When Your Name Feeds Your Nature

Scripture Focus: Genesis 25:26 to 34; Genesis 27:6 to 36
Jacob’s name means “supplanter” or “cheat,” and sadly, he lived up to it for a large part of his
life. From the womb, he grabbed Esau’s heel, trying to pull himself ahead. Later, he made his
brother swear away his birthright for a bowl of food. Still not satisfied, he schemed with Rebekah
to steal the blessing through deception. He didn’t wrestle with swords. He wrestled with
schemes. Calm on the outside, but calculating within. He was the one who looked gentle, but
proved to be the most cunning. He didn’t just stumble into trouble. He planned his way into it.
But here is the lesson. Just because something has defined your past doesn’t mean it has to
own your future. Jacob’s name reflected his tendencies, but it wasn’t his destiny. God would
later change his name to Israel, because God always sees beyond who you are into who you
can become. Maybe life has called you by your flaws. Maybe you’ve lived up to labels you never
asked for. But God can rename and remold anyone. Your name may describe your history, but
it doesn’t have to determine your ending.
Prayer:
Lord, help me rise above every label and flaw that’s clung to my life. Rewrite my story and
rename my identity according to Your purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Further Reading: Genesis 32:27 to 28; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Isaiah 62:2.