REFLECTION
The concept of a “name” carries immense weight in the human experience. A name is more than just a label; it represents identity, character, and destiny. When we consider the theme “New Names for Old People,” we encounter a beautiful paradox. Usually, we associate new names with newborns or the young, who have their whole lives ahead of them. However, in the economy of God, “old” does not mean “finished.” To give an old person a new name is to declare that their most significant season of life is not in the rearview mirror, but directly ahead. In Genesis 17:1-27, we see God transforming the identity of a ninety-nine-year-old man and his ninety-year-old wife, teaching us that God’s timing is perfect, our identity is found in His promise, and faith requires a bold response.
The story begins with a reminder that God is never late, even when we feel the clock has run out. Genesis 17:1 states, “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.’” At nearly a century old, Abram likely felt his story was already written. Yet, God introduces Himself as El Shaddai—the God who is more than enough. This teaches us that our physical limitations do not limit God’s power. A practical example of this is found in people who find their true calling late in life—perhaps starting a ministry or a new craft in retirement. God’s grace doesn’t have an expiration date. As it says in Psalm 92:14, “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” My dear friend, you are not in competition with anyone. The God who created you has a purpose for your life. Let’s learn to trust His timing even as we remain prayerful and faithful to Him. Some of us have become depressed in life because of our incessant attitude of comparing ourselves with other people. “I am running late in life; most of my colleagues are gainfully employed, oh Lord, when will I also match up with them? Most of my classmates are already married, so when will I also find a spouse? My friends are landlords, when will I also own my house?” We have endured sleepless nights and frustrations because we have taken God’s timing and providence from the picture. All we see is our inability, weakness, and retrogression. Beloved in the Lord, Jesus assures us that “…do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matthew 6:31-34) Again, Paul admonishes us, “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
The heart of this passage is the miraculous renaming of the couple. God changes Abram, which means “Exalted Father,” to Abraham, meaning “Father of a Multitude.” “No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations” (Genesis 17:5). Imagine the scene: an old man with no heirs suddenly claiming to be the father of nations. This change was not based on Abraham’s current reality, but on God’s future promise. Similarly, God changed Sarai’s name to Sarah, which means “Princess,” promising that “kings of peoples will come from her” (Genesis 17:16). This teaches us that our identity is not defined by our past failures or our present biological clocks, but by what God speaks over us. Even when we feel “old” in spirit or “worn out” by life, God offers us a new identity. Isaiah 43:1 reinforces this: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
Finally, the text shows us that receiving a new name requires a response of faith, even when that faith feels shaky. When God told Abraham that Sarah would give birth, Abraham’s first reaction was not a shout of praise, but a laugh of disbelief. “Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, ‘Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?’” (Genesis 17:17). This honest, human moment shows that God can handle our doubts. Despite the laughter, Abraham obeyed God’s command regarding the covenant of circumcision. He didn’t wait to feel young again before he obeyed; he obeyed while he was still old. This reminds us that we don’t need perfect confidence to follow God; we just need a willing heart.
In summary, Genesis 17 teaches us that God is the author of new beginnings. He renames the old to show that His power is made perfect in weakness. He looks past our grey hair and our tired bones to see the “Prince” or “Princess” He created us to be. The key lessons are clear: God’s promises are independent of our age, our identity is secure in His word, and obedience is the bridge between a promise and its fulfilment.
Today, I call on you to shed the old labels the world has given you. Perhaps you have been called “useless,” “too old,” or “forgotten.” Reject those names and listen for the name God has for you. Walk in the confidence that if God could make a ninety-year-old woman a mother of kings, He can certainly do something miraculous through you today. Shalom.
Prayer
“Heavenly Father, You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You are the God who breathes life into old bones and gives new names to those who feel forgotten. Lord, I ask that You renew my strength today. Help me to believe Your promises even when they seem impossible. Thank You for giving me a new identity in Christ and for the assurance that my best days are still to come. Guide my steps as I walk faithfully before You. Amen.”
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