This incident is one of the most poignant incidences in this web site. Up to this time Jacob had thought that he had been in confrontation with his brother. The weight of his own guilt pressed down upon him and he could see nothing within himself that could commend him to God.

At the moment that Jacob's hip is touched, he comes to the awful realization that he has in reality been struggling with God all along. It is a dramatic crisis moment. Jacob can disguise his character no longer. All is apparent. His own unworthiness is overwhelming.

At this very moment Jacob's entire heart is changed. He no longer looks with confidence to himself but realizes his great need of God. Offering nothing of himself he simply clings to Christ unwilling to let go.

God has won the battle for Jacob's heart and gives him a new name as an outward evidence of what has changed inside.

This incident is "Jacob's time of trouble". True, Jacob's life is in mortal danger by an assailant. But this is not the point. The point is that Jacob needs to understand his true character and completely repent. This he does and now God can fully use him.

The SDA church is to experience a "Jacob's time of trouble". Yes, there will be a physical threat of Sunday laws and death penalties. But this is not the point. The point is that the Church needs to understand it's true character and utterly repent and turn away from trying to achieve God's purpose through it's many good activities.