Changing of Names

Genesis 17. In this chapter God reveals Himself as Almighty God. The Hebrew name is El-Shaddai, and this is the first time it occurs in Scripture. "El" means God and speaks of power (eg. Elohim). "Shaddai" literally means a mountain or breast. Metaphorically, a mountain is a "breast" that rises up from the plain, and certainly a mountain is a symbol of strength. But the name goes beyond just strength and power. The name also means to to enrich and to make fruitful. This is no better illustrated than in the first occurrence of the name here in chapter 17. To a man ninety-nine years old and "as good as dead" (Heb.11:12), God said, "I am Almighty -El-Shaddai- God...I will make My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly...I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you and kings shall come from you..." 17:1-6. Now, why would God reveal this name to Abram at this time, at the close of thirteen years of silence? Because the Lord wanted Abram to know that He is the God who is all-sufficient and all powerful, and that nothing is too hard for Him. God says "I will" twelve times in this chapter. He is about to do the miraculous.
Now what did this new revelation from God change for Abram and Sarai? It changed their identity. God changed their names. Abram now becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah. Abram meant "high father". Now Abraham means "the father of a multitude". Sarai possibly means "contentious". Her new name, Sarah, now means "princess". This new revelation has changed their identity.
That's what happens to us. When our spiritual eyes are opened and we see our great sinfulness and His great mercy...we receive Christ as our Savior and we become a child of God. Our identity changes. We're no longer lost. Now we're saved. We're no longer an enemy of God (Rom.5:10); we're now a child of God. We have become a new creation in Christ ( 2 Cor.5:17)!
Before you leave this chapter, make one other important note. The only one in this chapter whose name did not change was Ishmael. Why? Because he is the product of flesh (remember, yesterday's reading, trying to help God out...in the flesh). His name did not change. Why? Because that which is born of flesh remains flesh and cannot be changed. Meditate on these things today. God bless.