Permanent Markers.

During the night Jacob quickly took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream along with all his possessions. So Jacob was left alone. Then a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he could not defeat Jacob, he struck the socket of his hip so the socket of Jacob’s hip was dislocated while he wrestled with him. Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” “I will not let you go,” Jacob replied, “unless you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” He answered, “Jacob.” “No longer will your name be Jacob,” the man told him, “but Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked, “Please tell me your name.” “Why do you ask my name?” the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there. So Jacob named the place Peniel, explaining, “Certainly I have seen God face to face and have survived.” (Genesis 32:22-30)

Pastor Richie reminded us that, in the encounter with the angel of the LORD, Jacob experienced profound change. We, too, can experience profound change. To paraphrase our pastor, "We keep pressing until God leaves a permanent mark."

A protracted engagement with God. The Scripture passage above tells us that Jacob wrestled through the night until daybreak. This theme of engagement with God through the night is also demonstrated in the life of Jesus (see Luke 6:12).

A petition "enforced" by action. Jacob said "I will not let you go unless you bless me," and Jacob followed through on the petition by not letting go. His desire to receive a blessing empowered him to continue holding on, even though the wrestling match had gone on for several hours.

A personality change explained in nomenclature. In biblical times, it was not unusual for a person's name to describe their nature. So, the change of name from Jacob (supplanter) to Israel (prevailer) was a permanent testimony of the work that God had done.

A physical challenge experienced openly. When the angel of the LORD touched the socket of Jacob's hip, Jacob's walk was changed permanently. Anyone who saw him from that day forward would know, even without Jacob's speaking, that something profound had happened to him.

LORD, give us grace to spend countless hours in communion with You.

LORD, give us strength to tarry in prayer for the promise of Your blessing.

LORD, give us character that lines up with the special name You call us.

LORD, give us wisdom to know that we can't even walk without Your help.