The meaning of our name For all his life, Jacob had gotten rich at the cost of others. One night, God encountered him in a fierce struggle. After Jacob had resisted until the break of dawn, God wrenched his hip, and said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel." When translated, the Hebrew name Jacob means deceiver, whereas the name Israel means to rule. Just like God changed Jacob's name, thereby putting an end to his deceitful ways, our goal is that every Christian does not remain merely converted, but experiences a process of being transformed into the image of Christ.
Examples from the New Testament Encountering God can melt even the heart of stone. After spending just one day with Jesus, Zacchaeus, the tight-fisted chief tax collector, solemnly proclaimed his firm intention to distribute half of his wealth to the poor.
Encountering Christ turned a ruthless persecutor into one of the greatest servants of God in the history of all mankind. While Saul was breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, God had already chosen him as a vessel to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel.
The calling of God is given to men and women alike. The Samaritan woman had had five men and was known throughout the entire city for her dissolute life. When she encountered Jesus at Jacob's well, she recognized Him as the Messiah and lead the way for the entire city to meet the Savior of the world.
Jesus did not come on earth to please holy people; he came to seek and save the lost and to transform them into mighty instruments of God.
