and drawn your chalk lines of separation? Maybe it’s time for you to have a wrestling match with God. It has been said that confession followed by reconciliation is powerful medicine for the soul. Do you have the courage to try? Like Jacob, it could be the turning point that changes your life.  

Related Devotion:

Breaking the Cycle of Guilt and Shame

"Turning Points" is now included in Larry's Newest Book... "Breaking the Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's Recipe for a Better Life."

Click Here for information.

Here are a few Sample Devotions

that appear in "Turning Points." 

Cain: Youth and The Columbine Tragedy

Jacob: Confession and Reconciliation

Moses, Failure and ‘Ever After’

David: Getting Even

Samson: A Bloody Knife and Growing Hair

Elijah: Victory to Despair to Faith

Job and One String

Spring, Snakes and Psalm 23