The First Prodigal

Everyone will read the New Testament account of the prodigal son and relate to this passage as the prodigal son. Rightfully so, but long before this story was given as a beautiful picture of repentance and Gods love in the book of genesis the first prodigal son was actually was given to us in the life of Jacob.

Jacob lived up to his name and was in bondage to self all of his life. Jacob was God’s chosen to become the father of Israel but God needed Jacob to come to the end of self. Jacob after having everything a man could want in life in genesis chapter 32 was he was in fear of his life. A lie he told in the past had caught up with Jacob and his brother swore revenge and Jacob now had to answer for this sin.

With one last attempt to handle it in his own strength he sent everything he owned to his brother in hope of mercy. Jacob was afraid and alone like never before because he had come face to face with himself. At this moment God pursued Jacob and began to wrestle with him.

Jacob would not give up so God rendered him helpless by crippling his hip. At this surrender God asked Jacob his name. The last time Jacob had been asked his name he lied and stole his brother’s birthright. This was Jacobs moment of truth and he said ” my name is Jacob” (supplanter, swindler, trickster, schemer,) Jacob admitted who he was in his owned strength and God blessed this humble repentance and said your name will no longer be Jacob but Israel because with God through surrender you have power of God and will prevail against man.

Jacobs fear was gone, his new life in God had begun and his limping through life was now a constant reminder of who he was without God and the need to depend on God for everything. The prodigal son returned and Gods will for his people began

In a wrestling match. We all wrestle with God. Are you afraid? Do you feel alone? Wanna wrestle? Will you prevail. What is your new name? – Dan Gavin is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a frequent Freedom Fighter blogger

Daily Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Revelation 13

Quote of the day: Until you know the restraint of the Spirit, you’ll never know the release of the Spirit.

Bible Memory: “I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:75-76 ESV