Where did he come from?
by Shane Altmann
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So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak (Genesis 32:24).
Read Genesis 32:22–32
Today’s Bible reading is a critical and pivotal moment in both biblical and world history – the very beginnings of the creation of Israel. You shall be called Israel because you have struggled with God and humanity and won! I mean, you don’t have to scratch very deep to see the powerful significance in those words, still many thousands of years later.
But I think it is worth reflecting on verse 24, highlighted above. Jacob has sent his wives, his sons and ultimately his possessions across the river, and is alone. And then a bloke turns up for a fight.
Ex nihilo, out of nowhere.
For all intents and purposes, this guy just arrives. I’m channelling Jesus-in-the-locked-room vibes from yesterday’s devotion. Once again, God is at work, actively working for the world and moving things forward. Unlooked for, lining the ducks up.
As we consider Jacob’s desperation here, it is easy to forget this is yet another story of God at work in the world. Yep, Jacob wrestles with this ‘man’, perhaps to stop him from crossing the river and getting at his unprotected wives, sons and stuff, but it is God who turns up for the fight. It is God who stays in the game with Jacob until the point of his desperation. It is God who touches Jacob’s hip and stops the fight. Ultimately, it is God who blesses Jacob, renames him and sets history on its course to the ultimate work of Jesus.
Ex nihilo, out of nowhere.
When everything is on the line, our wives, our sons, our goods, when we stand alone and vulnerable, God turns up.
And he chooses the underdog once again, the younger son, the sneaky one who tricked his brother, the stubborn one who won’t let go. That’s how God rolls. He calls Abraham out of Ur, Israel out of the desert, Joseph the spoiled son, Moses the speech-impaired and exiled old shepherd, anoints David the boy, sends Jesus, the baby in a manger.
God’s got a type. You and me. Ordinary, everyday people who he draws to himself through his gracious love.
Ex nihilo, out of nowhere.
But like Jacob, he is taking us somewhere.
God, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for always showing up for us, and you are always there, ready, out of nowhere, for us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, empower and embolden us to hang on to you stubbornly, like Jacob. Forgive us for when we get it wrong and bless us as we go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Shane Altmann is the principal of Faith Lutheran College Redlands in Queensland and has served in education for more than 35 years. Married to Monica and father of two children, Harry and Zoe, Shane has learnt that he is largely helpless without the love and support of the people with whom he lives and works. A pilgrim of multiple Caminos de Santiago, a Penrith Panthers tragic and a restorer of old stuff, Shane loves a project and, when he is able, fills his days tinkering with something.
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