Articles
Israel
One night, Jacob found himself in a bizarre wrestling match with a stranger (Gen. 32:24-32). They grappled through the night until daybreak was upon them. In the end, Jacob prevailed and for his victory, he demanded to receive a blessing. “Your name shall no longer be Jacob,” the stranger said, “But Israel, for you have striven with God and men and have prevailed” (Gen. 32:28). It turns out, this stranger was no ordinary man. Perhaps he was an incarnation of God—Jacob seems to think so (Gen. 32:30). Maybe he was an angel or some other spiritual being. Regardless of the stranger’s identity, God later confirmed Jacob’s new name (Gen. 35:10).
Most of us grew up knowing that God’s people, the descendants of Jacob, were called the Israelites, but it isn’t as common to know what that name means. One would not expect God’s people to be called “those who wrestle with God.” Unfortunately, the name proved to be very accurate.
God’s people constantly seemed to be fighting against Him. They disobeyed His commands at almost every turn. They rejected and persecuted the messengers that God sent their direction. And, as a result, they spent much of their existence facing God’s punishments against them.
Life for Israel was a fight—a constant wrestling match—against God. It’s sad.
In the New Testament there was a new covenant given which not only changed who God’s people were but also included a new name and a new relationship between those people and God. We are not Israel. We are not those who strive with God. Instead, we are called Christians (Acts 11:26). The word Christian refers to one who accepts and follows Christ.
For us, the conflict against God is over. Rather than striving against Him and His messengers, we are followers who learn from His Christ (Anointed One) and imitate Him.
The very name we go by calls on us to live in a more peaceful relationship with God. We are not supposed to be the type of people that resist His commands. We should humbly submit to His word (Jam. 1:21). That’s how it is supposed to be, anyway.
Have you ever seen a home in turmoil where a teenager disrespects his parents, yelling, mocking and disobeying everything every day? That’s the Old Testament. We are supposed to be like the grown child who appreciates everything his parents did for him and eagerly seeks out advice and treasures every moment he has with his parents. That’s the New Testament. That’s supposed to be us.
Have you learned to submit to God in such a way? Have you learned to stop fighting against Him?
