February 7
24So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”
But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
27The man asked him, “What is your name?”
“Jacob,” he answered.
28Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with (divine beings) and with humans and have overcome.” (Genesis 32:24-28, The Jesus Bible)
Hello family. I hope this message finds you in favoring times. I have been yearning to write about how God can change your name for some time now, and then today, as I was reading from the Old Testament to SGZ3, we reached the story of Jacob wrestling with an Angel of God. I find this story odd because for most of Jacob’s story, he does not seem like the mighty champion the nation of Israel will build themselves upon. Twice he deceives his brother Esau. He somehow confuses the love of his life for her sister when he sleeps with Leah the night he is to wed Rachel. He tries to sneak away from his Father-in-Law for no good reason, then suddenly, he runs into an Angel of the Lord and is able to wrestle a blessing out of Him. Well, regardless of if this is just Israelite lore, or not, this is not the first time God changed someone’s name, and definitely not the last. He began with Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah; and, of course, Jesus would make some of the most famous name changes of all: when He changed Simon to Peter, and Saul to Paul.
I know God has changed my name. I went from my first name to being known by my last when I joined the military. Then when I began my current career my name changed to Officer. But the greatest name I hold is the one God gifted with me, and that is the name of Father/Dad/Daddy. Earning the title of Father has been the most rewarding name change I have ever experienced. It is a gift I thank God for each and every day.
What name has God changed yours to? Is He working on a new identity in you right now? Perhaps this year you will turn your name to Generous Giver, and bless you with the ability to be able to bless many in need.
There is a tremendous need for support, outreach, prayer, and anything we can give out of the countries of Turkey and Syria after a massive earthquake has caused the greatest humanitarian crises of our time. Already 5,000 have been confirmed dead, with many still lost in massive amounts of rubble. Global Empowerment Missions is currently moving over $3 millions in aid, with a goal of $10 million. They were a major presence in Florida during Ian’s wrath. If you have the ability to give to their cause financially, you can do so by clicking here.
This is the first major natural disaster of 2023, and there will surely be more to follow. The world is marching closer and closer to the expected return of Jesus Christ. As that day hopefully comes within this lifetime, the “birthing pains” of the world will result in more and more global disasters. Don’t place your priorities in things of this world. The strongest buildings will crumble with the shifting of the Earth. Build your life on the rock that is Jesus Christ.
I lean on Worship music in times of terrific human suffering, and Hillsong United’s expanded release of “Are We There Yet?” has been a powerful reminder of the God we serve.
Common Sense Reborn 