7 April 2022

Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.

From Genesis 17:3-9 NRSV

Many years had passed since God had called Abram to leave his home and since the birth of his promised son. Abram’s patience in waiting for the fulfilment of God’s promises was more than repaid. God not only renewed the Covenant with Abram but made even greater promises as well. There has been much speculation about the reason for Abram’s change of name to Abraham, but there can be little doubt that in conferring this new name, God was ensuring that Abraham knew that he was chosen by and belonged to God. Abraham was no longer to be just the father of many but to be the father of many nations and the father of kings. The promises made by God were not just for Abraham but also for his descendants and for eternity.

• • Why do you suppose Abram “fell on his face” in the presence of God?
  • What are the promises that God makes to you and your family?

Reflect on and give thanks for all that we have received from our “fathers” and “mothers” in faith.