STORY TIME
with Aunt Jo!

Jacob Wrestles With God!

After Jacob stole his brother's blessing, his brother was very angry. He told Jacob that as soon as their father died, he would kill him.

After some time, Jacob had to travel through his brother's land. Their father had already died. Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau, asking permission to travel through the land. The messengers returned with bad news. Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men -- and it was no welcoming party!

Jacob had the people and his possessions divide into two bands, and go before him. Then he found a place to be alone with God. He had never prayed so fervently before.

The angel of God's presence wrestled with Jacob until the break of day. The angel said, "Let me go, for the day breaketh." But Jacob said, "I won't let you go until you bless me."

The name, "Jacob," means "deceiver," or "cheater." The angel gave him a new name, "Israel," which means "prince of God."

How do we know the angel was not just an ordinary angel? Because after the experience, Jacob called the name of the place Peniel. He said, "For I have seen God face to face."

Then he saw his brother coming, with the four hundred men. However his brother did not kill him. God had heard Jacob's prayer. Esau ran to meet him, and hugged and kissed him, and both of them wept.

God still answers earnest prayer like that of Jacob. You don't have to be big nor old to get answers to prayer. Now is the time to learn to talk with Jesus, and make Him your best friend. He will help you with all of your problems and needs, if you learn to love the spiritual things of God, like Jacob, and take time out of your life to talk to Him!

Return to Children's Chapel