God changes Abram’s name to Abraham. Abram means ‘exalted father’ and Abraham means ‘father of a great number.’ As God changes Abraham’s name, he lets Abraham know in very certain terms he will have a son with his wife and even tells Abraham what to name his son. God also sets up a ceremony to mark those of Abraham’s household as belonging to God. God’s promises to Abraham don’t come as a result of a time when Abraham did something great for God, but after Abraham’s faith failed.
It’s odd how we get the idea that doing good things causes God to give us good things. It is generally true that when we live life God’s way, things go better, but Abraham is an example of how God keeps his promises even when we lack faith. I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness, love and mercy, even when I deserve the opposite. Can you rest in God’s promises today?