Lent 2: Old Testament, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16               

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

I think most of us know the importance of names in the Bible. The names of those that we run across in our journey through its pages hold a significance that does not align, for the most part, with how we use or choose names for our children. In the Bible, names carried weight.

Two very significant name changes occur in our Old Testament reading for the week: Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah. From “exalted father” to “father of a multitude” (of nations), and from “princess” to “Princess.” Now on that last change the alteration in case is mine. Sarai and Sarah both mean princess. But Sarai is indistinct. But with the change to Sarah God says something most delightful. And I think it appropriate to highlight because the Bible does speak of men so commonly. The Bible, especially in Jesus’ day, gives to women such a wonderful cultural shift and Jesus makes clear the value of “woman” in that He treasures them, calls them and has them at his side as his disciples. By the way, the ministry of Jesus existed primarily through the means given through the industry of women. Back to the princess/Princess issue.

Sarah is in effect, “God’s Princess.” The King of the Universe has such an exalted place for this daughter of His. It will be through her womb, and a womb long past ordinary fruitfulness, that the promise given to her husband will come to pass. “I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her” (Gen. 17:16). Sarah is one of several ladies who manifest the glory of God in miraculous births. Certainly the mind goes to Hannah, and the ultimate Gift through the Blessed Virgin. But I have always thought God had a special wink in His eye toward Sarah. The episode of the announcement of the birth of Isaac (laughter), in which she “secretly” giggled in her tent. There’s something of God’s very heart in that chuckle, I am sure of it.

Quick note above-God says twice, “I will bless her.” Magnificent. Repetition is never wasted in the Bible. And I think our God just wanted everyone to know that this daughter of His was being given a place for the world to see because she must have held that kind of place in His heart.

Sarah was a sinner and was in need of the gifts her ultimate “seed” would grace to the world. But in the Father’s heart, this servant, this handmaid, carried a special place. She was His “Princess” and he wanted all of us to know it, too.