Sierra Vista Community Church
Start Dreaming
Part 5
Genesis 28:11-22 HCSB
THE DREAM: Genesis 28:11-22
• Phase 1: Crisis - I struggle with God and with others.
“During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female slaves, and his 11 sons, and crossed the ford of Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, long with all his possessions. Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that He could not defeat him, He struck Jacob’s hip socket as they wrestled and dislocated his hip.” (Genesis 32:22-25)
“Before Jacob was born, he struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God.” (Hosea 12:3)
• Phase 2: Commitment - God tests my faith in His promise to bless me.
“Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that He could not defeat him, He struck Jacob’s hip socket as they wrestled and dislocated his hip. Then He said to Jacob, “Let Me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me.” (Genesis 32:24-26)
“So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
• Phase 3: Confession - I confess that I am my biggest problem!
““What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied.” (Genesis 32:27)
Jacob = original: “deceiver/manipulator”
• Phase 4: Conversion - God gives me a new identity and a new dream.
“Your name will no longer be Jacob,” He said. “It will be Israel because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked Him, “Please tell me Your name.” But He answered, “Why do you ask My name?” And He blessed him there. Jacob then named the place Peniel, “For I have seen God face to face,” he said, “and I have been delivered.”” (Genesis 32:28-30)
Israel = “Prince with God”
“The sun shone on him (Jacob) as he passed by Penuel—limping because of his hip.” (Genesis 32:31; clarification added)
“If anyone belongs to Christ, they are a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) [NCV]