Elder David builds on his sermon about the supernatural wrestler by reflecting on how Jacob could see the face of God and live. In today’s world, we often love a God who gives when we are in need. But in the Old Testament, encountering God was a transformative experience. Elder David explains that while God is merciful, loving, and caring, it is also an awesome and fearful thing to draw near to His full presence. Yet just as Jacob was spared the sword and allowed to draw near, Christ has taken the sword on our behalf, so that we, too, can come close to God.

The crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ are the two most pivotal moments in human history. Elder Jon considers the reactions. As people passed by Jesus on the cross, their first reaction was mockery—saying that if He truly were the Son of God, He should save Himself and come down. But Christ chose restraint. With divine wisdom and a higher purpose, He endured the cross to save us. Even the thieves crucified beside Him mocked Him—until one had a change of heart. He acknowledged his guilt, recognized Christ as Lord, and asked to be remembered. When Christ died, creation itself responded: the earth quaked, the rocks were ripped apart, and the temple veil was torn. Witnessing this, the centurion declared, “Surely this was the Son of God.” And the Father was well pleased with the finished work of His Son.

Jacob wrestled with a supernatural wrestler—the Son of God. Yet the wrestler did not prevail against him. With just a touch to the hollow of Jacob’s thigh, his joint was dislocated. At that moment, Jacob shifted—from wrestling against God to wrestling toward Him—and he would not let go until he received a blessing. This marked a turning point in Jacob’s life. In the same way, when we are born again, it becomes the most important event in our lives, setting us on the path home to God. But how could the great Overcomer not prevail against Jacob? Elder David explains that Jesus didn’t come to Earth with a rod in His hand—but with nails in His hands. Instead of receiving the judgment we rightly deserve, we were given only a touch. He bore the full weight of God’s wrath in our place.

Elder Jon points out that Cain’s offering came from his crops, but likely not from his firstfruits—unlike Abel’s offering of a lamb, which God accepted. In rage, Cain committed the first murder, and Abel’s blood cried out to the Lord from the ground. While Abel’s blood cried out for anger, jealousy, wrath, vengeance, and justice, Christ’s blood speaks of redemption, salvation, and Heaven.

The word according means to be in agreement or harmony with something. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes that our spiritual blessings are in harmony with God’s election before the foundation of the world. Elder Ronald explains that this is where our blessings began. He traces the use of the word according throughout the Bible, drawing out meaningful lessons from its context.

The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against Judah. Jehoshaphat gathered all the inhabitants of Judah to fast and seek help from the Lord. He confessed that they had no strength against such a great multitude, but their eyes were upon the Lord. The Lord told them to stand still and see His salvation. With this assurance of victory, they praised the Lord even before the battle began. Elder Ronald reminds us that in the battles of life, we must recognize our weakness, seek the Lord, pray, listen, and worship—knowing that the victory has already been given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ.