Morton Presbyterian Church

Up until the wrestling match with the mysterious being at the Jabbok River, Jacob strutted through life, grabbing what he wanted. In the darkness, however, this being grabbed Jacob, touched him in a vulnerable spot, and left him walking much more tentatively and humbly. Yet he was also profoundly blessed and bore a new name: Israel. It turned out that God was in the struggle. God's grace and power can turn the struggle of the darkness into a blessing: compassion that we can offer others. It can turn us into children of Israel. It can turn us into people who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.