Day 12- Genesis 17

More promises from God.  He loves his promises.
Then comes Abram's part...

"As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.  This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male must be circumcised." Vs 10

OUCH.

Ok, so I'm a girl, and I don't fully understand the whole ramification of what that demand from God entails, but Abraham was ninety-nine years old, his son Ishmael was thirteen and every other male in his household was also circumcised.  That is quite the follow through, because back in those days they didn't have anesthetic... so ouch.  But Abraham knew that when God asked for something, he needed to follow. 

I wish I could know for certain when God is asking for something. And yet, sometimes I think we really do know.  The spirit within each of us speaks to us.  When he asks for something that entails sacrifice, we suddenly become uncertain that it is truly God's will and fight as hard as we can. 

I have yet to experience God asking me to do something as invasive as modify my own body, yet every sacrifice seems like he is asking for an arm and a leg. My perspective is so skewed.  Why can't I be just like Abraham and follow through when God asks?

The new names for Abraham and Sarah hold a deep significance.  In ancient times, children were named by their parents based upon circumstances surrounding the birth. God would sometimes reveal a name to the child's parents before birth, signifying a divinely established role that their child would play in history.  

"You will be the father of many nations.  No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations." vs 3-5

Abram became Abraham, which means "exalted Father" in Hebrew.  God was indicating to Abraham that he would follow through on his promises and Abraham would be a Father to many, many nations.


"As for Sarai, your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.  I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her.  I will bess her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her." vs. 15-16


Sarai became Sarah, which means, "Princess" in Hebrew.  God was exalting Sarah above other women because from her would come a heritage of mighty people who would inherit Canaan and God's blessings over their nation.  


As we know, God follows through on his promises, and the nation of Israel is raised up and blessed constantly blessed.  However, Abraham never lives to see his descendants live in Canaan, and that just reminds me that we are all only a small part of God's plan for the world.  


Now I need to spend some time in prayer and discern what God is calling me to in my life, because I know it calls for some sacrifice.  


Be blessed today.  Know that you are an heir of God's promises and his call.