 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Vayishlach - And He Sent
Torah - Gen. 32:4 - 36:43
Haftarah - Hosea 1:7-12:12
Apostolic: Matt. 17-18
Torah - Gen. 32:4 - 36:43
Haftarah - Hosea 1:7-12:12
Apostolic: Matt. 17-18
In This sidra we see the changing of Jacob's name to Israel. Names are
important to G-d, and He named all three of the patriarchs. He
changed Abram to Abraham meaning father of many nations. He chose
Isaac's name and announced it to Abraham before he was conceived.
Isaac means he laughs, due to his parents shocked laughter at G-d's
announcement. He changes Jacob's name meaning surplanter, to
Israel, and a nation is born.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are among the most significant people in
the Scriptures. But, their significance is not based on their personal
character but G-d's character. They were just like us, ordinary men
trying to please G-d, and often failing.
Jacob's life had four stages and each was marked by a personal
encounter with G-d. He lived up to his name "he deceives." The
name Jacob represented Jacob's life before encountering G-d, his old
nature. The name Israel represented Jacob's new nature and destiny.
An encounter with Almighty G-d is life-changing. II Cor. 5:17 tells us,
"Therefore if anyone is in Messiah, he is a new creature; the old things
passed away; behold, new things have come." Can you think of times
when G-d has made Himself known to you? Do you allow G-d to meet
with you as you study His Word? Sometimes we must wrestle with
G-d and grab on for dear life that we too may obtain the blessing of
fulfilling our destinies.
important to G-d, and He named all three of the patriarchs. He
changed Abram to Abraham meaning father of many nations. He chose
Isaac's name and announced it to Abraham before he was conceived.
Isaac means he laughs, due to his parents shocked laughter at G-d's
announcement. He changes Jacob's name meaning surplanter, to
Israel, and a nation is born.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are among the most significant people in
the Scriptures. But, their significance is not based on their personal
character but G-d's character. They were just like us, ordinary men
trying to please G-d, and often failing.
Jacob's life had four stages and each was marked by a personal
encounter with G-d. He lived up to his name "he deceives." The
name Jacob represented Jacob's life before encountering G-d, his old
nature. The name Israel represented Jacob's new nature and destiny.
An encounter with Almighty G-d is life-changing. II Cor. 5:17 tells us,
"Therefore if anyone is in Messiah, he is a new creature; the old things
passed away; behold, new things have come." Can you think of times
when G-d has made Himself known to you? Do you allow G-d to meet
with you as you study His Word? Sometimes we must wrestle with
G-d and grab on for dear life that we too may obtain the blessing of
fulfilling our destinies.
Ministry of Gates of Praise Ministries, Inc. Copyright Gates of Praise Ministries 2007