Please read Genesis 17:1-7&15-16 to prepare for Sunday morning worship.
Sermon Focus: Covenant Keeping – Promises, Promises.
Key Verse: “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.” Genesis 17: 4-5.
Reflection Questions:
- As a result of the covenant between God and Abram, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham. What do you believe is the significance of changing names?
- Often covenants are accompanied by major changes, marriage, baptism, etc… Change is an inherent part of covenants. Why do you believe this is true?
Connection for Today:
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Abrahamic covenant is the promise of life out of bareness. The absurdity of God’s promise to give Abram and Sari, who was ninety-nine, a child brings a snide laugh from Sari. However, we find great amazement as God fulfills this promise, despite the odds. And in so doing, we learn that God can and will disrupt the natural order to fulfill God’s promises. God’s wild and uncontainable love for humankind is no match for the laws of biology or physics. Even though we do not understand the complexity of how God acts to intervene, we are assured that there are no limits to God’s power and ability to fulfill promises.