Jacob’s experiences have been described for the instruction and encouragement of all believers. God’s wisdom was displayed in Abraham, the father of all believers, and in his life many features of God the Father come to light. Isaac’s birth and life provide illustrations of the Son of the Father, whereas in Jacob the emphasis is on a progressive work by the Holy Spirit, a work that ultimately led to a complete transformation: from Jacob to Israel (Gen. 32:28).

The one who was wrestling in his mother’s womb (25:22), also wrestled with God … until He touched the joint of his thigh, the seat of human strength. Jacob had “seen God face to face” (32:30); for the rest of his life he would limp. The touch of the Master’s hand (v. 32) had turned Jacob’s whole life around. From a schemer and plotter, using his own wisdom, Jacob became a true worshiper as he learned to rely on God’s wisdom. We all need to rely only on Him, for “without Me ye can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5).

The word used for the ladder reaching “to the heavens” that Jacob saw in a dream (Gen. 28:12), is the same word as “to touch,” the touch needed to bring Jacob into true fellowship with God. He no longer saw only the top of the ladder in a dream, reaching heaven, but now Jacob, while limping in his weakness, became a true worshiper and the spiritual leader for his family. He gave God the glory due Him and set up a public testimony to honor the God who had revealed Himself. The abundance of Jacob’s response to the God who “went up from him” (35:13) was demonstrated in his pouring the drink-offering (wine, speaking of joy), which he did in the power of the Holy Spirit (expressed in the oil). May we follow his example and be true worshipers!