[The Man] asked him, What is your name? And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]! And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed. [Hos. 12:3–4.]”

Genesis 32:27–28 AMPC

When someone asks our name, we immediately introduce the name given to us by our parents or guardians. But when someone asks what kind of person we are, not all of us are honest enough to reveal our true self or the flaws we carry. Somewhere, in some hidden corner, our real self is often concealed under pride, ego, fear, or shame. At times, we wrestle within ourselves and lose our peace over it.

The Bible encourages us not to conceal our transgressions, but to confess them in order to obtain mercy.

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 ESV

In this passage, we learn about a man named Jacob. Along with his family, he was leaving his father-in-law’s place. He sent everyone across the stream, and when he was left alone, he contended with the Angel of the Lord all night. He refused to let Him go until he received a blessing.

The Angel of the Lord asked him, What is your name? Jacob replied with his past identity—Jacob, meaning supplanter, schemer, trickster, and swindler. He did not hesitate to acknowledge who he truly was or the mistakes of his past. And when he revealed his identity honestly, God gave him a new name—Israel, which means one who wrestles with God, one who contends with truth, who may fall but rises again and does not give up.

A nation was birthed the moment Jacob revealed who he was. The path to a new life was opened, the way to the promise was revealed, and greatness was unveiled. Jacob called that place Peniel, because he saw God face to face.

God asked Jacob his name not because He did not know who Jacob was, but because He gave Jacob the opportunity to confess his true self. When Jacob did, light shone upon him, and a new blessing was released—one that paved the way for a holy generation.

In the same way, when we confess our sins and bring our flaws, identity, shortcomings, and failures before God, He is faithful to forgive us and give us a new name—a new, purpose-driven identity that carries His glory. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we receive this forgiveness and new identity. As we believe and accept the Messiah as our Lord and Savior, God reveals who we truly are in Him, and we, too, encounter Him face to face.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give us the courage to be honest before You. Wash us by the blood of Jesus, forgive our sins, and clothe us with a new identity in You. Lead us into Your promises and let Your glory be revealed through our lives. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.