Article July 4, 1931 Issue

Transformation and Proof

KATHERINE PUFFER

The interesting narrative of Jacob's wrestle with a material sense of life, as related in the book of Genesis, has furnished inspiration and encouragement to a host of Christian warriors. So similar is his experience to that of other seekers for divine light that one cannot fail to see in this incident much that relates clearly to one's own experience; for every heart, in its striving toward a higher goal, has to face the conflict with the false concept of life and being.

Like all Bible narratives, this one requires more than a casual reading if we would gain from it the deeper meaning and learn the larger lesson it contains. In order to learn how complete was the transformation of his nature when his name was changed to Israel, it is helpful to compare the events in Jacob's life previous to this incident with those which follow. It may be recalled that he had become a fugitive from the wrath of his brother Esau, from whom he had stolen the birthright of their father's blessing; and after the lapse of many years he was on his way home, to meet Esau, but was in great dread of his wrath. Then he saw his brother, who ran to meet him; and they embraced in brotherly love. Ever after, the name "Israel," which was given to Jacob, was indicative of those seeking to follow the spiritual sense of life and putting away the false, material concept of life and man.

When the heavenly vision first dawned upon Jacob, the angel, said, "Let me go, for the day breaketh." Here the divine qualities of persistence and wisdom were manifested, for Jacob said, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." Of this, Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 308), "The patriarch, perceiving his error and his need of help, did not loosen his hold upon this glorious light until his nature was transformed." Had Jacob relinquished his hold of the spiritual idea before his transformation, he would not have become the father of "Israel." Of two things he was assured: that he needed help, and that the angel-visitant could meet his need. His experience as a fugitive had taught him the need of something outside his own perverted sense of life, in order that he might have peace and safety. In the spiritual idea that awakened him, he recognized his savior. This was the coming of the Christ to Jacob. Thenceforth he was regarded as the ancestor of the most spiritually-minded people then on earth, the nation from which, later, sprang the mother of Jesus.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Transformation and Proof

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access