The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 493

The European Union in Prophecy
made with his fathers and the promises to himself in the night vision at Bethel and
in the land of his exile. The crisis in his life has come; everything is at stake. In the
darkness and solitude he continues praying and humbling himself before God.
Suddenly a hand is laid upon his shoulder. He thinks that an enemy is seeking his
life, and with all the energy of despair he wrestles with his assailant. As the day
begins to break, the stranger puts forth his superhuman power; at his touch the strong
man seems paralyzed, and he falls, a helpless, weeping suppliant, upon the neck of
his mysterious antagonist.
Jacob knows now that it is the Angel of the covenant with whom he has been in
conflict. Though disabled and suffering the keenest pain, he does not relinquish his
purpose. Long has he endured perplexity, remorse, and trouble for his sin; now he
must have the assurance that it is pardoned. The divine visitant seems about to
depart; but Jacob clings to Him, pleading for a blessing. The Angel urges, "Let Me go,
for the day breaketh;" but the patriarch exclaims, "I will not let Thee go, except Thou
bless me." What confidence, what firmness and perseverance, are here displayed! Had
this been a boastful, presumptuous claim, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed;
but his was the assurance of one who confesses his weakness and unworthiness, yet
trusts the mercy of a covenant-keeping God.
"He had power over the Angel, and prevailed." Hosea 12:4. Through humiliation,
repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty
of heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the
heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner's plea. As an evidence of his
triumph and an encouragement to others to imitate his example, his name was
changed from one which was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his
victory. And the fact that Jacob had prevailed with God was an assurance that he
would prevail with men. He no longer feared to encounter his brother's anger, for the
Lord was his defense.
Satan had accused Jacob before the angels of God, claiming the right to destroy
him because of his sin; he had moved upon Esau to march against him; and during
the patriarch's long night of wrestling, Satan endeavoured to force upon him a sense
of his guilt in order to discourage him and break his hold upon God. Jacob was driven
almost to despair; but he knew that without help from heaven he must perish. He had
492