As we continue to learn from the life of Abraham, today, the Lord is showing us that whenever a person encounters the LORD’s covenant, changes will take place in his life that have a lasting effect upon his identity. It proved true for Abraham and Sarah. Our text for today records the LORD reiterating His covenant with Abraham. In verse 6, Yahweh said He would make Abram so exceedingly fruitful that nations and kings would come from him. Really? Abram could have probably envisioned this with his son Ishmael, the product of him and Sarai, trying to “take charge” of fulfilling God’s promise.
The purpose of the LORD’s covenant with people is to produce change in their lives and their identity. Covenants demand change, whether they are covenants of marriage, contractual agreements, or simple promises. They are meant to produce action and action always produces change of one kind or another. Abraham and Sarai’s identity changed in another rather simple manner. God gave them different names. Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, and Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah.
As we step out today, let us remember that just as Abraham received a new identity from God, believers in Christ are given a new identity as children of God. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here”. As believers, we have to embrace our new identity in Christ, which requires that we surrender our will to God, just as Abraham did. Romans 12:1-2. We also like Abraham, are called to walk by faith, trusting in God’s promises and His plan for our lives. Remember that alignment changes how we see ourselves.
PRAYER: Our Father, we thank you for the grace to know you, in you, we have become new creatures, in you, we have become sanctified and holy. Help us never to forget who we are in you as we face the challenges of life. Help us, like Abram, to embrace our new identity in you in Jesus’ name, Amen.