Unmasked

Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” – Genesis 32:24-28, excerpted (NRSV) 

On July 18, 1940, at the Arena México, The Masked Bat (El Murciélago Enmascarado) faced off against the much larger Octavio Gaona in one of the most famous matches in Mexican professional wrestling. It was the first high-profile lucha de apuesta, a betting match, in which each wrestler put something on the line.  

For Gaona, it was his hair. To be shaved off ringside if he was defeated. For The Bat, his mask. His true identity revealed. 

That night, after Murciélago was pinned, the world was introduced to Jesús Velázquez Quintero. And he never wrestled as The Masked Bat again. 

For years, Jacob has fought under this assumed identity. The Supplanter. The Heel Grabber. Known for his sneaky tricks. For turning the tables on his opponents. 

But at Peniel he meets his match. Wrestles God to a stalemate and demands his prize. But in the way of all good wrestling shows, there is one last reversal: The blessing he receives is an unmasking. The world is introduced to Israel, the one who strives with God. And Jacob is no more.  

He limps away a new man, uncertain whether he’s won or lost, only knowing his life is forever changed. Of course. When you tangle with God, you can bet on it. 

Prayer
Great Grappler, wanna wrestle?

About the Author
Vince Amlin is co-pastor of Bethany UCC, Chicago, and co-planter of Gilead Church Chicago, forming now.