When Jacob wrestled all night with the Angel of the Lord he was given the new name, Israel, to replace his old name, “heel grasper” (supplanter/crook) (Gen 32:28). Much later the Lord appears to Jacob at Bethel and reminded him of his new name, and God Himself called him by his new name, Israel (prince, one who prevails) (Gen 35:9-15). His old name represented his past, and his new name represented his future. As with Jacob, we are called to live up to our new name, Christian, and live toward our future. We belong to Christ, and He changes our old Jacob nature to be shaped by the Image of the Prince we follow, living up to our new name.
Then God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Paddan-aram, and He blessed him. God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; You shall no longer be called Jacob, But Israel shall be your name.” Thus He called him Israel. Genesis 35:9-10 (NASB)
