Circumcision is Painful
Genesis 17:10 (NLT)
“This is the covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Each male among you must be circumcised.” – Genesis 17:10 (NLT)
Before the Fall of Man in Genesis, God’s plan of redemption was in place. God’s chosen people are the Jews, and His connection with them has never changed and will never change. He has everlasting covenants with them.
God searched until He found Abram and gave him instructions which he followed with unquestionable obedience. Promises for his descendants and anyone who obeyed God’s Word came with the instructions. Genesis 15:6 says, “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness” – (NIV). As Abram continued to walk the path that God chose for him, God changed his name to Abraham and made an everlasting covenant between him and generations after him – Genesis 17:10.
Circumcision is obedience to the law. Unfortunately, the Jews misunderstood God’s plan and adopted an attitude of superiority over non-Jews. This behaviour continued into the days of The New Testament and was addressed by Apostle Paul. At the time of Paul’s ministry, the new Gentile converts were not required to be physically circumcised. However, many Jews objected to this practice and rejected the presence of the Gentiles who had accepted the Apostles’ teachings. But God’s inspired Word in Romans 2:29; says, “…a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying…the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit” (NLT). A clear reminder from Deuteronomy 30:6: “And the Lord God will circumcise your heart and the heart of all your descendants, to love the Lord…with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.” (NKJV).
Circumcision of the heart may be more painful than that performed by human hands since the heart is the seat of our emotions, including all of life’s desires and pleasures. It is a call to have a renewed mind and to a life of holiness, forsaking unwholesome relationships. When the Holy Spirit directs, it may cause the shedding of tears. Yes! It would cause pain, but it will be worth it all. Jesus would have room to sit in our hearts. Allow the unwanted to be cut from your heart so that you can love the Lord wholeheartedly.
Prayer
Dear God and Father, forgive our foolish ways. Help us as we come to You clothed in Your righteousness. We ask for Your forgiveness for the many times we have failed to honour Your Word. Help us be obedient and walk in the path that You have set for us. As we meditate on Your Word, give us the grace through Your Holy Spirit to hear the correct voice. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Read: Jeremiah 4:4; Romans 2:25-29
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 21:8-13; Matthew 28; Exodus 15; Exodus 16
