Zechariah and Elizabeth brought their baby son to be circumcised, as required by the Law of Moses. Circumcision was the way to bring boys into the nation and society of Israel. It is and was for purification and a seal of the covenant made to Abraham. (Genesis 17:1-3, 9-11)
Circumcision is the removal of a penis’ end skin. During the circumcision, there is a lot of blood and pain when done as an adult. (Genesis 34:25) Not so true when done as an infant. The Lord God gave circumcision to Abram who had to be serious when he considered God’s proposal for the circumcision part of the covenant between them.
As far as I know, Abraham’s circumcision was the first time God ever presented this in the history of mankind. So, to obey this new act took a lot of faith. Other nations (Arabs) also practiced circumcision (Jeremiah 9:25-26; Ezekiel 32:18-19), but not for the covenant reasons that Israel did. Theirs was part of the right to becoming a man and gain full participation in the community.
Circumcision signified Abraham’s covenanted commitment to the LORD -that the LORD alone would be his God whom he would trust and serve. It symbolized an oath (analogous to the oath to which God had submitted himself). Thus, Abraham was to place himself under the rule of the LORD as his King, consecrating himself, his offspring, and all he possessed to the service of the LORD.
Physical circumcision was a sign of circumcision of the heart. Heart circumcision is what is needed now. Romans 2:29 states, “No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God.” (See also Acts 15:1-21)
Are you circumcised of the heart? Have you place the Lord Jesus Christ first? What does your relationship with him mean? Where do your thoughts go during the day and night? To him or things in the world? Do you love Jesus? Are you circumcised of the heart?
