And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but
Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast
prevailed. (Genesis 32:28 KJV)
Israel means he will rule with God; or he
strives with God. It is a masculine form of the word Sarah; hence
a princely ruler.
If we take the new name literally, we conclude Israel
will rule as God enables him; as God directs him; as God gives him wisdom; as
God provides for him; as God assures him; as God rules him.
Martin E. Clark, Choosing Your Career states: “God
does not bring interests, experiences, abilities, or limitations into our lives
capriciously, but rather, purposefully. Consequently an examination of
ourselves and our past experiences can bring genuine insight into God's plan.” —Martin E. Clark, Choosing Your Career, P & R
Publishing, 1989.
God was not satisfied with a self-centered deceiver and
usurper. God was looking for a prince of a man, one who would allow himself to
be selflessly ruled in order to rule effectively. Effective leaders must be
good servants, not deceivers who grasp what they want.
God is looking for no less today. When He observes
our lives, He is not looking for Jacobs; He is looking for Israels. God desires
for us to submit ourselves to Him, allowing Him to direct our lives.
Leadership theory asserts: “A good leader must
first be a good follower.” God wants to makes us submissive followers, so we
can become effective leaders.
Once more I ask, Is God wanting to change your
name? Does He desire to transform you from a deceiver; a usurper into a true,
servant ruler?
THINK ABOUT IT.
https://www.amazon.com/author/normanlindsay
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