Main Text
Isaiah 62:1-12
Watchword
Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.
Genesis 17:15 NKJV
In this text we see a reiteration of God’s promises of blessings to Abraham. One thing that stands out loud and clear is that God is persistent in pursuing His people that they might have assurance of His covenant promises. (Genesis 22:18)
The renaming of Sarah was a marker just like it was with Abraham. This marker, of course, is to confirm God’s promises to Abraham as well as Sarah. Just as God changed Abraham’s name to acknowledge the covenant relationship, so also God changes Sarah’s name. Abraham and Sarah have taken on the role of God’s image-bearers. (Genesis 18:18)
God is not just giving Sarah a new identity but also a new role. God formalizes their new roles as the parents of a new line of chosen people. Through both of them, God’s promises will flow out into the world. (Genesis 12:3) Sarah’s crucial role in the accomplishment of God’s purposes cannot be over-emphasized as she is given a new name. With this change of name God is repeating and expanding His promises of fertility and territory. (Genesis 26:4)
Confession
The mark of God is upon me, no evil will come near me. My life is improving from glory to glory.
Prayer Change my story Lord, let me be numbered among your people, make me your image and give me your purpose. Amen
Additional Reading
Isaiah 56:5
Isaiah 43:7.