Our readings this week are Genesis 32:22-31 and Matthew 14:13-21. The Genesis reading is an absolute classic match - Jacob vs. Shadowy Figure pitted in a fearsome wrestling contest from dusk 'til dawn.

It's a strange story.  Jacob is on his way back after many years to meet up with his estranged brother Esau, and on the night before the upcoming meeting he finds himself accosted by an unknown figure locked in battle until a dislocated hip ends things in the early hours.  Is it an angel, is it God, is it his brother come for revenge, is it a metaphor for a sleepless night of worry?  The text itself doesn't really answer this question (the hip probably rules out the metaphor), though most readings accept the figure to be God.

At first glance it's an obvious answer, but actually an answer that raises more questions.  If it is God - omnipotent and almighty creator of the universe - why is he so weak that he cannot prevail against a puny human?  If it is God - the source of freedom and hope - why does he not throw off Jacob's hold, and release himself from his grasp?  If it is God - the way, the truth, and the life - why does he resort to cheating and foul play to win, taking on Jacob's worst characteristics?

Perhaps, though, these questions stem from mistaken assumptions about power, authority, and the character of God.  Let's instead ask for a minute if we've seen this side of things anywhere else in scripture?  Where else do we see God beaten into submission, refusing to free himself from bonds, and taking on the sins of those who hold him?  Is anyone else thinking about the cross right now?

Power, strength, and authority as exercised by God - the kingship displayed on the cross - is not about subjugating others, but submitting to their needs; it's not about lording it over people, but serving them; it's not about binding them up, but setting them free...

If Abraham, Jacob's grandfather, when he laid Isaac on the altar prefigured the sorrow and pain of the Father in the moment of the crucifixion; maybe this shadowy combatant in his submission to the will of humanity, and acceptance into himself of their failings, can be seen to prefigure Christ.  And maybe Jacob who limps away with a new identity, new life, and new opportunity stands as an example of, and invitation to, us - that we too may lay upon Christ the failings, mistakes, and aspects of our past that distort who we want to be, and receive in exchange the blessing of new life, in all its fulness.  Not because we deserve it, not because it's right or just, but because He - the omnipotent and almighty creator of the universe - chooses to exercise his might through his mercy, and his power through his love.