After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them. (NIV) Genesis 25:26
Jacob was given his name because at the birth of the twins, “his hand took hold of Esau’s heel” (Genesis 25:26). Figuratively Jacob’s name means: “he deceives.” The deception did not stop at birth but rather became the pattern of Jacob’s life. Jacob “took hold” of Esau’s birthright that was given the firstborn son (Genesis 25:29-34). He continued to “take hold of” the possessions of others. . .he “took hold” of his father’s blessing (Genesis 27:1-29). . .He “took hold” of his father-in-law’s flocks and herds (Genesis 30:25-43; 31:1). Finally in the most dramatic moment of Jacob’s life, he “took hold” of God (Genesis 32:22-32). Even though Jacob was deceptive and did wrong to achieve his purposes, God in His sovereignty, blessed him.
What excuses do people around you use to rationalize their sinful behavior to achieve their purposes? What sinful behaviors do you rationalize to achieve your purposes? Will you “take hold” of God today, confess your sins, and allow Him to change you?
Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger
