Jacob is the single individual in the Old Testament represented as having literally wrestled with God. His life trajectory symbolizes the life trajectory of many, if not most:
Like Jacob…
We are all “second-born sons and daughters,” as many have come before us and paved our ways;
Like Jacob…
We come into this world assisted and supported by others… and cut a couple corners on the way to credentialing ourselves;
Like Jacob…
We strike out in order to build our lives, and along the way create families and accrue some material security;
Like Jacob…
We also make a handful of regrettable mistakes and (sometimes) enemies;
Like Jacob…
We realize, one dark and troubled night, that it is time to come to grips with the problematic aspects of our pasts and paths;
Like Jacob…
We step up to confront and wrestle with our truths, take the potentially crippling body blows, and commit to change, thereby securing grounded and loving legacies… legacies that will last!
With these words, God commands Jacob to change his life… make things right with his brother, extended family and community.