MORNING MEDITATION

“A New Name!”

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“A New Name!”(Gen.32:22-32).
After years of exile, Jacob, through his uncle and with God on his side, became a prosperous man. Though he had been well established in a foreign land, he was nostalgic for home. Home was where he belonged. Home was the promised land. Home is home.
But home had some bitter mememories. He had cheated his brother Esau of his birthright and with help from their mother he also stole Esau’s blessings. Esau vowed to kill him when their father die.
As Jacob neared home, he divided his properties and family, sent them to safe areas and prepared to meet Esau alone. Knowing how deeply he had wronged his brother, Jacob was still cautious because the guilty are always afraid.
While alone at night he had his second encounter with God who appeared as a man and wrestled with Jacob all night. On his flight Jacob had seen God in a dream at Bethel(Gen.28:10ff), but on this return trip the encounter was not a dream. Jacob saw God face to face.
When the man asked to be allowed to go, Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” After some random questions and answers, the man blessed Jacob. Jacob’s name was also changed from Jacob to Israel.
Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”
In the world of man life is a struggle against sin; and the delight in sin is a struggle against God. When we win against sin, we become new creations.
We are not going to see God face to face and yet live. “For no man has seen God face to face and live.” But with the eyes of
faith we see the risen Lord Jesus Christ who is God incarnate.
And when we see the risen Lord Jesus Christ our lives are renewed and we are blessed.
After Jacob’s encounter with God, he became an overcomer. There was no reason for him to be afraid to meet his brother boldfaced. In the same way, when we encounter God and receive his blessings, we can have no reason to be afraid of our adversaries! We are overcomers! Hallelujah!
Say it loud in prayer: “Thank you LORD for my new name, ‘Overcomer’ for I have encountered the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!”
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.

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