Transformation series

     The story of Jacob is probably one of the most powerful stories of transformation and redemption that there is. I had read it a thousand times, but until a recent sermon, I had no idea how deep it actually was. 

    Jacob's name actually means "trickster" or "deceiver." And, from the very beginning, he embodied that as a part of his identity. He tried to pull his twin brother  back in so that he could be born first, he cheated his brother out of his birthright over a bowl of stew, and he tricked his dying father for a blessing. 

    Eventually, Jacob's actions caught up to him to the point that he took his family and was fleeing in the wilderness, where he engaged in an all night wrestling match with God. Jacob told God, "I won't let go until you bless me", which I had viewed as arrogant. After this, God asked Jacob what his name was. After Jacob identified himself, he asked God to identify himself because it was dark and his face couldn't be seen. God told Jacob that he didn't need to identify himself, but gave Jacob, not only a blessing, but a new name and identity.

    My pastor dissected this story a little bit for us, and it certainly opened my eyes and my heart to seeing all of it in a brand new way. It also resonated with me because I could identify with Jacob and his struggles.

    Jacob was running from his sins, his past, and the person he had become. He wrestled with God and demanded a blessing, not out of arrogance, out of desperation to not be that person any more. When God asked Jacob to identify himself, it wasn't just about Jacob's name. He was asking Jacob to unburden himself and confess his sins, to lay it all at God's feet. God knew who he was dealing with! But there is power in confession and surrender. When Jacob asked God to identify himself, it wasn't just about confirming what Jacob already knew- he wanted reassurance in how God was going to make the changes instead of just having faith that he would. And God, in his loving kindness, told Jacob that identifying himself wasn't necessary, but gave him the blessing.

    Suddenly, after one encounter with God, this man who lived his entire life under the identity of a deceiver had a new name, a new identity and a new future. He had the tenacity and the boldness to demand that blessing from God because he was tired of living life the way he had been, but knew the only one who could change him was God. He was vulnerable enough to lay it all down, and, even th0ough there was still a little bit of doubt, he walked away a new person. 

    We all know that with God all things are possible. We know that his word is iron clad truth. Personally, I have no difficulty believing in the miracles and transformation of God in other people's lives. But, I have a difficult time believing that it can happen in my life. Thank goodness that the power of God is stronger than my doubt, just as it was for Jacob!

    

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