A Long Obedience Confesses a Sinful Nature

Jacob demonstrated his belief in the sufficiency by his long obedience in the same direction by  asking God for a blessing. However, God first insisted that Jacob tell Him his name. Why? Didn’t God already know his name was Jacob?  (Genesis 32:27) Of course. The name Jacob means “supplanter” which is one who displaces another deceitfully. And that is exactly what Jacob did by tricking his brother out of his birthright and stealing his blessing. So by speaking his name Jacob was confessing his true nature to God. By speaking his name he was confessing to God that he had sinned against his brother. From this we learn the principle that God will not bless a person unless they first confess their sin.

John taught this truth when he wrote, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). And the Psalmist experienced this truth when he said, “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’ -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:5). 

The greatest blessing that God can bestow on a man or woman is the forgiveness and cleansing from sin and that blessing can only be received when we first confess our sin to Him.

Prussian King Frederick the Great was once touring a Berlin prison. The prisoners fell on their knees before him to proclaim their innocence -- except for one man, who remained silent. Frederick called to him, “Why are you here? “Armed robbery, Your Majesty,” was the reply. “And are you guilty?” “Yes indeed, Your Majesty, I deserve my punishment.” Frederick then summoned the jailer and ordered him, “Release this guilty wretch at once. I will not have him kept in this prison where he will corrupt all the fine innocent people who occupy it” (Today in the Word, December 4, 1992).  Admitting you are a sinner is the first step in being set free from the bondage of guilt.

You have sinned. God knows you have sinned. He wants you to agree with him that what you have done is wrong because only then can he bless you with forgiveness and cleansing. 

You know I love ya, Don