Emptying and Wrestling: It is the Time to Camp at Jabbok

The book of Genesis tells the story of two brothers, Esau and Jacob. Esau was born red and hairy and became a wandering hunter, while Jacob was a shepherd. Despite being the younger brother, Jacob used deception to gain dominance over Esau. On one occasion, when Esau returned from an unsuccessful hunt and was hungry, Jacob traded some red stew for Esau’s birthright, which was his entitlement as the eldest son. Later, as Isaac was dying, Jacob, with Rebekah's assistance, tricked Esau out of his father's blessing. Esau intended to kill Jacob, but Jacob escaped. When he returned 20 years later, he took his two wives, two female servants, and eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok at night.

In Hebrew narratives, place names carry spiritual meanings. The root concept of the name Jabbok originates from the Semitic mindset, where names were given based on behavior rather than appearance. In Hebrew, Jabbok means "emptying," and this place holds spiritual significance in Jacob's life journey. By camping at Jabbok overnight, Jacob entered a period of emotional wrestling and struggle, transitioning from "emptying" to forming a new identity. With this new identity, Jacob's character was transformed, and he was given a new name. This struggle led to his reconciliation with his brother and the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

Maybe you've also experienced a journey where you've burned some bridges in the past because of deceitful strategies and foxy schemes. Now it's time to pause at Jabbok. It's time to invite the Holy Spirit to reveal what needs to be "emptied" from your life. There might be an outdated mindset that must be discarded before your character can evolve and you can embrace a new identity. Alternatively, there may be another type of "emptying" that needs to occur. 

If you wish to camp at Jabbok, a place symbolizing "emptying," you can reflect on the story of Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25-32), prayerfully asking for the Holy Spirit's grace to help you examine unresolved relationships from your past. Additionally, you can request the Holy Spirit to uncover any mindset that has led to setbacks and heartache. By letting go of past mistakes, potential sins, and deceitful behaviors, you will begin your own journey of overcoming past obstacles and embracing reconciliation.

In the days ahead, be mindful of your dreams, as you may, like Jacob, gain insight into your current struggle, as well as who God intended you to be. Record your dreams and reflect on them prayerfully. 

Jacob’s struggle concluded with the creation of a nation that continues to bear the name of Jacob’s new identity. Perhaps your own struggle will likewise result in a legacy of blessings for the future generations. 

"That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” Genesis 32:22-26