Christians are always talking about ‘Surrendering to God’. We advise others, ourselves to trust in ‘His plan’, ‘His providence’. Is this genuine surrender or empty words just to make us feel better?
Perhaps ‘Surrendering’ is overrated, especially if it is used as a form of cop out.
Instead, let’s consider ‘Wrestling’. Jacob famously wrestled with God, and as a result, was chosen as the first Jew.
“Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (Gen 32:28)
What kind of person did God choose to father the race of His chosen people?
- Jacob was a trickster. He tricked his father, brother, his father-in-law.
- Jacob was loyal. His devotion to Rachel gives us this most tender line in the bible. “So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.” (Gen 29:20)
- Jacob was tenacious, worked hard, did not take the easy way out. He worked another seven years for Rachel after being tricked by Laban. A fellow trickster knows when he is beaten.
How did Jacob respond when “greatly afraid and distressed” (32:7)? He was about to face a powerful brother who wanted him dead. And with him, his wives, children, everything he owned and so much to lose. Being Jacob, he applied strategy (32:1-8), and he wrestled with God. (32:22-32)
The encounter is described in physical terms, but clearly: Jacob was in emotional turmoil. Read his prayer. (32:9-12) God had told him to go in the direction of danger. Did he contemplate disobeying? He felt cornered. Perhaps he considered killing his brother, his twin? He wrestled with God.
Why did God praise Jacob for ‘striving with God’? What is wrestling?
It is not shying away from questions or confrontation. It is not passive acceptance, nor pretending there is no problem. It is not trickery. It is not cop out.
God did not make us robots or passive weaklings. He has fully fleshed us, with head (to strategize), heart (to desire) and hand (to make things happen). We have independent thought, full emotions and are capable of wilful actions. He has given us Will that is Free. We are not Buddhists trying to avoid suffering by “becoming nothing”.
Wrestling is laying out all your cards on the table and contending honestly for what you think is right and true.
Behold, God chose the one who wrestled with Him!
Others who wrestled with God:
- Hezekiah pled with God to extend his life and God did so. (2 Kings 20:1-11)
- Moses argues with God to not destroy the Israelites after they corrupted themselves. (Exodus 32:1-14)
- Abraham bargained with God – from 50 to 10 – the number of good people, as condition for God to spare Sodom. (Genesis 18:16-33)
Kim Yong
