Genesis 25:26
After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob.
Jacob means deceiver, and just like his name, Jacob was crafty, he deceived his twin brother, Esau, and as a result, left home. Later in life, he had an experience where he wrestled with a man who changed his name. Genesis 32:28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome. Jacob , now Israel, believed the man he wrestled was God and therefore proclaimed - So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” Genesis 32:30
Jacob discerned correctly, God wanted his name changed. The name Jacob was not suitable for the plans God had for him. Genesis 35:9-11 Then God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Paddan-aram, and He blessed him. God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; You shall no longer be called Jacob, But Israel shall be your name." Thus He called him Israel. God also said to him, "I am God Almighty; Be fruitful and multiply; A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, And kings shall come forth from you. Israel means having power with God. God gave Jacob a new identity because through him, He was going to establish His covenant with Abraham.
God changed many other names. He changed Abram ( high father) to Abraham( father of many nations). He changed Sarai (my princess) to Sarah (Mother of nations). He changed Simeon(God has heard) to Peter (the Rock). Jesus saw Peter as His Rock, upon which to build His Church. What name have you given to yourself? If you keep calling yourself "broke man" change it to "prosperous." If you are calling yourself "the sick one" change it to "the healthy one."
Change your name to what God says you are. Let the weak say I am strong!
WHAT IS NEXT?
