I’m Convinced!

But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” Genesis 45:27-28 (NIV)

I wrestled a while with why the above verses used both names for the third patriarch.  Why not just say, …the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Jacob said… OR the spirit of their father Israel revived. And Israel said… Why use both his old name and the new name God had given him after emerging blessed through a wrestling match held in Genesis 32?! Then it hit me and I too felt like I emerged with a blessing having wrestled with this wondering thought for a day!! 

The old self, Jacob, had become downcast, distraught, distressed over life’s events YET having received a refreshing word, his spirit was revived and who emerges from the rubble refreshed, renewed and revived?!!! ISRAEL! The overcomer, just as God had declared him to be during that first wrestling match chapters ago!! The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statues of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7 (NIV)

Dear one, the sacrificial blood of Jesus speaks a better Word than our world’s system! May your spirit and my spirit be refreshed this very morning, absolutely convinced by the Spirit of the living God within us that Jesus is still alive!!! Hope lives!!! 

May His Word elevate our thoughts and move us to respond to His better Word over the world’s diagnosis of our life, our situation, our circumstances our relationships…!! By the power of His Word may we be moved to “go and see” Him too, working and moving this very moment in and through all things for the good of those who love Him!

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

In our Living Christ, our Hope Eternal, Jesus, who loves you, you are more than a conquer dear one; more than a conquer – I’m convinced!