The above description says nothing of the size of the revealed Christ. He might have been as a snowcapped mountain. Of course, the actual Lord Jesus is probably larger than the Milky Way galaxy.

Through his experience Job was changed from someone who believed in God and feared God into a person who knew God and whom God accepted as a personal friend. May God be pleased to bring you and me through such an experience that we might know God and be the friend of the God of the house of God.

Jacob's wrestling match with God contains some elements that are common to the experiences of all who learn to struggle with God.

When Jacob changed the name of Luz to Bethel he was fleeing from his enraged brother. Esau was angry because he had been tricked out of his birthright.

Jacob was a supplanter, and yet God loved him. God loves us even though we are deceitful and manipulative. Then God brings us through experiences that reveal our scheming nature and teach us concerning God's pure Nature.

After a period of time Jacob sought to return home. By now Jacob had two wives, also two women who served his wives. The wives and their servants had provided Jacob with many children.

As Jacob left Padanaram to journey to Canaan, Laban came after him.

Then Laban said to Jacob, "What have you done? You've deceived me, and you've carried off my daughters like captives in war." (Genesis 31:26—NIV)

Sometimes when we decide to leave the area where we have been deceitful, our past attempts to follow us.

But God was with Jacob, and so Laban was unable to harm him.

Now a new element of Jacob's deceitful past was approaching—Esau accompanied by four hundred desert warriors.

Jacob, the old supplanter, was in deep trouble and he knew it.

Whenever we decide to come closer to God we may find that our tricky past catches up with us.

Jacob did what all true saints must do when the thick and dreadful darkness approaches. He went alone to the place of prayer.

All night Jacob wrestled with God. It is absolutely true that God could in one instant have squashed Jacob like a bug. But God will never violate a person's integrity.

As long as Jacob was unwilling to let go of God, God was compelled by His own Nature to continue the struggle.

Something remarkable took place. Jacob seemed to forget about his own life and the lives of his family. He became interested in God.

Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there. (Genesis 32:29—NIV)

The lesson we learn is to never give up. Let the pressures that come upon you drive you to God. Keep praying and hoping. Keep praying and hoping. Keep praying and hoping. The morning will come if you do not quit.

To be continued.