Day 12 | Jacob

Have you ever thought about what your name means? Did your parents pick it because it means “warrior” or “beautiful,” or did they name you for a person they knew, perhaps a relative? Names in the Bible often mean something and give an indication of a person’s character. “Jacob” means “one who hides his own intentions.” Deceiver.

Jacob lived up to his name. The way in which he was born, grasping his brother’s heel, was only the beginning. He tricked Esau out of his rightful inheritance as the firstborn son. As Isaac lay dying, he tricked his father into giving him the blessing.

The fact that their mother Rebekah was on Jacob’s side wasn’t enough to protect him. He had to flee.

In his flight, he encountered God. God didn’t wait until Jacob had his act together. In the middle of the night, while Jacob was on the run, God met him in a dream.

God promised Abraham land, descendants, and blessing. In Genesis 28, God promised the same thing to Jacob, and something more: “I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised.” Jacob woke from his dream and realized God was in that place, and he set up a stone pillar to remember it as a place of worship.

God meets us where we are, knowing our disobedience and unhappiness. Through Jesus Christ, God offers us forgiveness, hope, and a future with him. What he wants from us in return is the same thing he wanted from Jacob: recognizing that he is God and worthy of worship. Not just on a Sunday morning, but every day!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for loving me where I am! Help me to love you in every circumstance and in every moment. Amen.