Jacob's New Name

When Jacob wrestled with the man all night before he met his brother Esau, I believe He was wrestling with Christ. I know some have other views, but I believe Jesus came in a pre-incarnation visit to the earth and appeared to Jacob. That is what happened when the three men came to Abraham before Sodom was destroyed. One was Jesus, the Lord, and two were angels who went on to Sodom. Jacob wrestled so fiercely because He needed God's blessing. He knew he was no match for Esau, if he was still angry. Jesus bestowed a great blessing by giving him a new name. (Genesis 32:28) That name shows us something that only God can do.

Jacob was a deceiver. That is what his name meant, and that is how he lived, until he met the Lord at Bethel as he fled from Esau. Once He trusted the Lord, he was changed by God. Even though Laban his father-in-law deceived him and changed his wages 10 times, Jacob did God's will for 20 years. Then, God told him to go home, and He would protect him. However, Jacob still had some fear of his brother. He sent gifts to calm Esau, and he stayed behind to pray for God's protection. That is when he wrestled with Jesus. Because he was so tenacious, Jesus gave him the name Israel. Jacob had struggled with God and with men, and he prevailed. He did not trick them. He simply kept trusting God and asking for His blessing. God honored that change with a new name, and he gave him favor with Esau, as He promised. Only God can bring such a change in our lives. I pray that we all have seen such a great change in our own lives.

Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 33-36.

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