The concept of going undercover is a common element found in popular drama series. Whether it’s shows like Bones or Castle, the goal for going under cover is trying to obtain crucial information in order to solve a crime or murder. As Jacob prepares to meet his brother for the first time since Esau threatened to kill his brother, God goes undercover in the form of an angel.
So the present went on before him, and he himself lodged that night in the camp. 22 But he rose up that [same] night and took his two wives, his two women servants, and his eleven sons and passed over the ford [of the] Jabbok. 23 And he took them and sent them across the brook; also he sent over all that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone, and a Man wrestled with him until daybreak, Genesis 32:21-24.
Just as the apostle Paul writes about spiritual forces of evil in Ephesians 6:12, God has an army of angels directed by archangels Gabriel and Michael, Daniel 10:13. The author of Hebrews refers to angels as being able to appear as a human being, Hebrews 13:2, causing Christians to interact with them without even knowing it. This is another example of how God may go under cover.
And when [the [a]Man] saw that He did not prevail against [Jacob], He touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him. 26 Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But [Jacob] said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me. 27 [The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]! 28 And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed, Genesis 32:25-28.
One of my favorite moments of teaching is sharing personal encounters with angels in a small group setting. I tend to recount a few stories from the Pax Television series It’s a Miracle which give me goosebumps of how amazing it is when God goes under cover. Although you may not sense or see this personally, somewhere behind the scenes prayers are being lifted up to guide you toward safety.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 