Scripture Text: Joshua 5:2-9
At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make knives from flint rocks and circumcise the men of Israel.”
Joshua 5:2
God made a covenant with Abraham, that he and all his descendants must keep. The covenant was about the circumcision of each male (this covenant refers to cutting off the foreskin of male). Abraham, whose age was ninety-nine years old, together with his son, Ishmael who was thirteen at that time, along with all the male servants in his household, were all circumcised (Genesis 17:1-27). After a year, Isaac was born and he was circumcised on the eighth day after his birth which is based on God's instructions to Abraham (Genesis 17:12, 21:4).
The young male generation of Israel led by Joshua was not circumcised on the eighth day after their birth; it was because they were all born in the wilderness within the period of 40 years. But before they inherited the Promised Land, the entire male population was circumcised to purify them as the new generation. That generation was spared by God to fulfill His covenant with Abraham. They valued the covenant and showed honor, respect, and total obedience to God. Because of this, the Lord has taken away their shame of being slaves to Egypt (v. 9).
God's covenant continued from generation to generation up to eternity, not only for the Jews but also to all the people around the world through Jesus Christ. The main instruction of the Lord’s covenant was the circumcision of foreskin, which also refers to the heart which is not made by hands but through the works of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, the covenant was not only intended for male but also to all the people who are willing to obey and surrender their life to Jesus Christ.
Moreover, Apostle Paul emphasized that a true Jew or a true follower of Jesus Christ is the one who is circumcised in the heart by the Spirit.
But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God (Romans 8:29).
Therefore, people who are genuinely circumcised by Christ through the Holy Spirit must be the following:
1. They must fear the Lord.
2. They must walk in all His ways.
3. They must keep His commandment and statutes.
4. They must worship and serve Him.
5. They must respect, honor and love Him with all their heart and with all their soul.
Reflect
1. Do you value the covenant of God under Jesus Christ?
2. Do you value the circumcision in your heart which is done by Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit?
3. Do you share to others the grace and favor that was given to you by God?
Remember
True salvation starts with the circumcision of the heart by God through Jesus Christ, because He is the one who sees the purity of every heart.
Read
Romans 2:25-29; Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4; Acts 7:51; Philippians 3:3; Colossians 2:11
Pray
Dear God, You are the God who sees the purity of every heart. You are the one who extends grace and mercy to all people. You are the only God who circumcised the heart of every people to be part of Your kingdom. Thank You for the eternal salvation You have given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. You are our only hope and we entrust our life to You for now and forever. Thank You because the Holy Spirit is always with us. In Jesus' mighty Name. Amen!
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