The God Who Renames and Reveals

Genesis 32:27-29

²⁷And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” ²⁸Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” ²⁹Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him.

(ESV)

Thought:
Here Jacob must confront the reality of who he is. His name means deceiver. He has always been someone who gets his way through lies and trickery, just as he has experienced himself at the hands of his uncle Laban. But now God gives him a new name, Israel, he who wrestles with God.

No longer will he deceive and trick to get what he wants, but rather now he will wrestle with God to get it. But then Jacob asks for this mysterious figure’s name. But he, who we know to be God, responds “Why is it that you ask my name?”

A name in that time, was more than just an identifier, particularly in relation to gods, it meant to have access to them, to know their name was to have this ability to use their power and ability, to have inner access. God has given Jacob what he needs in order to face his brother, so God questions why he needs to know his name. This is possibly Jacob trying to gain some kind of leverage over God, but God will not allow it, he will partner with Jacob but he will not be manipulated or controlled by him. And it also points to one of the greatest truths about God, he will reveal himself when he sees fit.

Samson’s father asked a similar question of the angel of the Lord, but the angel responds “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?” - Judges 13:18 Wonderful here means beyond understanding. People have always sought to know more of God but often so they can manipulate him, control him in some way. They want him to reveal things he has chosen not to reveal. He has revealed what he needs to and desires to reveal, and we are graced to have received his greatest revelation of all. His own son.

Jesus is the image of the invisible God, he is everything we could ever wish or need to know about God. But yet we desire more revelation from God, thinking Jesus hasn’t told us enough.

Jesus is all we need, everything else is too wonderful for us at the moment, beyond our understanding. So take delight in what God has revealed to you, don’t pursue that which he hasn’t. He has given the best, not the crumbs of the floor.

Reflection:
As I go about my day, I need to recognise the places where I want more clarity, more answers, or more revelation than God has chosen to give. Instead of pushing for control or trying to force understanding, I can rest in what He has already revealed in Jesus. Today I need to apply this by trusting that what God has shown me is enough, and by letting go of the urge to demand more than He has given.

Prayer:
As I go about my day, I need to recognise the places where I want more clarity, more answers, or more revelation than God has chosen to give. Instead of pushing for control or trying to force understanding, I can rest in what He has already revealed in Jesus. Today I need to apply this by trusting that what God has shown me is enough, and by letting go of the urge to demand more than He has given.