In Genesis, God appears to Abram when he is ninety-nine years old and says, “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.” (Genesis 17:1) At that moment, God renews His promise to bless Abram and multiply his descendants, changing his name from Abram (“exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of a multitude”).

Later, in last Sunday’s lesson from Genesis 32:22-31, God again renames one of His servants. After wrestling through the night, Jacob receives the new name Israel, meaning “he strives with God.” The change marks a turning point in Jacob’s life and faith — from trickster and fugitive to one who clings to God’s promise.

In the New Testament, Jesus gives another memorable name change. He calls Simon, whose name means “one who hears,” by a new name, Peter, which means “rock.” It’s a name that points to the faith upon which Christ’s church will be built.

Throughout Scripture, when God changes a name, He also changes a life. Each transformation marks a new identity and a deeper calling in faith.

That same theme continues into our own lives. In baptism, we are named and claimed as God’s children, given a new identity not based on our achievements, but on God’s grace. Every time we affirm our baptism, we remember who and whose we are.

This Sunday, Reformation Sunday, we remember yet another name that changed history. The reformer Martin Luther (born Martin Luder) sparked a movement for renewal that transformed the church. Four centuries later, Michael King Sr., inspired by a visit to Luther’s Germany in 1934, renamed himself and his young son Martin Luther King, linking the Reformation’s faith to the modern struggle for justice.

Join us for worship this Sunday, October 26, at 9:30 AM, as we celebrate Reformation Sunday and the affirmation of baptism for six members who have completed their confirmation studies. They’ll be confirming their faith — but thankfully, no one has to change their name!

Blessings,

Pastor Marc