Prior to his reunion with Esau, Jacob spends the night alone near the Jabbok River. There, the pre-incarnate Son of God comes and engages in a wrestling match with Jacob. At the break of day, God’s wrestling maneuver puts Jacob’s hip out of joint, but Jacob holds fast to Him until He gives a blessing. God’s blessing is a new name for Jacob. The name Israel teaches Jacob and all the faithful that all who cling to God’s promises prevail, not through trickery, but according to His steadfast love.

Rev. Jared Nies, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Lapeer, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 32:22-32.

To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran, visit stpaul-lapeer.org.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]