But now thus says the Lord Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel, Do not be in awe! For I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name! You are Mine. Isaiah 43:1 ONMB
Jacob (Father of the 12 tribes) was created, but Israel was formed (transformed). Our patriarch, Jacob, wrestled with God by the brook called Jabbok. There God changed his name to Israel. You can review the story in Genesis 32.
I see in this a picture of our regeneration in Jesus Christ. It foreshadows the “born again” experience. Jacob was created, as we all are, in the likeness of the man of dust (Adam). But Jacob wrestled with God all night and asked for a blessing. The blessing he received was a new name: Israel, which means “Prevailing with God” (ONMB pg. 46). Jacob’s new name characterized his transformed life.
Much of the spiritual significance of Jacob’s redemption experience is found in the meaning of the names. Jacob means “Follow Close After” (ibid), as in being birthed closely after his twin brother. Again, the name Israel means “Prevailing with God.” And the name of the brook (Jabbok) means “to empty itself” (Jewish Virtual Library). Before Jacob entered the Promised Land, he emptied himself (Jabbok); he wrestled all night, and Prevailed with God (Israel). His experience changed is walk forever because he limped on account of his hip.
My take away is that even though I follow closely after God, to reach the promises, I must empty myself. I must persistently wrestle in prayer, all night if needs be. If I never give up praying through the night season, then God will bless me. I will prevail with God! And my walk with God will never be the same.
These spiritual promises are for you too! God is the One who transforms our nature! God is the One who gives us a new name! God is the only One who can change a heart. Follow closely after HIM! Empty yourself! Persist in prayer! You will be blessed! You will prevail with God! Amen!