Year of the Bible: Part Two of Twelve Sample

Abram becomes Abraham.

Abram and Sarai made a major mistake when they insisted on the conception of Ishmael. People were hurt, and the promise of God may have seemed tainted. Yet, thirteen years onward, God changed Abram's name to Abraham to reflect the promises that would come true in him, fathering many nations.

The Baker Illustrated Bible tells us that "a new name indicates a new destiny." Instead of being "Father is Exalted (Abram)," he will now be "Abraham" or "Father of a multitude." The name change is followed by another series of promises about progeny and land, and here, the point is made that Abraham is to keep the covenant, and he is not to play fast and loose with the word of the Lord. The previous covenant had been all God, but now Abraham has responsibility in the covenant.

We replayed the Genesis overview video again today because, at minute 4:08, God adds a layer to His covenant with Abram. God asks Abraham to take all of the men of his family and circumcise them. This act of obedience was the buy-in for Abraham that he would have a part in the covenant. The Circumcision of the men in his family is symbolic of their submission and identification with God, separating them from the rest of the earth's people to be a people belonging to God.

Abraham accepted the new destiny that God was giving him. He and Sarai had majorly messed things up, but he let God renew him and took the painful challenge that came with it.

Shame can be a significant inhibitor of walking in our destiny, and God is a redeemer of shameful acts. Abraham received God's new promise and the responsibility that came with it. He could have hung his head in shame and refused to receive from God. Yet, we see him fall on his face in humility and accept God's forgiveness. Today, remember that shame can be either a roadblock keeping us from God or a pathway toward Him. The choice is ours , by the grace of Jesus, humble ourselves and return to His open arms.

Question: What does God do in response to all the drama with Sarai, Hagar, and Ishmael?

Prayer Focus: We all need the renewing power of God to be active in our lives. Today, ask God where He wants to remove shame and bring about new promise in your life.