Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 14, 2024
Walking with a Limp
Genesis 32:24-32
1. Jacob’s Solitude (24a)
• free of Uncle 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 the LORD can transform “strong” losers into “weak” winners, reject self-sufficiency and rely on Him.
• How the LORD uses isolation, confrontation and dislocation in our lives:
• “If dependence is the objective, weakness is an advantage.” (Begg)
• Connection to Christ: A “greater” than Jacob (John 4:1-15)
• “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.” (Matheson)
