If human nature never changes, human circumstances do, so even if the copybook headings are both inerrant and complete, we must learn to apply them to our current challenges. And that requires something other and more than obedient copying. In brief, it requires us to be like Jacob, who wrestled with a mighty figure by the Jabbok not in order to defeat or destroy him, but with a strange generosity, an eager and earnest belief that his opponent had something of great value in his possession, and that he could give it to Jacob. I will not let you go until you bless me.
