The Rebranding God 

God on Monday
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Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.(...) Then the man said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32: 24-28 ) 

Reflection

We can easily be diverted from our God-given calling and destiny. This can end up with us losing all sense of our identity in Christ. We are left struggling to fit in where we do not belong, with all the lack of fulfilment this entails.

What significance does the story of Jacob wrestling with God have for those of us who often seek our identity only in our work, status, achievements, or possessions?

First is the importance of solitude and vulnerability to finding God’s will for our lives.  Jacob was alone when he heard God’s voice. Finding our identity in Christ, rather than in anything else, is likely to involve us turning aside from all the noise and distraction that is so characteristic of contemporary culture. The vulnerability involved in such isolation will make us more open to hearing God’s voice.

Perseverance is the second thing we can learn. Jacob persevered in order to be blessed. Despite physical injury, he did not give up the fight until his name was changed. When pursuing our calling becomes challenging, we are prone to give up, not realising that we are at the dawn of a breakthrough. Perseverance gives us the tenacity, despite setbacks, to find our God-ordained destinies.

As we find solitude, vulnerability and perseverance, God will give us the strength to fight life’s battles, including those we encounter in our work. God will also, as He does with Jacob, rebrand us. He gives us a new name (cf Rev 2.17) that reflects our identity in Christ.

Response

During one of the times Jesus withdrew from people in order to pray, He defeated the devil who wanted to divert Him from His calling and destiny. Let us also find solitude, vulnerability and perseverance to engage in the spiritual battle that is needed to find and embrace God’s purpose for our lives. In fighting that battle, call to mind some of the things the Bible tells us about our identity as heirs of Christ. 

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you that our identity is not something we need to devise but comes from you as a gift. Help us to share this liberating truth with those around us, especially those who have had false identities forced upon them. In Jesus name, Amen.

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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment.   

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