And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” So he called his name Israel.
Genesis 35:10 (ESV)
Father, as this verse simmers in my spirit, my mind immediately goes to all of the bad names I have been called by others. In Jacob’s case, his name meant “heel catcher”, implying that he was always trying to take advantage of someone else, a deceiver. And as we look at his life, the name stuck, making him not fully trustworthy.
As I look at what folks have called me, whether based upon my behaviors or appearance, how many of those labels have stuck, influencing how I respond to others and the world? What’s worse, how many labels have I attempted to define myself by, positive names that I and others have placed on me, that I have been unable to live up to? I have tried to “fake it ’til I make it”, deceiving myself and others, putting up a façade. In those instances I was wrestling with the self-imposed label of “hypocrite”, “fake”, and “phony” as I pretended to be something that I was not. On the outside folks thought I was legit. On the inside, I knew differently.
So, I pray that You would enable me to not only internalize the gospel truth in this verse today, but to walk in the confidence that should be mine because I am Yours. It is not just good news. It is great news for my soul to know that I am no longer defined by what I have and am doing, that I have been claimed, cleansed and renamed by You! Like Jacob, I am no longer called “deceiver” but am called heir and co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:16-17)! Like Jacob, You have given me a new name (Revelation 2:17)! Yes, I may walk through life with a spiritual limp, the outward sign of my true weakness. But I embrace it, knowing that You have wrought a change within me and You are my strength! Cause that reality to percolate deep down within my soul, bubbling over in sounds of joy.
Lord, today I proudly put the label of redeemed, saved, delivered, loved, friend, and child of God on my chest. I embrace that I am still a work in progress, can’t get it right, in need of regular grace injections. I thank You for loving me not because of but in spite of. It only causes me to love You all the more! I embrace and fully receive what You Spirit has declared regarding me this morning. Thank You! Amen.