In our sermon series this winter we study the life of Jacob found in Genesis 25-35. Known as the man who wrestled with God (Gen 32:22-32), his life is marked by striving and struggling. Born grasping his brother’s heel, he lies, cheats and steals to get what he wants. Less a model of virtue, Jacob first appears a tangled mess of passions and immaturity.

There are so many lessons to be learned from this complex man of God:

God’s promises—from the salvation of the world to the hope of a family—depend, ultimately, not on our performance but his power.
God is working in our lives at the very moments when he seems most absent.
Though sin is not without consequence, God not only forgives, but can bring good out of our failings.
God can reconcile people who formerly cheated and hated each other.
When we are emptied of ourselves and our resources—like Jacob, alone at night by the ford of the Jabbok (Gen 32:22-24)—then the battle is won and the Lord has gained his victory over our lives.