Genesis 35:10 NKJV

And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel.

Genesis 35:10 NKJV

It is powerful to see the provision of change that God brings to Jacob by changing his name to Israel, from the seed of man to a seed of God.

Jacob in Hebrew means supplanter, heel grabber, or deceiver. It speaks of his natural behaviour of being sneaky and crafty, which reflects the fallen nature.

It points to his past that leads to eternal condemnation. For if there is no change, Jacob will be heading towards eternal death but praise be to God. His mercy stretched out to give Jacob a new and living way.

Israel in Hebrew means he strives with God or God prevails. It speaks of God's divine nature over the natural nature of man, receiving the favour, power, blessings, and grace of God which lead to eternal life.

God offered a divine exchange to Jacob to be Israel. God offered a new identity that reflects God, His power, and His plans.

Today, every believer in Christ has the privilege to live as a new creation of God. A privilege to be crowned with His glory and power to bring Him all the praise and glory.

The divine exchange has already taken place in every believer. It is up to us now to start living in Christ by living out of His power, His love, and His grace.

If we rest in what Christ has done, we will do what Christ did on this earth, saving life, healing the sick, casting out the devils, raising the dead, and setting people free from every oppression of the enemy.

Let us rise in our new nature, remain in our true identity that Christ has given, and practice the new life every day.

Live in the blessings,

Ps Ambrose