MELEK YAAQOB
(pronounced meh'-lek yah-ak-obe')
KING OF JACOB
Isaiah 41:21
“Present your case,” says The LORD. “Bring forth your strong reasons,” says The King of Jacob.
Argue your case before Me. Tell Me why you are right. Strong words from The LORD. Who would want to argue with God? Yet, many do. I have questioned Him, but questions are not arguments. "Bring forth your strong reasons".
Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, let us reason together,” says The LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool."
Isaiah 41:1
“Be silent before Me, O islands, and let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come forward and testify; let us together draw near for judgment."
Isaiah 42:26
"Remind Me, let us argue the matter together. State your case, so that you may be vindicated."
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So you think your ways are better than My ways, says The Lord. Show Me, prove yourself before Me. The power of God is greater than the power of any other god. No idol, nor idolater can stand before Him and claim it any other way.
When we come into the presence of The Lord God, we are suddenly aware that we are less and He is great, that we are unworthy and He is gracious. We begin to state our reasons for why our sin is right and He reminds us that His grace is greater, that He is Savior and it is He Who washes away all unrighteousness: when we draw near with repentant hearts and obey His Word.
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When the judgement of God falls on the sin, it also falls on the unforgiven sinner. Though the sinner has testified on their own behalf why their sins are justifiable, truly they have not a leg to stand on. Their disobedience testifies against them to God.
When the righteous who have been forgiven come before God, Christ testifies on their behalf, for all God's people everywhere (throughout time and across land and sea) are hid in Christ. Our sins have been forgiven: we have trusted in the power of God and lived a righteous, holy life before Him in Christ.
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Before He was Israel's King, He was Jacob's King. Jacob, the usurper, who had a heart for God and who was loved by God. A man who was subject to his own desires, who ruled with his head (headstrong). Before he wrestled with God.
But now, after He wrestled with the angel of God, he asks for a blessing. His blessing is his new name: Israel, because he 'struggled with God'. ((Genesis 32:22-36))
Not only is The Lord God Jacob's King, but now we who have been washed in His Son's blood, can call Him our King as well. Hallelujah! To God be the glory, great things He has done! We call Him King. He calls us friends. And He has new names for us, as well (Revelation 2:17).
