January 16
Gen 32:13-34:31 | PS 14 | Prov 3:19-20 | Matt 11:7-30
The famous hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul”, written by Horatio Spafford, contains these lyrics, “When peace like a River attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Though has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul…Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Lest this blest assurance control. That Christ (yes, He has) regarded my helpless estate And shed His own blood for my soul.” Horatio was a successful businessman and lawyer who knew what tragedy was. He lost much of his fortune in the Chicago fire of 1871. He then lost his son (4y/o) to Scarlett Fever. Thinking a vacation would do them well, he sent his wife and four daughters on a ship to England with plans to meet up with them soon after, once some pressing business was taken care of. There was a terrible collision and all four daughters perished at sea, only his wife survived. Horatio immediately took the next vessel to England. The captain of the ship, knowing what transpired, summoned Horatio and pointed out the exact spot where his four daughters perished. All alone with God, is where the words to, “It Is Well With My Soul” were penned. Though he was the recipient of unspeakable tragedy, he refused to be defined by that. Instead, he was defined by his hope in Jesus Christ in the face of tragedy.
Though Jacob was no stranger to tragedy, he lived his life a self-sufficient, self-made man. When trouble arose, Jacob leaned on Jacob for direction. But all of that would soon change, as we read in Genesis 32:24-29, “Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.” Realize, this was not really a match for the angel of God, it was necessary for Jacob. Christian author, Frederick Buechner, described this event as “the magnificent defeat of the human soul at the hands of God”. Jacob needed this, God knew it, Jacob needed to realize how desperately he needed it.
We all face similar struggles as Jacob did: fears, vulnerabilities, darkness, loneliness, powerless, pain, loss, feelings of emptiness, etc. The question, especially in our present circumstances, is not as much if, but what and who it is that you are leaning on for your strength and direction. Many are like Jacob, they might sprinkle a little God here and there, a little prayer on occasion, but if they were honest with themselves, it is themselves that they seek for guidance. Others seek other sources: politicians, political movements, doctors, social media, etc. But this will all leave you floundering as you are seeking the wrong source. But some allow themselves to be changed. Jacob (heel-catcher), became Israel (ruled by God). How about you? Consider Jesus’ offer in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Doesn’t this sound like a better option? Jesus Will never leave us, He will shoulder our burden, and He offers to direct our steps in the minefield of our lives. May we all realize our need to cling onto God, as Jacob did, so long ago.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: