What a great chapter, so many things going on here it is hard to find a place to start. First, in verses 9-12, Jacob prays to God and it almost sounds like an odd cross between Psalm 23 and the Lord's Prayer. At least, that is what I thought of as I imagined a man in the middle of nowhere with his entire family and people who feared his that his brother's anger would turn to violence. As if to say "God, I walk in fear, but deliver me from what evil might be before me, thy rod and thy staff, please comfort me. You, oh God, lead me down the right path, right? You promised goodness and mercy all the days of my life. Forgive me my sins and convince my brother to do likewise!"
God responds with a wrestling match. As only God would, its probably the last thing that Jacob expected. But Jacob had doubts of God's promise, so what better way to get his undivided attention than by dividing his leg from his hip. Jacob holds on to God and "prevails" and is named Israel. Sort of in parallel to how the Israelites hold on to God over the centuries and prevail.
One note that my Lutheran Study Bible points out in this chapter is the a "key Lutheran theological principle is: The finite is capable of the infinite." I had never heard that principle before although to be a Christian you truly have to believe it. We need to believe that our little selves in this giant world can make differences that transcend time. Our eternal life would be that much sweeter. Jacob wrestles God and prevails and his story is still being told. How has God wrestled with you?
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