Sometimes if a sheep refuses to follow his master, out of pure love the shepherd will break him. If necessary a good shepherd may break the sheep's leg. He will carry the sheep on His shoulders to keep it from harm and dependent on Him. The Good shepherd hopes the sheep will always follow Him, because he's the one who loves them.
He is their provider, caretaker, life.
They will die without their shepherd.
"So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.
Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak."
But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
The man asked him, "What is your name?"
"Jacob," he answered.
Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
Jacob said, "Please tell me your name."
But he replied, "why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.
So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."Genesis 32:24-30
Jacob wrestled all night. He didn't give up. He was determined. God knew Jacob's name. Why did he ask? In those days the meaning of one's name was part of one's identity. Jacob means: deceiver. He had to admit and face who he was. He did have much deceiving in his life. He was a liar and a cheat. God changed Jacob that night. He changed his identity. Israel means: struggles with God; or perseveres (to continue a course of action despite difficulty) Overcomer. Liar to Leader. Deceiver to Perseverer. A new name. a new identity. a makeover.
God changed Jacob physically also. He would have a limp forever. He would have to lean on God. God broke him. Many become bitter and turn away from God for breaking them. Jacob encountered God and clung to Him. He knew where blessings come from. He said,"I will not let you go unless you bless me." Let's Cling to God and become Overcomers! Don't Let Go! You need Him, piece of clay.
God can change our Spiritual walk forever too! Surrender. Become Who God wants you to be. Your true identity. When you don't understand, Cling. Lean not on your own understanding. Be Blessed. Be Courageous to fight your fight. Run your race. Persevere. Overcome. Hold On to God. Be Blessed. Be Courageous. Be Changed. Liar to Leader. Admitters. Overcomers. Who is a liar but he that denys Jesus Christ. 1John2:22 "He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son." Rev.21:7 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11 "...I know my sheep and my sheep know me.......I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd. ( See John 10 and Luke 15) Shalom
No comments:
Post a Comment