Wrestling with God

Life-Changing Crises

April 16, 1989

Genesis 32:10 - (26-29) - 32

Introduction:

There are times in our lives when we feel we have to turn a corner or forever after settle for less than we might be. I think now and then of Stephen Crane's poem "The Wayfarer." When the 'Wayfarer' perceives that the ideal path, the noble path, the way of uncompromising truth is painful he says, "Doubtless there are other ways!"

Doubtless there are other ways than the way that seeks God first. But if we seek to go with God there will be these life- changing times when we face up to life at its elemental levels. It is a wonderful and yet risky time when we see that if we will, God will show us who we are and what we might be.

[This particular passage in Genesis pictures a struggle to put God absolutely at the center of life. It lends itself well to what we Nazarenes call the crisis of entire sanctification. I believe it is valid to help us see how we can enter into the Spirit-filled relationship with God.

[But it is more than just an illustration; more than a "how- to" for a "personal experience." It deals with change in character.]

It is my personal conviction that we are all called to nobility. I believe that we come to these "corners" from time to time when we decide whether or not to accept the challenge to go the first-class way, and do God's will without reservation, or whether we will simply die a little, and switch on the TV and settle back and wait for the pension (and the undertaker.)

I. JACOB'S CHALLENGE

He had left Canaan years before with the clothes on his back. Remember the night he spent at Beth-El? Surely you have heard of "Jacob's Ladder"? The covenant was begun then.

He had prospered, even if the prospering wasn't always all that pleasant to him. But little by little he had gained many, many things and had become something of a family man: Two wives, eleven sons.

But Jacob is restless. He is in alien territory. He knows it is God's will for him to be elsewhere. So finally he starts out. Even as he starts his motives are probably mixed. He is getting away from Laban. He needs to settle up with Esau. He wants to be in the Promised Land of Canaan. But at the heart of this: God said: return to the land of your birth (Genesis 31:13)

Does it bother you that you can't even know all the reasons you want to "turn a corner" in your life? It is helpful to know that you don't have to wait and purify your motives to your own satisfaction to begin the process of minding God. Perhaps the purifying comes as we proceed along the pathway of obedience.

1. Jacob had humility before the Lord. I don't think you or I may necessarily have seen Jacob as humble. But he recognized that God had been good to him, and that he would have nothing unless God had been with him. That is better than false humility that says "I am nothing." That is different from "I am unworthy!"
2. Jacob had honesty before the Lord. He said: "I am afraid!" It isn't necessarily the fearless who are brave! Fearless may mean foolish. Brave are those who are afraid as they approach the challenges of life and yet seek to face them with honesty.
3. Jacob had a measure of faith. He reminds the Lord, "For Thou didst say!" I am here, this far, at this place, because I have been seeking to obey You! You got me into this as far as I am!

II. JACOB'S LIFE-CHANGING CRISIS

As the time to turn the corner came nearer Jacob faced a time of sifting. He began to think what was really important to him. His wealth was not insignificant. His position as a man of power and prestige was worth something. His eleven sons, his two wives, these represented his human hope for immortality, his progeny. In some ways these were more important than his own life.

The immediate threat was the unknown fall-out that would take place when he would finally meet his twin brother, Esau, face to face. he had shamefully wronged Esau, and Esau was an elemental, outdoors sort of man. There was danger written all over the possibilities.

But beyond this immediate danger was the challenge to swerve aside from the course God had called him to travel. God had said: Go to the Canaan!

Jacob sent his wealth, his herds and flocks, on ahead to meet the immediate challenge. It couldn't be avoided. he knew he had to meet Esau. But before he could meet Esau, Jacob had to meet God in a new way.

Jacob was left alone with his immediate, most important relationships. (22) He crossed Jabbok where the road crossed, at the ford. And then, somehow he went back across the stream— it isn't clear the sequence— but finally

1. Jacob was left alone. Life change must deal with primary lines of control. Who am I when I don't have my toys? [Henri Nouwen in his new community (Daybreak) stripped of "Dr." and "Professor" is just "Henri" to the severely retarded. {By the way doesn't mean it is OUR business to strip one another of the common courtesies of "Mr." and "Sir" and "Madam"!}]
2. Jacob made contact with God at this basic level. "I will not let go of You! It is not things I need! I want Your blessing!"
3. Jacob had to say his name. "What is your name?" God asked. ["Name" always stands for "character."] What kind of person am I, really? It is not a superficial question. It is not an easy question. And I am not sure that a correct answer is as important as an open, honest, submissive answer. "YOU know who I am, Lord! Show me who I am!" (Psalm 139) In Jacob's instance he had to say, "My name is Jacob! I am a deceiver! I am a heel-grasper!"
4. Jacob heard God say a NEW name for him. "Your name is Israel!" You have prevailed with God! [In Revelation 2 the risen Savior promises the church in Pergamos that those who overcome will be given a white stone, and in that stone a name written that no one knows except the one who receives it. Mysterious language, perhaps. But God is interested in changing us from who we are to what He has in mind that we may become. And we can be certain that His name will be glorious!] "Jacob" just doesn't make it next to "Israel!" Would you rather be a heel-grasper or a Prince with God??

Conclusion:

Are you still simple enough, or brave enough, or noble enough to want to go for God's very best in your life? There are times in our lives when we feel we have to turn a corner or forever after settle for less than we might be. I mentioned a poem by Stephen Crane at the beginning of the sermon. I can almost quote it:

The Wayfarer A wayfarer, perceiving the pathway of truth Was astonished. It was thickly grown up with weeds. "Aha," he said. "I perceive that No one has passed this way in a long time. Then he saw that each blade Was a singular knife. "Well," he muttered, "Doubtless there are other ways!"

And there are other ways than the way that seeks God first. There are many other ways! But if we seek to go with God there will be these life-changing times when we face up to life at its elemental levels. It is a wonderful and yet risky time when we see that if we will, God will show us who we are and what we might be.

One of those life-changing times comes when God speaks to you about being wholly, entirely consecrated to God. It is what we Nazarenes call "entire sanctification." You may not agree doctrinally, totally. You may not understand all your own motivation. There are some many mixed things involved.

But the question is: will you turn the corner? Will you be changed for the better?

Who are you? What is your name? Are you satisfied the way you are before God and your loved ones?

Who is GOD to you? Will you meet Him, and hold Him to His promises, and not let go until He gives you the name HE has in mind for you?

Prayer: Lord, You must have loved Jacob very much. Help us to see, to believe that you love each one of us like that, too. Give to us the blessing that will change us, and make us to prevail with You. Amen.

#71 (EH) Sweet Will of God