Genesis 17:1 tells us that God spoke to Abram again after thirteen years have lapsed since the birth of Ishmael. God reiterated the covenant He has with Abram and God changed his name from Abram (i.e. the exalted father) to Abraham (i.e. father of many nations). There are two aspects to this covenant:

(a) the promise of the Messiah (an everlasting covenant, God will fulfil), and

(b) the promise of blessing upon obedience (Abraham and his descendants have to take heed).

God charged Abraham and his descendants to “keep” (Gen 17:10, i.e. guard) His covenant. He instituted circumcision as a sign and seal of this covenant. All males (from eight days old) must be circumcised, or they would be “cut off” (Gen 17:14), i.e. have no part in the covenant. (Note: In Exodus 4:24-26, Moses’ son was nearly killed as he was not circumcised.) This reveals how important God views this act of faith. Hence, from Genesis 17:9-14, we see that obedient faith must be taught and kept.

God also changed Sarai’s name (Gen 17:15). He changed it to Sarah (i.e. mother of all nations), and revealed that she (at ninety years old) would bear Abraham a son. Abraham was overwhelmed ( “fell upon his face, and laughed,” Gen 17:17). In fact, that promised son’s name is Isaac (i.e. laugh). Although Ishmael (also Abraham’s son) was not forgotten by God and would be blessed by God, Isaac was the chosen son. In Genesis 17:15-21, we see that the obedient faith of Abraham is confirmed by his rejoicing.

In Genesis 17:22-27, we see that the obedient faith of Abraham led him to keep the covenant by circumcising himself and all the males in the household that same day.

Today, we do not practise circumcision but we are “circumcised with the circumcision made without hands” (Col 2:11) in faith in Christ, and the New Testament sign of the covenant is water baptism. All who profess faith in Christ are to be baptised by water, publicly declaring that our faith is in Christ. By faith, we are children of Abraham and we must guard that precious covenant of God: be obedient and holy, as He is holy. We must daily shine in this dark world, that others may see Christ and come to Him for salvation. May God help us. Amen.