July 14, 2020
FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
FROM SLAVE TO SIN, TO A PRINCE OF GOD
“And He (Christ) said, thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince has thou power with God and with men, and has prevailed.”
Gen. 33: 28, Authorized Version.
“Because of the deception practiced to secure his father’s blessing, intended for Esau, Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by his brother’s deadly threats. After remaining for many years as an exile, he had set out, at God’s command, to return with his wives and children…to his native country. On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau’s approach as the head of warriors, doubtless bent on revenge. Having sent his family away, that they may not witness his distress, Jacob remains alone to INTERCEDE with God.” GC 616.
“Jacob, in the GREAT CRISIS OF HIS LIFE, turned aside to pray. He was filled with ONE OVERMASTERING PURPOSE,—TO SEEK TRANSFORMATION OF CHARACTER. But while he was pleading with God, an enemy, as he supposed, placed his hand upon him, AND ALL NIGHT HE WRESTLED FOR HIS LIFE.
“But the PURPOSE of HIS SOUL WAS NOT CHANGED BY PERIL OF LIFE ITSELF. When his strength was nearly spent, the Angel put forth His divine power, and at His TOUCH, Jacob KNEW Him with whom he had been contending.
“Wounded and helpless, he fell upon the Savior’s breast, pleading for a BLESSING [not deliverance from death!]. He would not be turned aside, nor cease his intercession [as in, ‘pray without ceasing’], and Christ granted the petition of this helpless, penitent soul, according to His promise, ‘Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make PEACE with Me…’ “
“Jacob pleaded with DETERMINED spirit, ‘I will not let Thee go, except Thou BLESS me.’ This spirit of persistence was inspired by Him who WRESTLED with the patriarch. It was He who gave him the VICTORY [and only then] He changed his name from Jacob to Israel, saying, ‘As a prince [not as the former slave to sin!] has thou power with God and with men, and has prevailed.’”
“That for which Jacob VAINLY wrestled IN HIS OWN STRENGTH, WAS WON THROUGH SELF-SURRENDER AND STEADFAST [not hesitating, vacillating, doubting, murmuring or presumptuous] FAITH.” Mount of Blessing, pp. 206, 207.
Jacob’s overmastering purpose of seeking transformation of character was not changed by peril of life itself. This Covid-19 is definitely a peril to life itself. What is your personal purpose in life right now? Is it also transformation of character or being “saved from the deadly virus and financial distress? Did you see what Jacob prayed for? Simply God’s blessing! And like Solomon’s simple and focused prayer, knowing God omnipotence and omniscience, they both received much more than they ever desired!
If you know your priorities, and humbly do your part, God will do the impossible. But not till then for God never changes! NMF