Jacob’s life – Day 16

Hello, we’re already on the 16th day talking about Jacob’s life. The big day is getting near where we’ll be presenting our sacrifice to God.

 

“So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” 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.” Gn.32: 27.28)
 
Day 16 – Jacob takes a new name
 
The Word of God is the right direction, it conveys maturity and admits no uncertainty, but enlightens and directs.
 

God asks Jacob his name, which obviously He already knew, but asked in order for him to own up to it. It’s easy, for example, to comment on other people’s mistakes, but it’s difficult to talk about our self.
 

When we recognize our errors and failures before God we’re refusing our pride. Jacob could have said: “I am Abraham’s grandson, whom the Lord has promised to bless his descendants and my father is Isaac, who has also blessed me.” But NO! He owned up to it and said: “My name is Jacob!”
 

Many people want to justify themselves and not own up to their mistakes because their pride dominates them. But when you are aware that you were getting nowhere holding on to this pride and decide to own up to it even if it means you have to pay a high price for being “Jacob, the deceiver”!
 

We can never deceive God, but there are many people who think they are, by praying, going to church, participating in the campaign in anyway, pretending that they are sacrificing, and even tell others to do it. They live by appearance, but don’t own up to their belief and to who they actually are!
 

His or her pride prevails, turning into their god!
 

Jacob was set to struggle with God to receive a new identity and he took hold of it.
 

All who are willing to change their life, recognize who they are even if they have to pay a high price for it. They do it because they believe!
 

Only after Jacob pronounced his name did he have the chance to become Israel.
 

““Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
 

A prince is the son of a king, in this case, the real King! He fought for a belief in an invisible God and prevailed.
He fought against everything that dominated him, against his own flesh, against his inner self, and against everyone else.
 

God doesn’t change your name so you can remain defeated, with doubts, anxious, worried, and deceitful. He does it when you’re determined to eliminate the identity that you recognize you’ve been carrying for years.
 

God changed Jacob’s life at that moment.
 

I find it interesting when people say they believe in God, win souls and serve Him, but their selfish dreams have nothing to do with what they profess. They say they are sacrificing, but at the same time are afraid, anxious, cry and worry. God doesn’t accept it! You can pretend to be something, but He knows the truth.
 

It’s so much easier and simple to be Truthful, because when you’re deceitful you have to “work hard” to fool everyone. But when you’re truthful you have peace, tranquility, and conviction.
 

Examine your life because by mouth you can say anything, but your actions prove what you really believes in!