In A Lifetime Never Met A Clever Rival
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My cleverness no match had met In Esau, Isaac of the past; But now it’s life or death, and yet I still in self would place my trust. My hands are tied — submitting not, I still would struggle, scheme and plot. |
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It seems one comes to rob my home; Afraid, yet stubborn, I persist, I fear my final day has come— With every ounce of strength, resist. He comes to wrestle; I defend: I’ll fight Him to the bitter end. |
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How strange! Though every wile I’ve used, For one whole night, yet still He stands. I see my strength has been reduced, And yet revenge is not His plan. How strange! Although I can’t get free, My courage grows exceedingly. |
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I’ve never met with such a foe, And even if He states His name, Of this opponent naught I know, But that from Him reward I’d gain. I’d force Him blessing to bestow, And, blessing, His surrender own. |
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’Tis dawn, yet have I won, or He? It’s still impossible to see. My Rival, forced, now blesses me, To me concedes the victory . Says “Israel” is my new name; But when I rise, my thigh is lame. |
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The faintest light in darkened heart Begins to shine — I realize: If I’m so strong, why grasp the heel? If victor, why the crippled thigh? ‘Twas He who won and left this sign, From folly warning me thereby. |
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A flood of light: This heart of mine, As breaks the dike by swelling tide, At once in radiance divine Must worship, and in shame must hide. So great my sin, I must confess: I’m lawless, full of filthiness. |
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Alas! To think: I overcame Creator God Omnipotent! Ridiculous! Oh, woe is me! Death is my fitting punishment. That these, mine own two hands, rebelled The mighty God to stop and held! |
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Thou, God, dost shine so gloriously; Thou, Lord of hosts, resplendent, bright, At once, at recognizing Thee, And realizing who Thou art, I cry aloud, and tearfully I must repent and bow the knee. |
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How can it be that I could see Him face to face and hand to hand? If only earth would swallow me, My shame to hide, my life to end. Why did I not, at life’s first start, Pass on, from earth in sleep depart? |
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I hate myself; my heart was dim, For blinded were mine eyes by pride; Now, at the thought of conquering Him, I tremble and am terrified. Not just my thigh, but all my strength I’ve lost; I’m broken, paralyzed. |
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As I look back at all my life, I see that it’s corrupt entire. For self, my God I sacrificed; My foolish heart knew but desire. What then I thought that “blessing” be Was forcing God to grant my plea. |
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“I wish: the heav’n must fall in line. I plan: my Lord must coincide. I want: my God should step aside. I work: my God must be my guide. When I am rushed, He must not stay, For once, His victory to display.” |
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There’s one so evil here below, So proud, deceitful, obstinate; Lord, that I’m Jacob Thou dost know: One Thou should’st but detest and hate; No hope have I but mercy Thine Upon this wretched heart of mine. |
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I grope — at once His mercy find. At first lame step — His grace is mine! If I forget, my wounded thigh Reminds: on naught can I rely. Though Israel I’m named by Thee, Yet Jacob ever lame shall be. |
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O Lord, ‘twas Thou that overcame; In Thy defeat, defeat I’d claim; To Thee I yield my victory; Thy weakness drops me to my knees. In fear and trembling all my days Thy will I’d do, Thy name I’d praise. |
Copyright Living Stream Ministry. Used by permission.
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Bothell, WA
Amen