He Knows Your Name

Remember the story of Jacob and the night he wrestled with God…or His Angel?  All we know from the story is that Jacob said……” I have seen the face of God.” Yet he was using that phrase to mean that he knew that God wanted something from him and God interacted with him personally and physically.   

Jacob won the fight but was given a bad hip. He is often called the Deceiver from deceiving his father, Isaac. But God had plans for him.   He was given the new name of Israel.  It’s a fascinating story in Genesis 32:22. The name Israel means one in whom God rules.  

God asks Jacob, “What is Your name.” (Gen 32:27). Didn’t God know?   How would we answer that question?  Doesn’t He know my name is Barbara?  God doesn’t need my given name.  He already knows (plus all the hairs left on my head!} He really wants from me, and you are our true identity.  What does that mean?

 We must confess who we really are.  Inside.  Not the person we appear to be. 

This involves some introspection on our part.  Are we the dedicated Christian that we pretend?  How do we feel knowing that we are not really in control of our life?  Do we still struggle with our old “man” …the real me?  Are kidding ourselves that we are so strong in faith that nothing can move us?

Many times, it appears that God isn’t hearing us or even cares for us.  The Bible is replete with men and women who have felt the same.   He seems distant and aloof. 

Yet you and I must struggle with our faith.  We only know in part but as Paul writes, “We see through a glass darkly. (1 Cor 13:12) Yet, we know that God is there for me and you.  He’s ready to forgive us.  He wants to give us a new name, as He did with Jacob. 

Are we willing to release control of ourselves?  Are we willing to confess how little we really know?  Do we admit we are weak and sinful and seek repentance?  Have we done good deeds for our fellowman? 

Jeshua (Jesus) took upon himself what we cannot do.  He himself became our sin.  He obeyed in all ways that we cannot.  He gave that to us on the cross. 

When we walk by the Spirit, we no longer need to justify ourselves.  We confess our own lack of faith.  We must give up being in control! 

 We must confess our willingness to rely on God’s power to transform us and be a person after God’s own heart!  

            Be Happy!  He knows Your Name!