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Nov 13 – RIVER JABBOK !
elim admin
“And Jacob arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok” (Genesis 32:22).
River Jabbok is one among the many rivers mentioned in the Book of Genesis. The term ‘Jabbok’ means ‘leaping’. Jacob’s wrestling with God was a very significant event that happened by the River Jabbok. When he crossed over the river and was alone, a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.
Jacob also strived with Him. When He did not prevail against Jacob, the Man said; “Let Me go, for the day breaks”. But Jacob said: “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”. And thus, Jacob received abundant blessings there. You also need to struggle in order to obtain blessings from the Lord and to claim His promises. The Scripture also says that kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
There was a sister whose eyesight started failing and she completely lost her sight, within a short period. She could not bear with her condition. So, she kneeled down and prayed to the Lord to regain her eyesight. She fasted and strived with God more and more. And at the end, God listened to her fervent prayers and she got her eyesight back.
Since Jacob strived with the Lord, He blessed Jacob and said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed” (Genesis 32:28).
The name ‘Jacob’ actually means ‘Deceiver’. When he strived with the Lord, his name and very nature were changed and he was given a new name: ‘Israel’. The name ‘Israel’ means ‘Prince with God’. Jacob did not forget that significant event by the side of Jabbok. So, he called the name of that place ‘Peniel’ or ‘Face of God’. Face of God awaits for those who wrestle with Him; it is the Peniel of blessings and the Peniel that makes everything new.
In the Scripture we find that River Jabbok served as a border to many nations. The Israelites took possession of the land up to Jabbok (Numbers 21:24 and Judges 11:13). That is the land of God and the land blessed by God. Children of God, you should not remain at the other side of Jabbok but should cross over to the presence of the Lord. That is where all the excellent and heavenly blessings of the Lord, await you.
Verse for further meditation: “But there the majestic Lord will be for us a place of broad rivers and streams, in which no galley with oars will sail, nor majestic ships pass by” (Isaiah 33:21).