God said further to Abraham, “Now as for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 And every male among you who is eight days old shall be circumcised throughout your generations, a servant who is born in the house or who is bought with money from any foreigner, who is not of your descendants. 13 A servant who is born in your house or who is bought with your money shall surely be circumcised; thus shall My covenant be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 But an uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”
Okay, normally I stick right to the text at hand. But, here I can't do it.
In the new testament (some of by Bible scholar friends will have to help me by telling me where) the New Testament Jesus church is just starting out and there is a debate between some of the leaders. Some want the gentiles who are coming in to be circumcised. Here is why. I understand, growing up with this covenant as your standard, your guide. I understand why they want to make the gentiles come in to this covenant. It is spelled out by God himself. It is clear that ALL of the household are to be circumcised. It was important to fully obey God. They just didn't understand how fully the new covenant had replaced the old one. We will have a great conversation about that in 10 years when we get to the new testament - ha haha.
Now, for the current.
obedience to a covenant was very important and laid out clearly here. Specifics.
I am still struck by the fact that God so carefully lines out clearly what is important to adhere to. He didn't make them guess whether or not their servants "counted" in the convenant. He told them exactly what He wanted. He also didn't make them guess what would happen if they were not circumcised.
Not many people have seen a circumcision done. I have seen many. Not on the 8th day, but honestly I don't know why we ever stepped away from God's idea there. He made us, He probably knows when it is best to do that. Either way, not to be too inappropriate, but, these men were far older than 8 days old and it is not a pleasant experience. They were serious about God and their obedience was not easy.
Sometimes I think we get soft and whimpy in our obedience to God. I whine when I get a little less sleep than I think I want. I need to toughen up!
What I learn about the character of God here is that when something is very important, He makes sure the message is clear. And, that sometimes God will ask me to do difficult stuff, that's okay. He doesn't even really have to tell me why. Note that however clear God was about what they were to do, why was nowhere in this conversation. I also need to help my children and grandchildren learn (which is personal difficulty for me) that there is value in limited information obedience if the person asking it is trustworthy. God doesn't always answer all of our questions before he asks for our obedience.
Sorry, talking too much.
Lord, thank You for Your word. Thank You for allowing us to learn about who You are and how You work and what You desire from Your children. Please help us to hear You clearly, and follow You willingly, even when it is painful or not easy. In Jesus Name - amen
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