Psalms 20:1-4 and 31:1-3

My Shepherd met me in His green pastures, contemplating the birth stories of Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:24-26). The Mind of the Spirit piqued the interest of the spirit of my mind with the image of Jacob, in the womb, grabbing Esau’s heel during delivery.

Genesis 25:26 And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob*: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

Jacob was a wrestler. First, he was a wrestler with men; his brother Esau, his father-in-law Laban, are examples. One night, at a time of great distress, Jacob encountered God and wrestled with him through the night (Genesis 32:24-25). Then God gave him a new name, Israel, a prince of God, saying he has power with God and with men. Later, “Israel” would “wrestle” with Egypt and prevail.

Along the still waters, I considered the fact that God is looking for wrestlers today. He suits His warriors in His armor and calls them to “wrestle against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12-21). May we, like Jacob, take hold of God and refuse to let go till we get the blessing, that we might have power with God and men, that we might fulfill our call who have been made kings and priests unto God, Ambassadors for KING JESUS.

Jesus is looking at hearts searching for wrestlers. Many Christians are “settlers.” They “settle” for mediocrity. They take their “ease,” and are “settled on their lees,” that is, they guard their leisure (Jeremiah 48:11). The prophet warned: “It shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil” (Zephaniah 1:12).

In the valley, as I pondered the Cross He has called me to take up daily, I thought about the wrestling my flesh puts up against it, and how I must, with intention and the help of divine energy, overcome! He said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

At the table, He anointed my head with His oil and filled my cup with His grace. Goodness and mercy dutifully followed us into the harvest.

He wants “wrestlers,” not “settlers.”

Praying for revival! 🙏

[*Let’s explore the name Jacob. Strong’s No. 3290, “יַעֲקֹב Yaꜥaqob, yah-ak-obe´; from 6117; heel-catcher (i.e., supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch:—Jacob.” The idea of supplanter (to supersede and replace) comes from its use in Genesis 27:36. Jacob was a “wrestler.” He “wrestled” with his brother in the womb, and wrestled with him in life. This he did in the flesh. However, God ordained that Jacob would supplant Esau and have “the blessing” of Abraham and Isaac. When he wrestled with God, he demonstrated his prince-like qualities, and God changed his name to Israel (Genesis 32:24-25).]