Have you ever seen the animated movie The Prince of Egypt? In the scene where God speaks to Moses from the burning bush there is this passionate, emotive music swelling in the background as He speaks. I kind of envision the same thing happening as God comes to Abram in Genesis 17. The first eight verses of this chapter are a glorious declaration of God's promises for provision, prosperity, and preservation... all given to one solitary man. He was to become the father of many nations, the father of so many descendants that it would rival the number of stars above or grains of sand by the sea! Nations and kings by the multitude! What a glorious unveiling of blessing. What must it have felt like to be Abram, now Abraham, at that moment? You are hearing these words spoken over you... a guaranteed promise of fortune and fame from One who was not only able but faithful to fulfill it.
In that moment the music wells up to a climax... then as if someone pulled back the needle from the record player, it all comes to a halt and Abraham is given the "covenant of circumcision." Woe, where did that come from? You want me to do what Lord?
What was God thinking when he goes to a ninety-nine year old man and demands such an action? Why not a tattoo? Or a certain haircut? Or sacrifice? I do not pretend to know His mind, but I will at least offer a few ideas.
First, it is interesting that circumcision is not required before the promise is given. God had already declared Abram righteous in Genesis 15:6 and promised His blessing, Genesis 12. Faith had produced righteousness, not the external sign given two chapters later. What then was circumcision? A seal of that righteousness which he displayed while yet uncircumcised, Rom 4.
But why circumcision? Well, for one, circumcision is irreversible. Once removed, the dead flesh could not be put back on. It reminds me that the promises of God are indeed irrevocable. What He promises will and must take place, for He can not deny Himself. I think it also speaks to the heart of the believer. When a believer is circumcised of the heart, Jer 4:4 and Rom 2:29, we are changed forever. There is no going back. A radical surgery has been performed and you can not go back to how you were before. There is new life in our faith walk with God and it calls us to be different.
Another thought. Circumcision is performed on a man's most intimate parts. His manliness is changed forever, altered to display a submission to a greater authority. It was not the removal of his manliness or familial authority altogether, but it was a reminder as he led his family of the ultimate authority to which he was accountable and with which he was in covenant relationship.
Circumcision is also personal. It was not like a tattoo placed on the body in a prominent location for all to see. It was not a flashy hair style that screamed, "Notice me! I belong to God!" It was a sign the individual man would be reminded of daily, a reminder of the personal relationship that he had with a personal God. There is intimacy with our Creator. He is not far off. We need remember Him moment by moment as we walk through our day.
Circumcision is also painful. It wasn't an easy request. The requests of God require self-sacrifice. Go kill an animal... or go cut off some sensitive skin? We'll always go for the easy road. It is no wonder that our Christ has to remind us to take up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow. We follow when convenient; it's not so fun when we have to sacrifice. The call of the gospel is not just a free pass into heaven. It is a call to sacrifice, a call to obedience and service.
As Jeremiah points out though, circumcision is not limited only to men. For true circumcision is of the heart. A true and personal relationship is given to all people, men and women. In the heart of both it produces the radical surgery whereby we enter into covenant relationship with our Creator and Savior. Following Christ is radical, irrevocable, submissive, personal, and somewhat painful. But its the best life possible. Join us!
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