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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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Genesis 17:5
“No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.”
A wonderful example of God’s love, faithfulness and grace. We saw yesterday how Abram ‘blew it’ by trying to accomplish what God intended in his own way.
Just as Adam was led astray by Eve, Sarai led Abram astray. Neither man was strong enough to stand up to his wife’s temptation.
But God hasn’t changed. He is still the same loving Heavenly Father who made a promise to Abram, which He would keep. Even after Abram’s failed attempt – God comes again and repeats His plan and promise. Indeed, He even expands the promise by saying this time that “kings will come from you.”
God’s character hasn’t changed. He does the same for each of us and He will do the same for you. No matter how badly or how often we blow it – God is a God of unlimited mercy and grace.
Never feel that what you have done is beyond the grace and forgiveness of God. This incident proves that it’s not, and as I said before, God hasn’t changed. God even blesses Ishmael and makes him a nation, too.
In this chapter we see a new development of God’s love. He comes and changes Abram’s and Sarai’s names. Abram, ‘Exalted father’ – He changes to Abraham – “Father of many nations” and Sarai, ‘Princess’ to Sarah - “Mother of nations”.
Names are important to God. It is a pity that in the “West” names mean so little. What I find interesting though is how often those sufficiently blessed to have ‘Biblical’ names so often live up to their Biblical counterparts – the Peters, Andrews, Philips, James and Johns. The same is equally true of the Deborahs, Sarahs, Joannas and Rachels, Elizabeths, Marys and Miriams.
Here God was also making a point - I have changed your names as confirmation of My promises – as you now use these names, they will be a constant reminder of My promises to you. Just as the rainbow was a sign of the covenant, so too were the new names. (See also Genesis 9:8–17 & Revelation 2:17 & 3:7–13.) Take some time today to think over all the folk in the Bible who had their names changed. For starters, remember Jacob – Israel, Simon – Peter, and Saul – Paul.
This chapter also sees the introduction of circumcision, the ‘setting apart’ of people to God. Whilst under the New Covenant we do not need to be physically circumcised, we do still need to be set apart – by Water Baptism, Communion and the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Can I challenge you today? If you have not been water baptised – then you should be. It’s how you show your commitment, your ‘set apart-ness’, and obedience to the love, grace and lordship of Jesus Christ. Don’t put off your decision. Talk to your Church leaders and go and do it. Then live in the blessing that results.
Similarly, if you have not been baptised in the Holy Spirit, ask your Small Group/Cell Group Leader or Pastor to ask God to do it, as soon as possible. The Christian Life is a life dominated by the Spirit of God, not the flesh (our natural desires).
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