What is Your Name? (Talk to the Guy With the Limp)
Jacob had a very unusual encounter with God through His angel. This encounter was a turning point in his life spiritually and physically.
Jacob had been known as a surplanter and a deceiver. This encounter would bring out the true nature of Jacob. His name literally meant, "One who takes the heel." This is in reference to his birth in which his twin brother Esau came out of his mother's womb first, followed by Jacob who had hold of Esau's heel.
It was in Jacob's nature to contend and strive for that which he wanted. This is why God said, "Jacob I have loved, Esau I have hated." (Genesis 25:21-34). Esau did not care about his birthright. Jacob cared deeply about reaching for the best. This always pleases God. Reaching for, and wrestling with, God left Jacob with his hip out of socket, and a limp.
When the angel (or God) asked him, "What is your name?" Jacob said, "My name is, 'Reach for the best and don't let go!'" God then changed his name to "Israel" meaning, "Prince."
This encounter became a model for all of God's people, when Nahum prophesied, "For the LORD will restore the excellence of Jacob…" (Nah 2:2)
What is your name? I'm not talking about the name your mother and father gave you. I'm not talking about the name your bad habits or "lesser self" have given you.
What is the name of your redeemed, blood-washed, "best self" after encountering God?
