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. (The Message)
Abram = exalted father
Abraham = father of many
Abram's encounter with God leads to a name change. It isn't that Abram was a bad name or that God said you are no longer to be called Bob now you will be known as Sam. God takes Abram and makes him even more than he was before and so the change in names reflects God's promise to Abraham and those who are going to follow after him. The name change is a reflection of the before and after experience of Abram/Abraham and Abraham will never again be known as Abram. The new name reflects this new relationship.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- Have you had an encounter with God that was worthy of a name change?
- Genesis relates a conversation that God and Abraham have that makes Abraham fall on his face. What would be your response if God spoke to you?
- If those who know you best could pick a name that best represents your relationship to God what would it be? What would you want it to be?
- Are you known more for who you were before you began to take Jesus seriously or after you began a serious faith journey?
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