Greetings members and friends and welcome to another commentary and preview to this Sunday’s study of the Word. This Sunday’s study text is entitled “Jacob Called Israel” and it is based on Genesis 32:22-32.
Much has happened in the life of Jacob since his brother Esau agreed to exchange his birthright for some of Jacob’s food. He had fled his father’s house and gone to live with his mother’s brother. He had married both of his first cousins and between them and their handmaids, he had fathered eleven sons.
In that same time with the blessing of God, he had managed to become quite a wealthy and prosperous man by ancient near eastern standards. He had also had an encounter with God where he pledged allegiance to Him in exchange for His protection and blessing and safe return to his home someday.
In the study text today, Jacob has decided to return to the land of his birth. As he nears the final approach, he is uncertain what he will find or what his brother will do or how he will react to his return. He had sent ahead of himself several gifts for his brother Esau in an effort to smooth things over with him. At last, he sent his family across the final stretch of land before encountering his brother.
Before the break of day, Jacob found himself wrestling with someone who turned out to be someone with the power to bless him with what appears to be a divine blessing. The blessing lied in the ability to change his name from Jacob to Israel. I believe it was in response to the manner in which Jacob had witness a change in the way he saw himself, others and God.
Jacob was not the same man he was when he left. His new name reflected this new life and attitude and how God would use him to continue His covenant and promise to Abraham. Jacob’s new name can be viewed as a new birth or new beginning that signals a new relationship.
The same can be said of those who experience a new life and relationship with God by placing their trust and faith in Him.
Well, be sure to look over the study again and come prepared to offer your comments, questions and perspective on the meaning of the study. If you can’t attend your own Sunday School class this Sunday, you can join us live and online at 9:00 am at www.fbmbc.org and clicking the online services link.
You can also join us live by dialing 508 924-2890. If you have any comments or questions, be sure to place them in the comment section or you can share them on Sunday. So, let’s all have a great lesson and discussion this Sunday and remember to fear God and keep His commandments.
Pastor Jordan
