God’s Circumcision
God called Abram to change into Abraham, as he committed to keeping God’s covenant. At that time in history, this meant physical circumcision of the males as a sign of their covenant.
But when Jesus came, He fulfilled the circumcision rule. And now all people who have their faith in Christ receive a spiritual circumcision when they believe. Here’s how Paul put it: “A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” (Romans 2:28-29 NIV11)
And later in his ministry he wrote this: “In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:11-14 NIV11)
Circumcision of the Heart
We don’t need physical circumcision anymore. It’s all about having a renewed heart, where your old life of sin is cut off and discarded, as God forgives and cleanses you and makes you alive in Christ.
And in the end, that was God’s desire for Abraham. For a new heart. And it’s His desire for you and for me.
Here’s the question: are you circumcised in heart? In other words, have you given yourself to Jesus and said to Him – not only forgive me and have mercy on me, but take away the sin that dominates me? Have you believed, deeply, that the grace of God can give you victory over the things that used to pull you away from Him?
Circumcision of the heart is God’s desire for us. Perhaps it’s time for you to come to God and say: cleanse me of my temper. My pride. My lust. My selfishness. My bitterness and unforgiveness. Cut it out from me please!
I believe God is able to do this, if you will ask for it sincerely and believe in the moment that He has done it!!
No Need to Wait
And friends, look how quickly Abraham answered God’s call: “When he had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him. On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him.” (Genesis 17:22-23 NIV11)
On that very day.
Today is the day. God has called. Now take the time to lay your all on the altar and have him cleanse away the sin that remains.
God wants to do it… submit yourself to Him, today.
