Genesis 32:27-29 New International Version (NIV)


“Jacob,” he answered.


29 Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.”


God gave many people new names. Abram became Abraham. Simon became Peter. Their new names were symbols of how God had changed their lives. Jacob’s character changed. Because Jacob had struggled with God and would not let go without a blessing, his new name would better reflect him. Because he had changed in how he dealt with people, his new name would better show others whom he had become. Jacob had been an ambitious deceiver. He became Israel, the one who struggles with God and overcomes. How have you changed in your walk with God? Take time to take a look at how you have changed in character and how you work with people.