Deuteronomy 10-12; Psalm 56

God commands his people to circumcise themselves because they are a stubborn people. Circumcision I imagine is quite painful. It’s a physical cutting of a real intimate spot. It’s an identity marking. It’s a tradition. In the New Testament it’s expanded or reimagined as a circumcision of the heart rather than just of the body. So it’s a removal of something dear (maybe our egos, our own agendas, me, me, me!) It’s an identity marking — can people see from your heart that you’re set apart? It’s a tradition — it adds you to a big narrative, family and lineage. Circumcision is both private and individual, and communal and outward. That’s the constant tug of being a Christian — both knowing how God knows and loves and calls us specifically, while part of a much bigger story and community.

Circumcision is an act of surrender. It’s uncomfortable. It’s overt. Even saying the word makes my body shake a bit. But circumcision is the way to address our stubborn hearts. This act of surrender negates stubbornness, a refusal to change or see outside of ourselves. Friends, may we become more aware of areas we are resistant and grow a bit more open to our big callings and the bigger story we are part of. Circumcision is scary AF; but it’s a step towards faith; it is faith.