Attend Church Sunday

Attend Church Sunday

This week's

message brought to

you courtesy of:

Brought to you courtesy of

The Rev. Jennings W. Hobson III

Trinity Episcopal Church

In Genesis, Chapter 32, Jacob wrestles with God by the brook Jabbok. Although the story specks primarily of a physical wrestling it would seem that other levels of struggle are probable as well. For instance, Jacob seems to be having his own moment of truth regarding his dishonesty with his brother Esau. God has some strong expectations about us and honesty, and Jacob has failed to meet them. Jacob now struggles with the difference between the way he has lived and the way God would have him live. And this is not just some wordy theological debate, for Esau is approaching with his army (angry or not, Jacob does not yet know).

Do we not all stand with Jacob? Is there a one of us who is not ashamed or even fearful of some past action and/or its consequences? Unsure of what the future holds?

So also can we stand with Jacob as he survives this struggle and grows in faithfulness and success before God.

We can struggle with the issues that God places before us, and can "win", If we draw on God's grace and strength to do it. Jacob calls for God's blessing, His giving of gifts and direction and will and hope. So ought we to do.

We do it best together in community with other of God's people and in the light of the Gospel. For God's good news in Jesus Christ is that we are forgiven, accepted, and invited to respond to the God who loves us.

Jacob in his struggle came to know both God and himself better. So can we, together!

Join with your church in growing in relationship with God. Find the joy of winning in the struggle with self and God and each other; find the joy and love of God in Jesiis Christ. If you do not have a church, choose one from among the many and diverse ones in our community, and attend it regularly.