July 22: The God of Transformation

Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. (Exodus 3:6 NKJV)

For God to call himself the God of Abraham or Isaac is easily accepted. Abraham is a name from God Himself and Isaac is a name of joy, it means laughter. But to call Himself the God of Jacob, which means "swindler", "cheater" or "supplanter" should make us pause a little. Didn't He Himself change Jacob's name to Israel. Why not call Himself, the God of Israel here instead?

Translate the names and our text would read, " I am the God of the father of nations. I am the God of laughter and I am the God of the swindler and the cheat. It is then the message jumps out from the pages of scripture.

God retains the name of Jacob to leave hope for everyone. He wants the thief, the adulterer, the liar, the criminal, the murderer and the chiefest of sinners to know that no matter how far they've gone in their vices, there is still a place of acceptance for them with Him if they would turn to Him. He is here calling Himself, the God of Transformation., the God of Change, the one who can turn the shaky reed, Peter into a rock, and the one who can make the murderer of saints, Saul into His choice apostle, Paul.

How far do you think you may have fallen? How bad do you think things are in your life? Is there a trait that you feel has become your permanent badge. Turn to the God of transformation today and see what He can make out of you. God doesn't consult your past to determine your future. He doesn't look at your pedigree or lack of one to qualify you for His best. If your thinking is stinking, take it to Him and let Him change you. If your strength is feeble, let Him infuse you with His strength. He is the Unchanging Changer and the Master Potter. He can remold whatever has been broken, if placed in His hands. Trust Him for transformation today. He is the God of the Swindler.


Decision of the Day

I will praise God today because He is the God of Transformation. He is not just the God of the great and perfect but also the God of the broken and tarnished. I trust you Lord for increasing transformation of my life into your image day by day.