God changes His name.

Matthew 1:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers...

Matthew leads us to the genealogy or account of Jacob. Jacob must have been intriguing for Matthew. Perhaps, he could personally relate or identify with HIS STORY or history. Here was an Old Testament man that wrestled with men and with God. Yet, the story informs us that Jacob was one who overcomes. He was a man changed by his encounter and experience with God which became a testimony and witness to those around him. Jacob left behind a godly legacy for his people and generation.

My friend, if you haven't read Jacob's story of wrestling with God - you should! It is fascinating and found in the book of Genesis chapter 32:22-32. There are a lot of types, symbols and foreshadows throughout his life. Yet, especially in this narrative! Here is a basic recap:

Jacob was left alone. He wrestles with God until daybreak. God touches a tender spot in Jacob (his thigh). That tender spot is wrenched and torn out of socket. Yet, Jacob continues to wrestle with the Lord. He is confronted. He is asked his name. Once, he realizes "who he is" vs. "who he is not" his name is changed. Jacob doesn't leave this place or let go until He receives God's blessings. Afterwards, he creates a memorial. (After all, he has struggled with man and also with God only to overcome!) Henceforth, Jacob returns back to his family. Yet, his walk is much different and so is his name. Jacob is no longer a man "grabbing at the heel" of another, but rather ISRAEL or "he who turns the head of God."

That is Matthew in a nut-shell except Matthew is a New Testament man who wrestled with men and God as well. Remember, Levi was his Jewish name. Matthew became his Greek name which means "gift of Jehovah." Levi was a tax-collector for the Roman government. Tax collectors weren't liked any better THEN than they are NOW. Besides the fact that he was a tax-collector, he was a Jew working for the Romans to collect taxes from his own countrymen. This was doubly offensive to his people. You see, the Romans ruled Israel at this time and any Jew who was willing to work for the Romans was considered a traitor or a sinner (Mt. 9:11).

Now, talk about an identity crisis or going against the grain of custom or culture! Yet, Matthew experienced an encounter with the Messiah that changed his walk, identity and name as well. Jesus approached Matthew where he was at in life - right in the middle of collecting taxes. Yet, you have to love this part! The Bible says, "And as he passed by...He said to him, "Follow me." Matthew immediately got up and followed him. Henceforth, Levi or Matthew returns back to his family and people. Yet, his walk is much different and so is his name too. Matthew is no longer a man similar to Jacob "grabbing at the heel" of another to collect taxes, but rather a disciple who "turns the head of God" as well. Matthew leaves behind a godly legacy just like his predecessor!

Matthew is simply pointing us to the Messiah as he reminds of us of the genealogy of Christ. First, HE is seen in others; like Jacob. Second, He is seen in Matthew; himself. Matthew's life and experiences are similar to Jacob - in that both men have an encounter with God leaving behind a godly legacy and remarkable testimony. Both become great witnesses for the LORD.

We can use HIS STORY and history to do the same! How? Has there ever been an instance in your life when you have been left completely alone with God? A time between just the two of you? A moment when you have wrestled with Him until daybreak? Has there ever been an occasion when He touched a tender spot in your life? You know, that tender spot that was wrenched and torn out of socket? A point of time where you continued wrestling with the Lord over a delicate matter or situation? An era where you were confronted? An occurrence when God asked personal questions? Has there come a second when you realized "who you are " vs. "who you are not?" Has there ever been an instance in your life where God personally changed your identity or your life?

Your answer is either "yes" or simply "no." If yes, I am sure you have a memorial place too - just like Jacob and Matthew. This is the place where we met God encountering HIM personally and individually. If not, perhaps this may be the moment when "Jesus is passing by." He is saying to you, "Follow me." Will you? Because there is something special that takes place when the Messiah passes by and speaks individually to you!

My friend, we can be like Jacob and Matthew too - over comers and disciples of the one true God! We can share the Messiah with our family, people and generation. Our walk is and should continue to be just as different as their walk. Plus, according to God's Word - we have been given a new name as well! (Rev. 3:12) Neither men were no longer men "grabbing at the heel" of another, but rather men who "he turns the head of God." That is what following the Messiah does...HE turns OUR head and face toward the head and face of God.

In closing, here is what I discovered and realized. At first glance, Matthew was writing about the past as seen in Jacob. Then, I suddenly realized "no"...actually he is presently writing about himself. Yet, as I began to develop and process the Word - I realize that he is writing about the future and that is me. It is also YOU!

Now, as Stephen says to me, "Traci, if that doesn't stir your soul...your spoon fell out of your bowl!" No wonder I almost fell out of my chair today when I read Psalm 14:7 (MSG) "Is there anyone around to save Israel? Yes. God is around; God turns life around. Turned-around Jacob skips rope, turned-around Israel sings laughter. "