Theophany – visible manifestation to humankind of God, or of a god
– the Online Dictionary
Good morning my dears
It wasn’t really that many, but I lost track of the theophanic moments Jacob experienced between leaving home and returning. I think it’s three. Honestly though, I’m a bit jealous, because a part of me would love to have that kind of experience with God all the time. The fact is – we can; especially if we openly actively seek God’s face. And, for some of us; God has been actively seeking us out; just as God did with Jacob. Let’s consider one such instance in today’s Holy Nougat
“Then He said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but rather Israel, for you have struggled with God and with men, and you have overcome.”
– – –
So Jacob named the place Peniel, “for I’ve seen God face to face, and my life has been spared.”” Genesis 32:29, 31 TLV
We’ve discussed this before (I think), and so I am not going to prolong the reflection, especially since we have already progressed past this point. However, I wish to note that this particular theophanic experience occurred at Jacob’s request.
He might not have seen it that way; but in the earlier verses (see verses 10-13) Jacob cried out to Adonai, the God of his father Abraham and Isaac, with a direct request for intervention. And God showed up. [For those who wondered, yes – this is the fight episode]. Again I stress that God did not meet Israel, the man. God met imperfect Jacob; ‘the Supplanter’; who fought or tricked his way into everything. On Jacob’s turf. This wasn’t the ladder into Heaven experience; nor was it pack your bags and go; this was Jacob’s own ‘I call-You answer’ experience that literally transformed his life.
And it was just about immediate. For the theophany occurred when he was fully alone after his prayer.
We know the outcome of this moment and of Jacob’s prayer (and yes, Esau might have already forgiven him – but Jacob didn’t know that). However; that’s the benefit of knowing the full story. So when Jacob experiences this theophany moment, he would’ve been surprised to find himself alive. No wonder he renamed the place in God’s honor!
We don’t fully know the outcome of our current situations; but God’s reputation remains unchanged. And, if in doubt about the reputation, perhaps it’s time for us to seek God for ourselves. Like Jacob, things may not go quite the way we planned; but we can seek audience with God. Who knows – perhaps we could have our own theophany. And if you do, feel free to share with me. In the meantime, I’m praying for my own.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
