Hope for Transformation

The story of Jacob is an amazing chronicle of the grace of God, reminding readers of the labyrinth of selfishness from which he has brought us. Jacob symbolizes all human persons living in sin. Jacob's name is illustrative. He was a twin, and when he was born he grasped the heel of his twin brother; therefore, the name Jacob means "the one who takes by the heel" or "the one who supplants." His character is one of "graspiness"

and is the essential biblical picture of sin: pushing to achieve one's own way.

Incredibly enough, God loved Jacob, and it was through Jacob that God intended to raise up the nation out of which would come the Savior of the world. It seems unbelievable that God could use such a deceitful person to continue the process of redemption. However, God indicated the way his plans would be fulfilled in the new and transforming name he gave to Jacob, the supplanter. It was Israel, meaning "let God rule." The sovereign God who cares enough about a single, self-seeking person to turn him or her into a world changer is that person's only hope.

In God alone there is hope for the transformation of the grasping human heart.

From This Day with the Master

by Dennis F. Kinlaw