SCRIPTURE:

And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:28)

DEVOTIONAL:

In Genesis 32:22–26, a man named Jacob was running from his brother Esau. Esau was going to kill him because Jacob had stolen Esau’s birthright. 

And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok. He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had. Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” (Genesis 32:22–26)

This is Jacob talking to the angel of the Lord. God sent an angel to cause Jacob to rise up to his true identity. This shows us God’s grace and supernatural assistance. The account in Genesis goes on to say: So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Here God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. The end of the word “Israel” is “el” which means “God.” Jacob began reigning with God. Just like Jacob, as a joint heir with Christ, you too have been called to reign with God.

PRAYER:

Dear God, I praise Your holy Name! I thank You that You have called me to be a joint heir with Your Son, Jesus Christ, and I will reign with Him in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

This devotional is excerpted from Bill Winston’s book, Divine Favor, a Gift from God. To order this enlightening book, click here.

Listen to this devotional here.