Genesis 32:29
Then Jacob asked him and said, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “why is it that you ask my name?” And he blessed him there.
I’m going out on a limb this morning. I can’t say I know why God blessed him, but I’m going to speculate. Jacob is showing interest in God and is trying to get to know him better. This is what people do, they introduce themselves. As parents, we reward behavior that we like in our kids. It could be that God is doing the same with Jacob.
God wants us to pursue Him. Matt 6:33 says to “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all of these things shall be added to you.” Mark 12:30, 31 says the greatest commandment is loving God.
In my early days, my only interest in God was what He could do for me. I’m still guilty of this, but more of my communication towards Him is gratitude and attempts to know Him.
What was the blessing? Was it a peace that settled over him? Was it the beginning of prosperity? Was it the changed nature that was mentioned? God had just told him that he would no longer be Jacob, but Israel. Instead of being the manipulator of people, he would now strive with God.
Lord, help us to have a healthy relationship with You