Jacob wrestling with God

Demand has the idea of “asking authoritatively.” The shading of that word would rule out our demanding that God answer our prayers the way we want. We are not in a position to tell God what to do. God is the Creator. We are his creation (Psalm 100:3).

Still, God invites us to pray to him boldly and persistently (Luke 18:1-8). But we balance that invitation with the recognition that God knows what is best for us (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

The account of Jacob wrestling with the Lord is certainly a fascinating one. It shows us how the Lord condescended and entered the life of Jacob physically for his good. The account shows us how the all-powerful Lord made himself “weak” so that one of his children could prevail.

A takeaway from that account, again, is an encouragement for you and me to come to God boldly and persistently in prayer—laying before him our “petitions, prayers and intercession” (1 Timothy 2:1), knowing and believing that he will answer them according to his wisdom and love.

Martin Luther’s memorable explanation of the address of the Lord’s Prayer summarizes well these thoughts: “With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that he is our true Father and that we are his true children, so that we may pray to him as boldly and confidently as dear children ask their dear father.”