Begin with 2 minutes of Silence
Scripture : Genesis 17:1-7
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty[a]; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. 2 Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”
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[b]; your name will be Abraham,[c] 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.
Devotional : A New Name
By Pastor Jamie
Throughout scripture we find this strange and difficult theme - God giving people a new name. It’s confusing to us because there doesn’t seem to be any direct correlation between Gods action of renaming and the actions of the one receiving a new name - nor is there any immediate change. The individual receives a new identity, but what changes? Everything and not much.
Abram becomes Abraham - but he is still a lier and poor father.
Jacob becomes Israel - but, he is still a grabber and manipulator.
Simon becomes Peter (the Rock) - but he is still a hot head.
Saul becomes Paul - but he still has a thorn in his flesh.
To those who receive a new name, God invites to become a whole new person - a new, more authentic, more God intended self. But this new life does not happen easily, or instantaneously and it comes at the cost of the death of the old.
We need grace for the journey, patience with ourselves and above all, a whole lot of Jesus!
We need grace for the journey, patience with ourselves and above all, a whole lot of Jesus! We must keep our eyes set on the prize, focused, as Paul says, not on the things that are on earth. “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Question to Consider
Is there anywhere in your life now that you have become discouraged or taken your eyes off of the new name that God has for you?
Prayer
Lord - you are the author and finisher not only of my faith, but my entire identity. Help me to be as patient as you are as I walk this journey toward the new name You have intended for me - my true name in Christ. I set my eyes on the things above and step toward them today.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Conclude with two minutes of silence