From his birth, Jacob continuously tried to gain the upper hand with his brother Esau.  His name “Jacob” literally means to “take hold of the heel” or “supplanter.”  As we read about his life, we see all kinds of ways Jacob lived up to his name.  Jacob conspired with his mother Rebekah to steal his brother’s birthright.  Jacob fled from Esau to serve Laban, his future father-in-law.  Laban gave Jacob the wrong wife and trapped him into serving for another seven years for Rachel.  Jacob used unapproved means to gain the upper hand with Laban’s herds and flocks.  God blessed Jacob in spite of his sin, giving him the fruit of his hard work under an oppressive father-in-law. 

Jacob’s fear and constant struggle with his family eventually came to a head when he had to face his brother Esau.  Through these events, God was working to change Jacob’s heart and his identity. Jacob’s fear mounted when his messengers return with news:  Esau is coming with four hundred men!  Jacob prayed in humility before God (Genesis 32:9-12), asking Him for mercy and reminding Him of His promise to Jacob. In hopes of appeasing his brother, Jacob sent gifts, servants and even his family ahead of him to give himself protection in case Esau was hostile.  Jacob doubted God’s promises and desperately feared for his life and the lives of his family.

Later that night, a Man appeared and struggled with Jacob until morning.  Jacob prevailed against Him until He touched Jacob’s thigh and put it out of joint.  This was no ordinary man.  This was the Angel of the LORD, Jesus Christ.  Jacob recognized the LORD and held onto Him until he received a blessing. (Hosea 12:2-6) Jacob later called this place “Peniel” (“face of God”) “for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” (Gen. 32:30) This is where Jacob accepted the LORD as his God, and God changed his identity to “Israel” which means “he strives with God.” (Gen. 32:28)  Jacob later mentioned the Angel as God when he blessed Joseph’s sons: “…the Angel which redeemed me from all evil…” (Genesis 48:15-16).

Now reconciled with God, Jacob could face his brother. (Genesis 32:31-33:4)  He limped to the front of his family, embraced Esau, and burst into tears after twenty years of living in fear of him.  When tempted to fear because of his sons’ actions (Gen. 24), God reminded Jacob of his new name, Israel, and God’s promise to protect him and his descendants.  (Gen. 35:1-12)  Jacob came a long way from doubting God in fear to trusting his Redeemer in confidence.  We, like Jacob, have this same hope and confidence in our Redeemer.  God will keep his promises, and we can live without fear.