From Chasing to Clinging
Wayne Luna
In Genesis 29, we read about the joyful prospect of Jacob returning to the Promised Land, but we also read about the fearful prospect of returning to his brother's murderous anger. Reasonably so, Jacob is afraid, yet he restores back to manipulation in an attempt to appease his brother's anger.
In a pivotal moment of his life, Jacob encounters God in a wrestling match and acknowledges him as the true source of blessing. After this encounter, Jacob's name is changed to Israel. All this indicates Jacob's change: he will no longer strive and fight against God, but God will now fight for Jacob.