Don't Let Go!

Do you need a blessing? This morning I want us to learn something from the story of Jacob in Genesis chapter 32. Jacob was returning to his homeland where he was going to have to face his brother Esau. Well, this should have been something to look forward to just like we look forward to family gatherings during the holidays. Unfortunately, Jacob was dreading this moment, because he and his mother had plotted against Esau to get Esau's blessing. Earlier in the 27th chapter of Genesis we read how they deceived Isaac by dressing Jacob in Esau's clothes and putting goat skin on the back of his neck and hands because he was not a hairy man like his brother Esau. They succeeded, in their grand deception and Isaac gave the blessing Jacob that he had intended for Esau.

Later Esau returns, having prepared a special meal for his father, ready to receive his blessing. When he learns what has happened he bursts out in a loud and bitter cry, "Father, bless me, too!" Isaac responds, "Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing." (Genesis 27:35)

Then we read a little further to discover that Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, "The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob." (Genesis 27:41) As you can see, Jacob had good reason to be concerned about his reunion with his brother Esau.

One thing Jacob has learned through the years is where to turn when you face uncertainty. Jacob sends everyone on ahead and stays behind to seek God. He prays earnestly through the night. Genesis 32:24 describes this time of prayer, as a wreslting match, "So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak." What really gets my attention are Jacob's words, in verse 26, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."

Like Jacob we may face uncertain times. We may struggle with fear about relationships gone awry. We may even have been responsible for making the very mess that we are in the middle of right now. What is different about Jacob is the tenacious way he responds to his problem.

Jacob did three things. First he got away from all other distracions so he could focus all his attention on this time of prayer. We need to get away from the crowd to be alone with God. Secondly, he committed whatever time was necessary. He needed an answer, and like the old-timers used to say, "He prayed until he prayed through!" He tarried in prayer. We are so accustomed to fast food and drive through services that we often want our prayer life to be that way too. It's just easier if we can make spiritual things more convenient. Thirdly, Jacob was determined to have his blessing from God. "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Here I am, Lord, no matter how long it takes, whatever the cost, whatever changes must be made, even if it affects the rest of my life.

Perhaps you are thinking, "Well, Jacob was just desperate." Maybe your right. Perhaps we need a little desperation in our lives to bring us to a place of prevailing prayer. Have you been praying about something that's important enough or about which you are desperate enough to come to God with whatever commitment it takes? Are you ready to join Jacob in this kind of powerful prayer commitment, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Don't let go! God has a blessing for you today!