Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

exposed to danger and death. Bitter was the thought that his own sin
had brought this peril on the innocent.
Suddenly a strong hand was laid on him. He thought that an
enemy was seeking his life. In the darkness the two struggled for the
mastery. Neither spoke a word, but Jacob put forth all his strength
and did not relax his efforts for a moment. While he battled for his
life, his guilt pressed upon his soul; his sins rose up to shut him out
from God.
But in his terrible extremity he remembered God's promises.
The struggle continued until near daybreak, when the stranger
placed his finger on Jacob's thigh, and he was crippled instantly.
Jacob now knew that he had been in conflict with a heavenly
messenger. This was why his almost superhuman effort had not
gained the victory. It was Christ, "the angel of the covenant." Jacob
was now disabled and suffering the sharpest pain, but he would not
loosen his hold. Repentant and broken, he clung to the Angel. "He
wept, and sought favor from Him," pleading for a blessing. He must
have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. The Angel urged, "Let
Me go, for the day breaks;" but Jacob answered, "I will not let You
go unless You bless me!" He had the assurance of one who
confesses his unworthiness yet trusts the faithfulness of a covenantkeeping
God.
Jacob "struggled with the Angel and prevailed" (Hosea 12:4).
This sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He
had fastened his trembling grasp on the promises of God, and the
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