Text: Genesis 17:5 KJV
Further Reading: Genesis 17:3-6
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
Genesis 17:5
MESSAGE
When God wants to do a special thing with a person He gives such a new name – which means a new Identity that resonates with what God has in mind for the person.
A new name could also mean a transformation of a person into the new life of God. Jacob had lived his life the way he wanted all his life until he met with the God of Bethel who gave him a new name Israel. From being a supplanter and cheat, Jacob became a prince of God – A new identity to carry the lineage through which the Messiah would be born (Genesis 32:24-30).
Another man who got a new name was Simon, Jesus told him, he will be called Peter, meaning “Stone or rock”. What God wanted to do with this timid man required firmness and stability, thus he must be changed from just Simon the fisherman to Peter the fisher of men (John 1:42, Matthew 4:19, Matthew 16:18).
In our text of the day, God came to Abram and gave him a new name that reveals His intention for Abram’s life. He will now be called the “Father of many nations” – Abraham. He is to carry the seed that God promised in Genesis 3:15 which will bruise the head of the serpent.
Abraham’s new identity shows us that God is intentional about our lives. His plans for us are good plans to give us a glorious future.
The point here is that God changes people’s names to give them a new life. That’s why the Bible says that when a person comes into Christ he is a new creature. He gets a new identity, his former life is taken away and given the life of God (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Whatever name you are being called and is not from God can be changed. Before the time Bartimaeus met Jesus, he was called blind but his name changed the moment he encounter Christ (Mark 10:46-5). Jesus is the only one who can change your identity and give you a new life and hope.
Jesus is the one who God gave the name that is above every other name; if you run to Him, he will change your story. Sinners must come to Him repenting, the sick and troubled must come believing, everyone must come trusting and He will turn all things around for your good.
Don’t delay any longer, call upon the Lord Jesus and ask Him to give you a new name today
REFLECTION
And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.
Isaiah 62:2
God will give you a brand new beginning today if only you will ask Him to give you a new name.
PRAYER
Father, please give me a new name and let all be well with me.