Part 1 – Flexibility Training – Reading
Now that Laban was no longer a constant source of struggle, he remembered what he left behind. The match with Laban was just a warmup. Now he faced the main event – the match against Esau. Last time we saw Esau, he was threatening to kill Jacob for stealing his blessing. Had his anger cooled in 20 years? Or did Esau decide that revenge is a dish best served cold?
In the beginning of chapter 32 of Genesis, we find Jacob setting up a series of appeasements for his brother. Then we see an unexpected attack.
Read Genesis 32 & 33 and note each of the decisions Jacob made in preparation for his reunion with Esau. There are some very interesting arrangements made.
ESV – Genesis 32 – BibleHub
NLT – Genesis 32 – BibleHub
Jacob had worried about a confrontation with his brother, but he found himself in a face to face confrontation with God. Not only that, but in a knock-down-drag-out all-night-long fight. Perhaps he began in prayer only to find that, ready or not, God was there to pound on him. And Jacob was tenacious and would not let go until God blessed him – and God’s blessing came with the new name of Israel. After throwing down with God, the meeting with Esau was almost anti-climactic. The bribes/gifts had worked. Or perhaps God had been working on Esau’s heart as well.
PART 2 – Strength Training – Memory & Thinking
Let’s begin the fourth week of verses with this one:
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
The Bible is filled with many verses about persevering in the face of conflict, struggle, or fear. Think through those listed below and how they apply to Jacob and to you.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Part 3 – Cardio Training
How many times do we prepare for one fight, yet find ourselves in another fight as well? Perhaps that is one reason why Paul, a man well acquainted with fighting on behalf of the good news of Jesus, told us to daily put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13). As you pray this morning, ask God to help you be ready for the battles that come.
Dear Father, I tend to be a worrier like Jacob, fearing the worst will happen. In Psalm 55:22 and I Peter 5:7 you told me to cast all my burdens, all my anxieties on You. You care for me and keep me going. Help me remember that my best weapon in my battles is the Sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word (Ephesians 6:17). Help me commit it to my memory so that I can remember that You are with me always (Matthew 28:20).
Part 4 – Endurance Training
Enduring in the midst of battles is challenging. But this is when we find out where our weaknesses lie. This is also where we build up our strength and our skill in battle. If you are facing any fights right now, be tenacious and hold on to God. Let His strength give you strength for you fight. Let His Word be your weapon. And because it is the most powerful weapon God has given us, keep coming back to study it and memorize it so you can continue to stand against any enemies that rise against you.
An Extra Lap
Who was this mysterious, unidentified man who wrestled Jacob all night? Some think it an angel. Other consider it likely a pre-human-nature appearance of Jesus. Jacob considered that it was indeed the face of God that he had seen, and yet lived. Why do you think God wrestled with Jacob?
We’re not told if Jacob pinned the mystery man, or he pinned Jacob, just that they fought all night. Although, it is easy to see that this heavenly being took it easy on Jacob. Why do you think Jacob held on so fiercely? Why do you think Jacob’s hip was dislocated before giving him the new name of Israel?
Faith Gym 