Chapter 3
“The word Israel, the chosen people, the people of Israel are those who wrestle with God. It’s a fascinating idea. It indicates something, even in many of the deepest religious texts. There is something about the existential conflict, and engaging in that, that’s actually part of the moral substructure of life. Let’s say that the simple belief, whatever it might mean, in a deity isn’t sufficient. There is an active engagement with the infinite. It’s a battle in some sense.” J. Peterson
Genesis 32:22-32 (Jacob Wrestles with God):
“So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.”
Hosea 12:3-4: (the all night struggle)
“In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God. He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor.”
Job 23:3-7 (Job’s Complaint):
“Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.”
Psalm 42:1-2: (appearing before God)
“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”
Matthew 26:39 (Jesus in Gethsemane):
“And going a little farther, he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'”
Philippians 3:10-11 (Paul’s Desire for Christ):
“that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”
These verses illustrate Biblical individuals grappling with their faith, questioning God, and seeking a deeper understanding of their relationship with the divine.
The passage above known as the Gethsemane moment, portrays Jesus in a vulnerable state as he struggles with the impending sacrifice. His prayer, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,’ demonstrates a profound engagement with the divine will, highlighting that even the Son of God wrestled with the path set before him.
I trust you will have a great start to this new week as you continue to engage with faith.
Philemon