Even in the womb,
    Jacob struggled with his brother;
when he became a man,
    he even fought with God.
Yes, he wrestled with the angel and won.
    He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him.

There at Bethel he met God face to face,
    and God spoke to him—

the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies,
    the Lord is his name! (vs 3-5)

 

Have you ever wrestled with God? Did He make you an overcomer? An overcomer with a very obvious limp?

Let’s wear our wounds with dignity. After all, struggling with God and men through all our old tendencies is no small thing. Besides, He gives us a new name. A name that signifies who He has made us to be.

What could be more honorable than that?

So now, come back to your God.
    Act with love and justice,
    and always depend on him. (vs 6)

So return to your God.
Patiently trust him,
    and show love and justice. (CEV)

So you, by the help of your God, return,
    hold fast to love and justice,
    and wait continually for your God. (ESV)

So now, descendants of Jacob, trust in your God and return to him. Be loyal and just, and wait patiently for your God to act. (GNT)

 

How hard is it for you to wait on God?

To observe justice but neglect mercy?

To love kindness but recoil at justice?

 

This loving-kindness, hesed, draws our world to the One we worship.

This just living, mishpat, puts integrity behind what we say we believe.

 

And Hosea combines them beautifully. We don’t have to pick just one, friends. He can make us into disciples who seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

 

Let’s let Him.