This is part 1 of the four part series, Stranger Encounters: Examining Puzzling Aspects of Scripture .

Key Scripture Genesis 32:24-32.

This series.

• Have you ever read a passage in the Bible and thought, "What on earth?"
• For four weeks, this series will look at some of the more bizarre stories in the Bible.

Who is Jacob?

• He wasn't the nicest person in the Bible.
• He manipulated his brother into giving him his birthright.
• He also tricked his father into blessing him instead of his brother, Esau.
• After he was married, Jacob also deceived his father-in-law, Laban as well.
• At the point of Genesis 32, Jacob learned that his brother, Esau, is headed to meet him.
• Jacob divides his family and good into two parts, so that if Esau gets one group, not everything of Jacob's is lost.
• In the story we read, Jacob wrestles with God.

Note: There are three things that happen to Jacob when he wrestled with God.

God breaks Jacob.

• Jacob is wrestling with God and refuses to let go.
• Jacob is at the breaking point of his life.
• When you are at your breaking point, God will be there.

Jacob confesses his identity.

• The man Jacob wrestled with asked him what his name was.
• When you are truly broken, when you feel as though you can be brought no lower; it is in that moment that you might as well be honest.

Jacob is given a new name.

• From that moment on, Jacob was no more.
• His new name was Israel.
• His life would forever be different after that point.

Conclusion:

• When he was in what appeared to be the hardest challenge of his life, he clung to God.
• No matter what you are facing, always cling to God.