Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

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Tag: Christ Ones

Renaming of Jacob – the Second time

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On March 15, 2021

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

When Jacob came out of Padanaram, in the land of Shechem (Genesis 33:18), and arrived at Bethel, God reappeared to him (Genesis 9:15) and blessed him. After blessing him, what God does first is He renames Jacob and tells him that he shall no longer be called Jacob, but he will be called Israel. Did you know that this is the second time God is renaming Jacob? The first time was when Jacob encountered and wrestled with God (Genesis 32:28) before he had met his brother Esau and reconciled.

Some observations that are noteworthy include:
1. When Jacob wrestled with God, he clung to God and refused to let go, pleading to be blessed (Genesis 32:26). Here without any plea, God takes the initiative to bless Jacob. Jacob’s act of obedience to move out of his house in Shechem, in a land that he ought not to have remained (Genesis 33:17), to a place that he recognized was the House of God (Bethel means The Beth (house) of El (God – Elohim)), resulted in blessings (Genesis 35:9). Obedience to the Lord is a reflection of one’s love for God (John 14:15) and when our faith is expressed in action, we are blessed to be a blessing.
2. The renaming of Jacob a second time is a reminder for Jacob to change his ways. Note even after God had told him that he would be called Israel and Jacob had had a name change, his heart had not changed. Even after his brother had reconciled with him, Jacob continued to deceive him by lying to him and telling him that he will follow Esau to where Esau was going, but instead, he went to Padanaram in Shechem and made for himself a house and booths for his cattle (Succoths) (Genesis 33:12-17) that brought a lot of trouble, involving rape, deception, murder, and dishonor to him and his family (Genesis 34). He continued to be a deceiver (supplanter) as his name meant, which was evident from his continued lying. God had to remind him that he was no longer to be called Jacob but that his life must reflect the character of Israel (who struggled with God) instead of continuing to deceive others and himself (James 1:22).

Points to ponder:
When we believe (have faith) in Jesus Christ and place our trust in him, moving out of our old lifestyle to come to a place in our life where God is worshipped and reigns, it is important to recognize that being called Christians and not living as Christians can be dangerous, disastrous and bring dishonor to God. Do you and I need to be reminded of who we are, if God was to appear to us now? Would he find us still living a Jacob – deceptive lives – or will he find us worthy of ones who struggle to live as sons and daughters of God? Will you and I have to be renamed?

Now if you have never believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, this is your time to believe and accept him to be your God and he will give you a new name – a name that signifies that you belong to him – a Christ-one or Christian.

Genesis 35:9-15 (KJV)
9 And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him.
10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.

7 Steps in Christian Life :: Step 1 – Accept

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On December 3, 2012

In 7 Step Program, Christian

Christian life begins with Christ and continues with Christ, but as we live for Christ what are some of the steps one has to take.

The first time the word “Christian” was used in Antioch, it was used to mean “Christ Ones” (Acts 11:26). In other words, it was meant to designate those who belonged to Christ Jesus. Step 1 in Christian life is “to belong” or to “Accept” (receive) the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible affirms that to as many as those who received (accepted) him (Jesus Christ), even to them that believe on his name, he gave them the power to become the sons of God (belong to God’s family).

Points to ponder:
Step 1 in Christian life is to Accept Jesus Christ by receiving the gift of God (John 3:16).

The prodigal son who was first with the Father, chose to be in control and go his own way. After wasting his substance, he was in want and was sent to feed swine, only to find himself groveling with the pigs. He realizes his folly amidst the famine and recognizes that his only sensible option was to return to the Father, and seek to be hired as a servant (not a slave). The Father who was waiting for him eagerly, accepts him with open arms, despite his rebellion, not as a servant but as his son.

You can choose to receive Jesus Christ or reject Jesus Christ but to them that received him, he gave them power to become the sons of God. The choice is yours – but remember, even if you reject him, he is willing to receive (accept) you. I took the first step to belong to Jesus Christ over two decades ago and am unashamed to be called a Christian. Have you taken YOUR first step?

John 1:12 (KJV)
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Luke 15:11-32 (KJV)
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

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