“When the man saw that he could not overpower [Jacob], he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched. Then the man said, ‘Let me go… Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome… and [Jacob] was limping because of his hip” (Genesis 32:25-31).
Jacob (meaning ‘he deceives’) had his name changed to Israel (meaning ‘he struggles with God’). Up to that point in his life, he had lived up to his first name repeatedly, as he cheated his brother Esau out of both his birthright and their father’s deathbed blessing, and then had to flee for his life. But this encounter with an angel was a pivotal moment. After it, he limped for the rest of his life; but his crippling was in fact his equipping. His crippling brought greater humility, teachability and wisdom to deal with all that lay ahead.
A tourist in Israel came across a sheepfold located high on a hilltop. She noticed a poor sheep lying by the side of the road bleating in pain. Looking more closely, she saw that its leg was injured. She asked the shepherd how it had happened. “I had to break it myself,” he answered sadly. “It was the only way I could keep that wayward creature from straying into unsafe places. From past experience I have found that a sheep will follow me once I have nursed it back to health. Because of the loving relationship that will be established as I care for her, in the future she will come instantly at my beck and call.”
Do we ever need some firm handling by Jesus, the supremely Good Shepherd? I can look back and be grateful for the time he punctured my pride with a public failure – it felt humiliating and crippling at the time, but it became a moment of equipping for God’s glory. Trusting he is indeed good, submit to him today.
Lord, equip me by whatever means to make me your obedient faithful servant. Amen!
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