Scripture Reading: Genesis 27:30-40
“And Esau said, ‘Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, and now look, he has taken away my blessing!’”—Genesis 27:36
A friend gave wise counsel to her daughter, who was about to name her firstborn son. “You are naming a man, not a child, so be careful in the name you select,” she said. “Be mindful of any nickname you allow him to be called because that name could stay with him for the rest of his life.” A name is more than a cute reference to a child. It carries meaning, often defining the individual’s personality and how they are perceived. A name should not be the basis for ridicule or shame, but establish who it is we aspire to be.
So, it is worth noting the name Isaac and Rebekah gave to their younger twin son, Jacob. The name signifies “Supplanter,” one who takes the place of another, as through force, scheming, or strategy (Dictionary.com). Born clutching the heel of Esau, his older twin brother, Jacob would scheme and maneuver his way into favor. He bought the family birthright from his hungry brother with a bowl of stew (which reveals Esau’s low regard for his own birthright). Then, with his mother’s encouragement, Jacob deceived his father to steal the blessing reserved for his brother.
Jacob, the schemer, manipulator, and supplanter had lived up to his name.
Decades after supplanting his brother, Jacob is set to meet Esau once again. The night before, Jacob wrestles with an angel until daybreak. As morning comes, the angel tells Jacob to let go but Jacob refuses until he is blessed by the angel. The encounter redefines Jacob’s identity. The angel declares he is no longer Jacob the Supplanter, but Israel, “Prince with God.” He had struggled with God and with men, and prevailed (Genesis 32:28).
From that moment in the text, I read the story of this man now known as Israel a little differently. He is the same person with human frailties and flaws, but somehow transformed. Labeled “Prince of God,” perhaps now he feels compelled to live according to his new title, and shun the liabilities of the former name. At least in my sight, he is different, simply because God says he is different.
Names are labels, mere words, but they are words with power. They label, define, and inspire us; even stand ready to predestine us to a particular end. Like Israel, who you are at the beginning of your life is not the end of your story. You may live with the name others have given you, or one you have given yourself—a name that defines you in negative or unkind terms. But the only name that matters is what God calls you at the end of your journey.
Question to Ponder: If we become what we are called, what do you call yourself?
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”—Romans 8:37
