Who are you?

When Jacob was wrestling with the angel in Genesis 32, we note that the angel starts up a conversation with him:

27 “What is your name?” the man asked.

He replied, “Jacob.”

28 “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.”

This may seem like a random question to ask, especially as the angel must have already known Jacob's name. However, we feel there is something deeper at play in this exchange. Is it possible that the angel was wanting Jacob to own up to who he truly was - he was the deceiver - the one who grabs the heel. And when Jacob accepts who he is, the angel moves him into a new dispensation - he is ready for change.

Sometimes we think that we need to change BEFORE God loves us. In fact, God already loves us, and when we accept this, we can begin the important transformation in our hearts and lives.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The forgotten name

Anyone who is among the living has hope - even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!

"For the living know that they will die,
but the dead know nothing;
they have no further reward,
and even their name is forgotten.

Their love, their hate
and their jealousy have long since vanished;
never again will they have a part
in anything that happens under the sun." - Ecclesiastes 9:5-7

Solomon uses very strong imagery in these 3 verses for today. The image of a live dog and a dead lion is fascinating. I guess he assumes that a live lion would defeat a dog in battle every time, but there would be no fear in a dog if the lion was lying dead. What do you make of this point?

The other image that struck me was that the person who lives for themselves will receive their reward in this life only -  and when they are dead, their name will be forgotten. What a strong reminder to live for God and for others? The name of a person is such an important thing and when someone is willing to win at all costs they will inevitably end up crossing other people to get what they want. This will tarnish their name and make others think less of them.

"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble." - Charles Spurgeon

Living in Grace

D3LM3

I call you "Daughter!"

                                                        

Carrying on with yesterday's story from Mark 5, which includes the unnamed woman who had been suffering with a Haemorrhage for 12 years, we note something remarkable....

Although she has not been given a name (by Mark) she would have obviously had her own name. Jesus knows that she is a person of value, and despite her suffering, Jesus calls her by a new name in this powerful account.

Jesus calls her 'Daughter', which may seem like a generic term to most of us, but for this woman it would have been life-changing. Not only was she excluded from worship (for at least 12 years), but she was yet to encounter the Messiah. This moment, brings her physical healing and the beautiful gift of becoming a child of God.

Isaiah 62:2 -"The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow."

Thought: Sometimes we have to go through trials and suffering to truly discover that we are valued and loved by God. God knows our names and he calls us to be a part of his family.

Living in Grace

D3LM3