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FEB 4

The wrestling match between God and Jacob does not end with a decisive winner. The fight seems to be an even contest, ultimately ending after God touches and dislocates Jacob’s hip, and Jacob asks for a blessing. In a sense, while there is no true winner in terms of fighting, both Jacob and God “win” as a result of the interaction. For Jacob, his perspective, understanding and world view are all changed for the better. Instead of continuing on in fear and anxiety in anticipation of confronting his brother again, he is filled with feelings of love, confidence, and security. Meeting his brother again, he gives gifts and love, and ends up rebuilding his relationship with his sibling. Initially taking what was meant to be given, namely the blessing from his father, Jacob learns that this approach is the wrong one. From this encounter with God, Jacob becomes a better version of himself. While Jacob “wins” in these senses, God wins as well. Not only does God teach Jacob and put him back on the path that he intended for him to take, but he also puts forth more love and happiness into the world.

The “fighting with God” that is the wrestling match between Jacob and God is a beautifully complex event. Representative of so many aspects of faith, this match can be interpreted in a plethora of ways. To me, this battle is also a depiction of struggling with faith. At times we are confronted by evil, and this force can seem insurmountable. Physically fighting God is the tangible symbol of what many of us go through at times in our lives. Jacob’s perseverance and response is what matters most. God’s recognition and acknowledgment that Jacob will not give up, is confirmation of this idea. Jacob’s perseverance is a “win” in and of itself.