Face to Face with God

God was accomplishing some powerful and significant things in Jacob's life on his return journey to Canaan. First Jacob is confronted by Laban (Gen. 31), then he has to face Esau (Gen. 32-33). Through it all, God was working to bring Jacob to the end of himself and turn him into Israel.

The lead up to Jacob's encounter with Esau was used mightily in the purposes of God to deepen the work of sanctification in Jacob's life. At Peniel we see God bringing Jacob to the end of himself in order that He might live through him. Jacob becomes Israel!