# Seeking God, Finding God: A Lent Reflection on Abraham’s New Name
*2009-04-02*

> Bill reflects on Genesis 17:5 during the fifth week of Lent, exploring how God’s covenant with Abraham transformed his identity and invites listeners to consider the moments God has renamed them.

## The Scripture and Its Promise

We begin with Genesis 17:5: “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.” This covenant marks a radical shift in Abram’s life, giving him a new name that reflects his future role as the father of many peoples.

## A Personal Parallel

My three‑year‑old granddaughter recently called to tell us the exciting news that she will soon have a brother or sister. While that moment fills us with joy, it does not fundamentally change who she is. In contrast, God’s covenant with Abraham altered his very essence, giving him a new identity that would shape the destiny of countless nations.

## When God Renames Us

Abraham was an older man when God called him, yet the divine invitation was so profound that it required a new name—one that would carry the weight of a promise far beyond his personal ambitions. In our own lives, God can intervene at any moment, reshaping our priorities, relationships, and sense of self. Those divine interventions become more significant than any human achievement or relationship.

## Reflecting on Our Own Covenant Moments

Take a moment today to ask yourself: Have I experienced a life‑changing moment that seemed to come from God? What circumstances participated in that change? If God were to give me a new name in that moment, what might it be? Am I open to hearing God’s call to a wholly new way of being?

## Prayer for Openness

Covenanting God, open my heart to your call. Teach me to trust in your promise.

*God’s covenant can rename us, inviting us into a deeper identity rooted in His promise.*