Ah, Jacob, you rascal you.  What shall we call you?  Usurper, Cheater, Heel Grabber, Imposter, Deceiver, Momma’s Boy, Schemer, Refugee, Patriarch, Israel – one who struggles with God, Limpy, Forgiven, Father of 12 Tribes, Blesser of his sons, Ancestor of Jesus, Our forefather in the Faith.

We shall call you, “One of us.”  Who of us has not usurped the place of God in our lives?  Who of us have not cheated God of all that is rightfully his?  Who of us has not posed as more pious than we are?  Who of us have not schemed to cover up our sins and make ourselves look better than we are?  Who of us has not struggled with God?  Who of us have not limped between faith and unfaith?  Who of us has not been forgiven through Jesus’ death on the cross?

What shall we call you, Jacob?  We shall call you “one of us” in Christ.  You are our brother in the faith. What shall we call you?  We shall call you brother.

Early in Jesus Galilean ministry he encountered a man named, Nathaniel.  Nathaniel said, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”  Apparently, Nazareth didn’t have much of a reputation.  Jesus was not affronted by Nathaniel’s insult to his hometown.  He said, “Behold, an Israelite in whom is no deceit.” Jesus again refers to Jacob, “…You will see heaven opened, and angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:43-51)

What shall we call ourselves?  We shall call ourselves,” Jacob.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, scepter that rises out of Jacob, lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, rule our hearts through your suffering cross and forgive us our sins, that we may become partakers of Your divine life; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.