The Bible lists many names for God. The Lord of Hosts. I AM. The Almighty. However, there is one name that has always confused me. The God of Jacob. Why is God sometimes referred to as the God of Jacob? Why not the God of David? The God of Peter? Why is there a distinction?
Jacob was the grandson of Abraham, the father of the Jewish people. Unlike Abraham, Jacob often faltered in his faith. He was a conniver, even deceiving his father into thinking he was his twin brother Esau in order to steal his birthright. But it would all catch up with him. On the eve when he was about to be confronted by his brother, certain that his brother would kill him, God met him first. After literally wrestling and struggling with God for an entire evening, God crippled him and gave Jacob a new name, Israel. On that day, Jacob finally learned to become dependent upon God. No longer would he seek to do things his way, always attempting to manipulate situations and others for his selfish gain. He was broken by God. What was the result? God blessed Jacob with twelve sons who became the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel.
The LORD of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Psalms 46:11 (CSB)
Our God is a personal God. He is the One who created us and knows us better than we know our own self. He meets our needs and cares for us like no one else. When I cry out to the God of Jacob, I am crying out to my personal Lord and Savior who has mercy on this vessel, broken by sin. Like Jacob, I am beset with pride and overwhelmed with concerns of this world, attempting to manipulate situations by my own efforts and for my personal gain. I am continually looking inward, drowning in my sorrows, instead of looking upward, to the God of Jacob, our stronghold and fortress.
The God of Jacob.
He is the same God for believers in Jesus Christ who have experienced His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. There is a distinction and all should call upon His Name.
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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