Friday 16 November 2012

Background

This chapter contains a pivotal moment in the life of Abram andthe nation of Israel.

Thirteen years have elapsed from yesterday's passage and Ishmael is of an ageto be recognised as an adult. Abram still sees him as his heir andhas spent all of Ishmael's life as seeing him as the heir to thepromise of God. It must have been such a shock to hear somethingdifferent, and not just to Abraham but to Sarah, as well. Sarah'sturn to respond comes later, but in this chapter we hear only ofAbraham's response.

God is very clear that Sarai will bear a son, who is to becalled Isaac, and it will be through Isaac that the covenant isfulfilled. Isaac, not Ishmael was to be the one through whom thecovenant would be fulfilled. Can you imagine the turmoil inAbraham's mind when he heard this?

The image of Abraham lying prostrate on the floor before God andlaughing (verse 17) is a fascinating one which provides an insightinto the depth of relationship that was between God and Abraham.It's ok to be in such close proximity to God and laugh at what youhave heard.

The personal promise then turns to the promise for the nation.As part of the everlasting covenant a new requirement was that that"every male among you shall be circumcised" (v. 10). The sign ofcircumcision was a deliberate act which perhaps did more thananything in creating a sense of belonging and of being part of thesame tribe. Belonging to this strange community and trusting in ascandalous promise requires a mark of distinctiveness. Circumcisionannounces that the nation of Israel belongs only to this communityand to God.

God renames Abram "Abraham" (verse 5), meaning "father of many,"and gives Sarai a new name, "Sarah" (verse 15), meaning 'princess'.This surely is an appropriate name for one who is to be 'the motherof nations'. However, Sarah is not included, so far in thesediscussions. She is a passive bystander as her husband and his Godplan together.

To Ponder

• The sign of Baptism in the Christian tradition welcomes peopleinto the family of the Church, in response to God's invitation andgrace. What does Baptism mean to you?

• How have you reacted when the plans that you thought you hadmade for the future had to be changed and moved in a newdirection?

• Would you, or have you ever, changed your name, to show a newdirection or understanding in your life? Why?