Genesis 32:24-28 (NKJV) Wrestling with God
24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He [the Angel] saw that He did not prevail against him [Jacob], He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.”But he [Jacob] said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”27 So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” 28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
What’s in a name? Does what something is called really matter. What if your name meant supplanter or schemer or deceiver? Each time someone greets Jacob by name, they are saying liar, cheat, deceiver. Is that the way you would like to be greeted? Are you happy with who you are? Is God happy with who you have become?
God can change your name! He has done it for many. Jacob (deceiver) to Israel (“He who prevails with God,”); Abram (Noble father) to Abraham (Father of many), Simon (he has heard) to Peter (Rock). He did it for me too. Bob to Redeemed! Why? God may have wanted to indicate a change in the life of the person. Have you been changed? I have! Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) says 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. That is the life I want to live. I want to live by faith in the Son of God. Do you?
Jacob was known for manipulating things to suit his desire. He wanted to be blessed again. He tricked his brother Essau out of his birthright and his father-in-law Laban out of many sheep. It was the way he lived. His Mother was a part of the scheme. Her family used trickery in their ways. That method seems to be prevalent in today’s world too. We see many who use trickery to get what they want. But is that the way God wants you to live? Why would God include a story of trickery in the Bible? Isn’t the Bible supposed to show us how we should live and not how to get your way? God shows us that there are no perfect people but that He can redeem any situation. Even though Jacob was a deceiver, God could change him. And God did. He started by changing his name. From that day forward, Israel began to live a different and better life. Shortly after this, Jacob faced Essau after many years. Jacob, now called Israel, became humble and contrite toward the brother he had cheated. And God redeemed the situation and healed the relationship.
How about you? Are you living the life you desire? Is it what God designed for you? If not, you can turn to Him and He will change your name. By following God’s ways, you can become the person He called and created you to be. He has already given you all you need to be that person. All you need do is ask Him. In Revelation 3:20, He says “Here I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and abide with them and they with me.” Do you hear him knocking? Will you open the door? He will come in and change your name and your life! He loves you so much that He gave Himself up for you. Will you give yourself up for Him? It will be the best thing you ever did! Just ask!
Lord, thank You that You offer us a new name in You. Give us the courage to accept Your offer and be changed. We are afraid of what it all means. Offer us Your comfort and peace and draw us closer to you. Make us Your children. Jacob already did the wrestling for us. That is why You share the story. Help us to accept the reward and the new name in You! Amen!