"He Touched The Hollow Of His Thigh"

Genesis 32:25

When the Lord Jesus saw that he prevailed not with Jacob, that Jacob would not be easily broken, "He touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him."

Without question, the Lord could easily have wounded Jacob physically, had that been his purpose. This conflict was ordered and instigated by the Lord God. The outcome was never in doubt. But God will not have unwilling servants in his household. He does not make his people puppets and robots. We must be made to see, feel, and experience the frailty of our flesh, the emptiness of this world,and the glory of God in Christ, so that we desire his presence and his salvation above all things. It is written, "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power." Grace makes them willing; but willing they are once the hand of God touches them. This is the purpose of all God's revelations to us, of all the trials we are compelled to endure, and of all his dealings with us - He is bringing us down and making us his willing servants. Thank God for every sharp, painful blow of providence and grace that brings us down before him! At last Jacob was brought to the end of his own resources. One swift stroke from the hand of God rendered him utterly powerless.

Then the Lord said to Jacob, "Let me go, for the day breaketh." And Jacob said, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." The Lord had accomplished his goal. Jacob was completely helpless. With his leg out of joint, he could no longer wrestle. All he could do was cling to his Master. Until now, Jacob had tried to order his own life, planning, scheming, devising, and deceiving to get what he wanted. Now he is rendered helpless. All his strength is taken away. He helplessly clings to his Lord saying, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me."

Jacob had heard the promises of God's blessings upon him, but he wanted more. He wanted assurance from the Lord God of his approval, acceptance, and favor. The one great blessing he sought from Christ was the assurance of his approval. Having that, he would have enough.

Don Fortner