Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 6, 2019

“Winning through Weakness”   Genesis 32: 24-32   Bible Study   01/06/19

In his wrestling encounter with the LORD, Jacob experiences what G. Campbell Morgan calls “the crippling that crowns.” This dramatic narrative text teaches us that the key to true strength is the recognition of our own weakness.

1. Jacob’s Solitude (24a)

• free of Laban
• headed for a showdown with Esau (32:1-12)
• family and fortune sent before him (32:13-23)
• left alone at night

2. Jacob’s Struggle (24b)

• wrestling match until daybreak
• insight from Hosea 12:2-5

3. Jacob’s Submission (25-32)

• condescending yet conquering authority
• the “severe mercy” of a dislocated hip
• from wrestling to clinging
• confession and transformation: What’s in a name?
• Peniel: the “face of God”
• walking with a limp

4. So what?

• Because of God’s grace, “strong” losers like us may be transformed into “weak” winners.
• God uses isolation to strip us of self-sufficiency.
• God uses confrontation to show us our desperate dilemma.
• God uses dislocation to shape us into “weak” winners.
• “Make me a captive, Lord, and then I shall be free; Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conqueror be. I sink in life’s alarms when by myself I stand; Imprison me within Thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.” (G. Matheson, 1890)