Genesis 32:28 And he said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince have you power with God and with men… There is one result of this change of name, which is familiar to us all, and will continue to the end of time: the descendants of the patriarch Jacob became known as the Children of Israel. My text, in this connection, shows the origin of the change. Jacob was a man of prayer. It was good for him to draw near to God; and surely God drew near to him this memorable night. In the likeness of a man He approached, "and wrestled with Jacob until the breaking of the day." It was an age of figures and emblems; things physical were used to denote things spiritual; and doubtless, in this midnight conflict, Jacob's prayerfulness was tried. And how does he stand the test? The Divine wrestler prevailed not against him Jacob's faith was not weakened by the protraction of the struggle. Here is a model for us — a model of closeness of communion, of unwavering confidence, of pious importunity in prayer. And if a model, what an encouragement! The change of name. Observe his first name — Jacob. This is a word which conveys no favourable omen; it means "supplanter" — "one taking hold of the heel" — "a layer of snares." It suggests a very faulty character. A man who is ready to descend to petty shifts and crafty stratagems, in order to gain some personal advantage, can never be ranked with the loftiest of his fellows. Jacob, the supplanter does not show to advantage besides Daniel, or beside his own son, Joseph. But now observe his second name Israel. What a difference of meaning — "a prince of God." The difference between the two names is immense; so that it is difficult to imagine how both could belong to one man. For here is a prince of loftiest creation — other titles are bestowed by earthly sovereigns, but this by the King of kings. 1. It is a title implying the loftiest service. Some royal commissions are of doubtful dignity, but this is given by One "glorious in holiness." 2. It implies the loftiest communion. A prince has access to the throne at times when others are debarred. A "prince of God" is one who holds intimate fellowship with Jehovah. 3. It implies, also, the loftiest influence. All ranks look up to the prince. So, O Israel, shall all people look up to thee. And why this change? It was the reward of faith in God; "as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." The blessing Isaac gave him, he got by fraud; but this which God gives him, he got by faith. Brother, what is your first name? What does God call you in your unregenerate state? Names that you might well blush to bear; names that your natural pride can hardly tolerate to listen to; names which often perhaps awake your anger and your enmity! Listen! for it is God that speaks. He calls you names of complaint, of reproach, of threatening. He calls you unmindful, unjust, ungrateful; calls you foolish, depraved, corrupt; earthly, sensual, devilish; a child of wrath and heir of perdition. These, and such as these, are the names you bear. And, O my brother! these names are more than names — they denote facts; they express realities! What complacency can you have, then, in your degenerate state? how bear to reflect on the being that you arc? One might fancy that Jacob never thought on the meaning of his first name without being ashamed! and can you think of the names that belong to you without burning shame? But is it not possible to change your name? Must you always go about with the brand on your brow? Read this sacred book and see! Here I find the record of not a few whose names God changed. And the change — O how marvellous! They were sinners against God — now they are called Saints of God. They were condemned — but are now justified; pronounced guilty — but are now declared righteous. They were once rebels — they are now subjects, servants, friends. "They are called God's people, that were not God's people; and those beloved, that were not beloved." Nay, brethren, there are dearer titles still — titles which admit them into God's family, and permit them to share His glory. And it is no mockery to say that these are given to the same persons who once bore those hard and repellent names. The monarch's sword has been ]aid on the shoulder — or rather, instead of the sword, the "golden sceptre" of Divine favour; and the name has been declared changed. Down, child of wrath — Rise, child of God! Down, heir of perdition — Rise, heir of heaven! It is this that has moved the wonder and fired the praise of multitudes gone before us. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God." "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." How has this change been brought about? By faith in God! Taking Him at His word — meeting Him as He approaches — laying hold of His strength — and resolving not to let Him go until He bless you! (F. Tucker, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. |
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