Sermon: Jacob’s New Identity
Text: Genesis 32:22-32
Title: "A New Identity for a New Year"
Key Text: Genesis 32:28 (NKJV):
"And He said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.'
Illustration:
Introduction
There was once a couple who moved from the Philippines to Hawaii in search of a new life. After living there for several years, the husband applied for U.S. citizenship. During the process, the officer asked him, “Would you like to change your name?”
Without hesitation, he said, “Yes.” His original name was Luciano, but he decided to simplify it and chose the name Luke. From that day forward, he became known as Luke.
But here’s the twist—whenever his wife gets upset with him, she has a sharp sense of humor. She would say, “You should’ve never changed your name to Luke. You should have gone with Lucifer instead because Luciano is closer to Lucifer than Luke!”
And do you know who this man is? He’s my grandpa.
"Happy New Year, Church! As we begin this new chapter in our lives, many of us carry hopes, dreams, and maybe even a few questions. Who am I becoming? What does God have for me this year? How do I move forward when my past still weighs me down?
New Years resolution:
1. Exercise more
2. Eat healthier
3. Save money or pay off debt
4. Lose weight
5. Spend more time with family and friends
6. Learn a new skill or hobby
7. Quit smoking or other bad habits
8. Travel more
9. Read more
10. Improve mental health
Today, I want to remind you: You don’t have to carry the weight of your old identity. God has a new name, a new purpose, and a fresh start for you. Just like Jacob in Genesis 32, you may have wrestled with struggles in your life—challenges that tested your faith and made you question your future. But I want you to know this: God is ready to meet you in your struggle, transform you, and give you a new identity.
Let’s dive into Jacob’s story and see how God turned a deceiver into a prince, a broken man into someone who prevailed. And let’s discover what God wants to do in your life as you step into this new year."
I. Jacob’s Moment of Isolation (Genesis 32:22-24)
"Let’s read Genesis 32:22-24:
'And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok. He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had. Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.'
Look at Jacob here—alone in the darkness. He had sent everyone and everything ahead. He was facing the greatest challenge of his life: meeting his estranged brother, Esau. The last time Jacob saw Esau, he had deceived him and stolen his blessing. Now, he feared Esau’s revenge.
This was a moment of total isolation. It was just Jacob, his fears, and his past. But Church, sometimes God allows these moments of isolation because it’s in the stillness, the quiet, that we finally hear His voice.
Some of us are uncomfortable being alone. We fill our lives with noise, distractions, and busyness to avoid facing what’s in our hearts. But let me ask you today: Have you been running from your fears? From your mistakes? God wants to meet you in that place. He wants you to stop running and start listening.
As we step into this new year, I challenge you: Take time to be still before God. Reflect on where you’ve been and ask Him where He wants to lead you."
II. The Struggle for Transformation (Genesis 32:24-26)
"Let’s continue in verse 24:
'Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!"'
Jacob wasn’t just wrestling a man—he was wrestling with God Himself. This wasn’t just a physical struggle; it was a spiritual battle. Jacob was fighting for a blessing, fighting for a new beginning.
But notice this: God touched Jacob’s hip and dislocated it. Jacob’s strength failed, and he was forced to realize he couldn’t win on his own. Church, sometimes God has to "touch" the areas of our lives where we feel strongest to show us that we need Him.
Let me ask you: What are you wrestling with as you step into this new year? Are you wrestling with fear? Doubt? Regret? Maybe you’re wrestling with God’s plan for your life. Like Jacob, don’t let go. Hold on to God in prayer. Declare, ‘Lord, I won’t let go until You bless me!’
Transformation isn’t easy. It’s messy. It’s painful. But it’s worth it. And God promises to meet you in your struggle."
III. A New Name, A New Identity (Genesis 32:27-28)
"Now look at verses 27-28:
'So He said to him, "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob." And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."'
God asked Jacob, ‘What is your name?’ Not because He didn’t know, but because He wanted Jacob to confront his old identity. The name Jacob means ‘supplanter’ or ‘deceiver.’ It was a reminder of his past mistakes and failures.
But God said, ‘Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel.’ Israel means ‘one who struggles with God’ or ‘God prevails.’ This wasn’t just a name change—it was an identity change. Jacob was no longer defined by his past. He was transformed by God’s grace.
Church, I don’t know what name your past has given you. Maybe you’ve been called ‘failure,’ ‘liar,’ ‘unworthy,’ or ‘forgotten.’ But I’m here to tell you: God has a new name for you. He calls you ‘child of God,’ ‘redeemed,’ and ‘victorious.’ Step into the identity He has for you. Let go of the past and embrace His transformation."
IV. The Mark of Transformation (Genesis 32:29-32)
"Finally, let’s look at verses 29-32:
'Then Jacob asked, saying, "Tell me Your name, I pray." And He said, "Why is it that you ask about My name?" And He blessed him there. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: "For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."'
Jacob left that encounter with a limp—a physical reminder of his transformation. That limp wasn’t a weakness; it was a testimony. It declared to the world that Jacob had been changed by God.
What about you? How has God marked your life? Maybe it’s through a trial you overcame, a lesson you learned, or a testimony you share. Don’t hide your limp—it’s proof of God’s power in your life.
As you enter this year, make it your goal to encounter God so deeply that you leave forever changed. Let this year be your Peniel—the place where you see God face to face."
Conclusion
"Church, Jacob’s story is your invitation to a fresh start. God wants to meet you in your struggles, rename your identity, and lead you into His purpose for your life.
This year, will you wrestle with God in prayer? Will you hold on until He blesses you? God isn’t just offering you a better year; He’s offering you a transformed life. Will you step into the identity He has for you?
Let’s pray."
Closing Prayer
"Lord, we come before You as we start this new year, asking for Your transformation. Meet us in our struggles. Touch the areas of our lives that need Your power. Give us the courage to let go of the past and embrace the identity You have for us. May this year be a testimony of Your grace, Your power, and Your blessing. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
