What is your name?
Genesis 32:27
When the Man of God asked Jacob his name, he was not asking for mere identity nor personal information. This was a moment for Jacob to look into his soul and finally come face to face with his true nature. In spite of past successes and the accumulation of wealth, Jacob needed to admit that he was self-reliant and self-seeking. God will give him a new name that will identify him as now dependent on God.
Two days until Christmas Eve and not all the shopping is done. Gifts must be wrapped. Programs at church and school to attend. Have I purchased enough food for dinner? Why am I feeling left out or sad? There may be joy to the world but I find little in my soul.
There is nothing like the approach of Christmas to reveal who we really are and Who we really need. Someone once said, “Circumstances do not cause our reaction, they reveal our nature.”
Stop for a few minutes to glance at yourself and then gaze upon the One who gives us the new name of beloved child, accepted in Christ.
Written by Global Aid Network staff member Marilyn Ehle. Marilyn loves reading, writing, investing in the local church, and teaching others how to dig into Scripture.