God is not suddenly forgetful. It's not like He doesn't know who this is. This is God calling upon Jacob to remember who he is. He is Jacob. Deceiver. Grasper. Out of control, but always trying to work the angle. But God gives him a new name: Israel, God fights. This had to be mind-blowing to Jacob - God fights? Is it that God fights against him? No, not really - it is that God fights for him. Jacob declared, "I will not let you go until you bless me" - only to discover that it is God who will not let him go. God will not abandon His promise. His word is sure. This question is all about identity. The ONLY ONE who gets to tell us who we are - is God and God alone. I am not my sin. I am not my struggle. I am not my failure.  I am His.

Going Through the Motions - Right Thinking

What Is Your Name?

Genesis 32:24-31

Three lessons God is trying to teach Jacob in this encounter:

1. I know who you are. (Genesis 32:27)
2. I know who I created you to be. (Genesis 32:28)

Name Change

Jacob - Trickster, Heel Grabber

Israel - Triumphant with God

               3. I am the God of New Beginnings. (Genesis 32:30-31)

Final Thought: 

God will bring the blessing of new beginnings if I will bring my brokenness.