Genesis 32   Jacob and his family traveled from the north back to the place he was born.  The journey was similar to Abraham's journey from Ur.. bringing him to the place that God chose for him.  Jacob knew that he would need to face his brother Esau, so he prepared for that, not knowing what kind of reception he would have... Jacob's prayer shows us his heart.. " O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, O Lord, who didst say to me, 'Return to your country and to your relatives and I will prosper you.' I am unworthy of all the lovingkindness and of all the faithfulness which Thou hast shown to Thy servant; for with my staff only I crossed this Jordan and now I have two companies. Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother.. " 

This side of Jacob we have not seen before this.. his humility, his vulnerability.. his dependence on the Lord.  Jacob sent gifts before him to appease Esau.. and he separated himself from his family, so that they might be spared, even if he was not.  When Jacob was alone, he had another encounter with the Lord.  This one was called a wrestling match. Jacob was desperate for the Lord's blessing, so he would not let go until a blessing was given.  Here his name was changed from Jacob.. to Israel.. "striver with God".

Father in heaven, You keep moving Your people back to the heart of Your land. You moved Abraham, You moved Jacob, and later You  moved a nation of people out of Egypt.. and later on the exiled back from Babylon.   In our day, You are stilling moving Your people.. out of the dominion of darkness and into the Kingdom of Jesus... into the place of Your heart's desire.  Move us deeper in and further up.. as C.S. Lewis wrote.. into the Tableland of Your Presence.. the Higher place which is solid ground, as the old hymn reminds us.  Lord lift me up! Draw me closer. Come and fill Your church with Your Spirit so that we are ready for the journey set before us. Thank You that You will not leave us alone, but You are faithful in all Your ways, to bring us to the eternal dwelling place.. Home.. with You forever. Amen!