June 22, 2022

And [God] said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But [Jacob] said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” Genesis 32:26

When Jesus brings to a close His work as humanity’s Advocate in the heavenly courts, a time of trouble upon the earth, as never before, will commence. The case of every human soul will have been flawlessly investigated and decided: saved or lost. At this point, Jesus will lay aside His Priestly robe for a Kingly robe and crown. The moment that humanity’s Intercessor intercedes no more, this announcement will go forth:

“He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” Revelation 22:11

Now, the restraining Spirit of God will be withdrawn from the earth. The saved who are still living at this time will not falter; they will hold tightly to the Lord. Just as Jacob wrestled with God and clung to Him, crying out for deliverance from the hand of Esau, God’s righteous people will cry out to Him day and night because of the enemies surrounding them. They will hold on to Him without letting go, even for a second. They will be righteous still and holy still. But it will be too late for the unsaved. During this time they have no rest day or night. (Revelation 14:11)

Satan accuses us before God, just as he accused Jacob; he intended to claim his right to Jacob because of his sin. As Jacob wrestled all night with God, the accuser forced upon him a sense of guilt that might cause him to give up and lose his hold on God. God also reminded him of his guilt for the purpose of testing his faith. But Jacob would not let go, for he had learned that God is merciful; he cast himself upon God’s mercy. His review of his life must have nearly driven him to despair, but with earnest cries he presented his petition to the merciful Lord until he prevailed.

And [God] said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:28

The name Israel means prevailer with God or overcomer with God. At the end of this earth’s history, struggles will intensify. God’s people must remain true to Him, holding firmly to Jesus, honoring Him by following His counsel faithfully. The time of trouble to come was shown to the prophet Jeremiah: Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. (Jeremiah 30:7)

Jesus also spoke of this time: “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22