WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

Genesis 32:27-28
27 [The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]!

28 And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed.

Our names show identity. In Genesis 3 the bible says whatever Adam called every animal remained as it's name even up till today. Jacob had been known as a supplanter. When he met God, He asked him of his name. Was the name of Jacob hidden from God? In other words God was asking him "how do you call yourself". He had been known for his schemes. God was asking him do you also call yourself a supplanter? Is that how you see yourself? God was not just requesting his name. He wanted his identity and his identity was how he saw himself.

When God asks a man a question it is meant to draw out what is in the man and establish what He wants. God looks at the end product of a situation not just the surface. He changed Jacob's name to Israel. God was telling him I have a covenant with you Jacob. You can't carry the image of a supplanter and remain in this covenant. Henceforth this is how you are going to see yourself and be known. What is your name? What is everyone calling you? How do you call yourself through your situations? Wrestle with The Lord in prayer. He will change your name. He says if we seek Him with our whole hearts we shall find Him. What does it mean to seek Him with our whole hearts? Jacob exhausted all that is was within his capacity in order to get to this place. He had to stay all night to get what He wanted. When we seek God to the point when our very life is at stake He will answer.

Glory To Jesus