Wrestling with God

“By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.” – Hebrews 11:21 

Viewpoint: The Qur’an speaks of the prophet Jacob and his family. It describes Jacob as following Islam, especially favored by God, and able to know things by God’s power. Saudi Muslims will tell you that all prophets are perfect and do not sin; they believe the same is true for Jacob. The Qur’anic narrative of Jacob differs tremendously from the Biblical narrative in that the Qur’an doesn’t show Jacob’s wrestling with God throughout his life. The Biblical narrative shows how Jacob starts out wanting everything for himself and how he and his mother conspire to deceive and make God’s plan happen like they want it to. Later in the Biblical narrative, Jacob physically wrestles with God and obtains a blessing from Him. The Bible also reveals changes throughout Jacob’s life to show his faith in God and the promise of salvation through the One to come from his family line.   

Prayer points: Pray that Saudi Muslims will hear the Biblical narrative of Jacob and realize that even God’s prophets are not perfect, that all have sinned, and that all people need a Savior. Ask that Saudis will be open to hearing more about what the Bible says about the prophets and Jesus.