16: Jacob: Wrestling with God

Today’s episode focuses again on Jacob, this time exploring his spiritual journey and its impact on personal growth. The central theme of the episode revolves around the concept of transformation through struggle, as illustrated in Jacob's life. His story is not just an ancient tale but a mirror reflecting our own spiritual battles and growth. From Jacob's longing for independence and his deceitful maneuvers to secure blessings, to his wrestling match at Penuel, we find parallels in our journey toward self-discovery and reconciliation with the divine. 

Topics Discussed: 

• Jacob's struggle as a model for personal transformation and spiritual growth 
• The hermeneutical lens as a tool for interpreting biblical narratives 
• The stages of Jacob's life that represent a broader spiritual journey 
• Eros (passion) and Yahweh (divine guidance) as forces in Jacob's life and our spiritual maturation 
• Jacob's encounters with family and God as pivotal points for personal development 
• Wrestling with a divine being as a metaphor for internal spiritual battles 
• The concept of divine restraint in our personal spiritual struggles 
• Woundedness as an essential component of spiritual formation and identity 
• The transformative power of struggles in shaping faith and character 
• Embracing scars and limps from our battles as marks of divine blessing and a path to wholeness 

Quotes: 

 “God creates us and wants to be co-regents with us, so he wants to work with his creation to make it what he wants it to be.” –Dr. David Pocta 

“I also think it's interesting that it says a man wrestled with him, as opposed to Jacob wrestled with a man. So this man is initiating this wrestle and I wonder if it kind of caught Jacob off guard.” –Hannah DeSouza 

"I think Jacob's at war here with the shadow self, the parts of his character that need refinement, and so this idea of this external force transforms him internally.” –Dr. David Pocta 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow