Genesis 32:28 And he said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince have you power with God and with men… What is power with God? Knowledge of God in Christ, as revealed in the Scriptures, forms the basis of all power with God. I. How DID JACOB OBTAIN THIS KNOWLEDGE OF GOD? In two ways — 1. By the instrumentality of pious parents. Isaac and Rebecca were the most Godly couple of the Old Testament families. They taught Jacob the first principles of, and the parental character of God; His wisdom, love, and power. 2. By a direct revelation of God's loving kindness to him in a time of great distress. II. POWER WITH GOD IS THE RIGHT APPLICATION OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN CHRIST AT THE RIGHT TIME, IN THE USE OF RIGHT MEANS TO ACCOMPLISH THE RIGHT END. 1. A crisis in the life of Jacob had arrived. A fearful episode in his life is revealed in the words, "And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother," &c. (Genesis 32:3, 4, 5, 6). Jacob wisely flies to God in prayer. In this crisis he makes a right application of his knowledge. 2. Jacob uses successful means to appease his brother's wrath. Knowledge of God in the Covenant of Grace by Jesus Christ, contains the knowledge of man. The greater includes the less. 3. Jacob uses the right means to secure the blessing of God. Power with God is knowledge of God applied by faith until the end is accomplished. (J. Brewster.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. |
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