From Pit to Palace

I had the incredible opportunity to go see the story of Joseph at the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA last week and was completely blown away. Of course the great acting and music and professional performance all contributed to that, but it was the story that captured my heart. I have read the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis many times, but nothing was like seeing the events unfold before my very eyes. There were so many nuggets to take away from this story but one just jumped out at me. I would like to share it with you.
In one scene of the show, Jacob was talking with Joseph who at this time was only a young man. Jacob was sharing with his son the account of when he wrestled with God. Of course, with a careful study of scripture and a knowledge of who Jesus was in the old testament, we know that the one Jacob wrestled with was Jesus! As he is recounting the memory of that eventful night, he remembers how he felt. He remembered feeling helpless when he was running away from his brother Esau. He remembered when a "man" wrestled with him all night until Jacob prevailed. When the "man" saw that he wasn't winning against Jacob, He touched his hip socket until it was dislocated. He asked again if Jacob would let go of Him. Jacob answered this "man" and said something that to me was very powerful. He said in Genesis 32:26 "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Wow!!! Jacob knew that even though it may cost him, even to the point of walking with a limp for the rest of his life, he wasn't going to let go of God. The point to this story is this:Don't let go of Jesus no matter what the cost. Hold on with everything you have and plead with Jesus to touch you. The even greater part of this was that Jesus did just that! He looked at Jacob and said, "No longer will you be called Jacob, but you will be called Israel, for you have wrestled with God and men and prevailed."
Are you willing to hold onto to Jesus no matter what it may cost you? Even if your life and the way you walk changes, will it matter as long as you know you've seen God face to face? My encouragement friend, hold onto Jesus at all times. I promise you, your walk with Him will change forever.