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Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

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heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner's plea.

Jacob's Name Becomes "Israel"

Jacob now clearly saw the mistake that had led to his sin in

obtaining the birthright by fraud. He had not trusted God's promises

but had tried by his own efforts to bring about what God would have

accomplished in His own time and way. As an evidence that he had

been forgiven, his name was changed to one designed to keep alive

the memory of his victory. "Your name," said the Angel, "shall no

longer be called Jacob [supplanter], but Israel; for you have

struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."

The crisis in his life was past. Doubt, perplexity, and remorse

had made his existence bitter, but now all was changed. The peace

of being reconciled to God was sweet. Jacob no longer was afraid to

meet his brother--God could move the heart of Esau to accept his

humiliation and repentance.

While Jacob was wrestling with the Angel, another heavenly

messenger was sent to Esau. In a dream, Esau saw his brother, for

twenty years an exile--he witnessed his grief at finding that his

mother was dead, and he saw him surrounded by the hosts of God.

The God of his father was with him.

The two companies at last approached each other, the desert

chief leading his men of war, and Jacob with his wives and children

followed by long lines of flocks and herds. Leaning on his staff,

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