25 June 2021

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.

God said to Abraham, ‘As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.

Genesis 17:1,9-10,15-22, NRSV

In today’s reading we return to the story of Abram and Sarai. God intervenes very directly in their lives by giving them new names of Abraham and Sarah and again, despite Abraham’s incredulity, repeating the promise that Sarah will give birth to a child. God also determines the name that this child is to be given – Isaac. In giving Abraham and Sarah their new names and in determining the name of their future son, God is making of them a new creation with whom he can renew his covenant with people. Despite their advancing years, Abraham and Sarah will together enable God to fulfil his promise.

• • What strikes you about the relationship between God and Abram/Abraham ?
  • What is your experience of God intervening directly in your life?

Investigate the meaning/origin of your name and consider why this name was chosen for you.