Genesis 17 (NIV) Selected Verses
3 Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. 7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you………15 God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”
What’s in a name? Throughout history, names have meant something. Take my name for instance. Robert, From the Germanic name Hrodebert meaning “bright fame”, derived from the Germanic elements hrod “fame” and berahat “bright”. The Normans introduced this name to Britain, where it replaced the Old English cognate Hreodbeorht. I don’t know if my parents knew that when they named me. For those who know me personally, it is a pretty good fit. I am well known and certainly not quiet. So why would God change Abram and Sarai’s names. Because we see people as they are; but God sees them as they can and will be! He has a plan.
God just visited Abram and told him that the promise of child was about to come true after twenty-four years of waiting. God keeps His promises. In fact, the Lord was reviewing His promises to Abram and his descendants. The change of name is confirmation of the change in parental status. Sarah means lady princess for God said she would be the mother of kings. He who promises is faithful!
What is your name? What would happen if you called yourself worthy, holy, righteous or redeemed? God does! Jesus came so that you may have life and have it more abundantly. What do you call yourself? Most people carry names that others have given them that are not complimentary. Forget what people say about you. Focus on what God says. He calls you a masterpiece! Look yourself in the mirror in the mornings and speak blessing into your life by agreeing with God. He even sends His angels to guard you in all your ways. His promises to Abraham extend to all who come after which means you! Change your name. Choose something that reflects who God destined you to be. He calls you His beloved!
Father God, I cannot even express the joy of knowing we are Your beloved. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Your promise to Abraham still extends to us today. We are still parties to your everlasting covenant today by the blood of the Lamb. We are Holy, Righteous and Redeemed as You promised so many years ago. In Jesus name.