… circumcised.
Summary: Circumcision is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. In the beginning, it was a symbol of a covenant. In the end, circumcision was a point of contention. Instead of a symbol of something good, it had become a legalistic requirement for something bad.
Here we go again!
Talking about circumcision is … well … painful. We talk about it, but I wonder how many of us really engage with the topic.
Circumcision is not unique to the Jews, but it does uniquely identify Jews as Jewish. This tradition originated in ancient times when God made a covenant with Abraham.
“This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised.” (Genesis 17:10)
Throughout the Bible, God speaks of the relationship he desires to have with us in the most intimate terms possible. He often describes the relationship in terms of the passionate love between bride and groom.
The book, “Song of Songs,” or “Song of Solomon” in some translations, is a portrait of passionate love between a man and a woman. Why is this in the Bible? It seems out of place unless we understand God’s passionate love for us. He wants us to know how he feels for us.
In the Old Testament, God focused his love on the Hebrews. His covenant was with Abraham’s descendants and he blessed this people with every possible blessing. The days when Solomon reigned over all of Israel were the apex of their history and their relationship with God. After that, things seemed to go downhill.
Three centuries after the time of Solomon, Jeremiah the prophet, speaking for God, said, “Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts …” (Jeremiah 4:4). He was warning them about ignoring God. Over the years, people had turned away from God and followed other “gods.” The real God compared this betrayal to a wife who scorns her husband.
“‘But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers— would you now return to me?’ declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 3:1)
After their exile from the land God had given them, the Israelites did in fact return to God. At least, they eventually returned to Jerusalem. But how do you return to a right relationship with someone after you have hurt them?
The answer has something to do with circumcision.
When Paul shared his gospel with the Galatians, people discovered that God, through his Son, Jesus, cut away their sins and restored them to a right relationship with himself. Christians found something that many Jews had rejected as impossible. They found that through Jesus, it is possible to fall in love with God all over again.
When some people tried to convince the Galatians that love was not enough, Paul came unglued. He understood the danger of relying on outward symbols of a right relationship instead of inward love. He understood the difference between circumcision of the flesh and circumcision of the heart.
Application: Be content with love.
Food for Thought: What is needed to restore a broken relationship?
What is needed to restore a broken relationship?
RECONCILIATION!
Definition:
1. The act of coming to an understanding and putting an end to hostility, as when former enemies agree to an amicable truce.
2. The process of achieving a state; acceptance.
3. The act or process of making compatible.
Romans 5:10-11, 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Our bible, the gospel, is good news as God reveals the reality that our evil deeds which separate us from Him, can be forgiven. Their effects on us and others can be healed and we can be reconciled with God through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ who paid the price of our sins.
John 3:16, For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Thanks, Ron!
I like your definition! To translate your three points into Gospel terminology:
1. Repentance (turning away from hostility)
2. Forgiveness (letting go of resentment and perceived obligation)
3. Sanctification (restoring relationship)
What is needed to restore a broken relationship?
Thank you Jeff, Ron, and pastor Rich for the great comments. I have nothing to add but more to take in and apply on this topic as I try to restore relationships in my life.
Excellent, Tim!
I can only add that all the fruits of the Spirit are helpful here:
“… love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. ”
Personally, I wish this fruit would grow faster in my own life!
🙂
Thanks R2T2. Along with reconciliation is forgiveness (which R2T2 also mentions). In any lasting relationship forgiveness will be essential. And of course, God has forgiven us through the cross of Christ. I count on that forgiveness daily.
Colossians 2: 13 – 14: When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses, 14having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross!
Mark 11: 25: And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Matthew 18: 21 – 22: Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.“
Thanks, Rich!
Amen to being forgiven by God! And, as you point out, we need to forgive others so that we can be forgiven.