TEXT: Genesis 32:26-27
PREACHER: Pastor Bodunrin Timothy
Genesis 32:26-27
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
Jacob, because of his sins and past errors, was afraid of meeting his brother Esau. He had tricked him twice, and Esua swore to kill him (Gen. 27: 35–36)..
Gen 27:35–36
35 And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.
36 And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?
Fear of the knowledge of the pronouncement made by Esau to kill him engulfed Jacob. Fear is a stopper; it prevents one from moving on to the next level in life. Jacob knew it was a must for him to face his fear (Esau) if he must fulfil his destiny as promised by God (Genesis 32:11).
Genesis 32:11
11 Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.
Jacob’s humility in prayer ushered him into Abrahamic and heavenly blessings.
THE UNIQUENESS OF JACOB’S PRAYER
He prayed as a child, “God of My Father.” Praying to God as a son gives a special strength and joy to prayer. (Rom. 8: 15-16, Gal. 4:6).
Romans 8:15-16
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Galatians 4:6
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
He Confessed His Shortcomings (Gen. 32:10). God only responds to the call of those who acknowledge their weaknesses and need His strength to prevail.
Gen 32:10
10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.