Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Circumcision, that ancient practice first instituted by God as a sign of His covenant with Abraham, might seem puzzling to us as modern Christians. Why would God choose such an intimate and painful act to signify belonging to Him? And what could this ancient ritual mean to Christians today? In today’s message, we will explore its historical and theological significance, to uncover how circumcision offers profound spiritual truths that remain relevant for all of us today.

Today, Christian men have Paul to thank for his persistence with Peter, as seen in Galatians 2:1-10, when he insisted that the painful process of circumcision no longer be a requirement for Gentiles when converting to Christianity. Although physical circumcision is no longer required, spiritual circumcision still is, and it carries with it a very important spiritual message.

Circumcision was a covenant of intimacy. In Genesis 17, God commands Abraham and his descendants to be circumcised as a sign of the covenant. This act is deeply personal and intimate, symbolizing the depth of the relationship God desires with His people. Unlike a visible mark, circumcision is hidden, reminding us that our faith is not about outward appearances but about an inward, personal connection with God. This resonates with our understanding that faith is a matter of the heart. It’s an internal transformation rather than mere external conformity (Romans 2:28-29).

For us today, circumcision’s intimacy invites us to reflect on our relationship with God. It challenges us to consider whether our faith touches every part of our lives, even the private and vulnerable areas we might prefer to keep hidden.

Circumcision is also a sign of generational legacy. Circumcision’s placement on the reproductive organ underscores its significance for future generations. God’s covenant with Abraham wasn’t just for him but for his descendants as well. This generational promise is central to our Christian faith, which calls us to pass on the message of God’s love and salvation to our children and grandchildren (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Because circumcision is a sign of generational legacy, it reminds us of the importance of passing on our faith. As Christians, we’re called to nurture faith in our families and communities, ensuring that God’s promises continue to bear fruit in the lives of those who come after us.

Circumcision is a sign of purification and dedication. In many ancient cultures, physical rituals symbolized purification or dedication to a deity. Circumcision served as a sign that Abraham’s descendants were set apart for God’s purposes. It was a mark of purity and a commitment to live according to God’s standards.

For you and me, circumcision foreshadows the spiritual purification we experience through Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:11-12 describes a “circumcision of the heart,” accomplished not by human hands but through Christ’s work on the cross. This spiritual circumcision signifies the cutting away of sin and the dedication of our lives to God’s purposes.

Yet another interesting thing about circumcision is that it is a sign that is hidden yet permanent. Circumcision’s hidden nature reflects the idea that God’s covenant isn’t about public displays but about a lasting, inward commitment. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:1-6, where He warns against performing acts of righteousness for show and emphasizes the importance of a genuine, private relationship with God.

In a world that often prioritizes appearances, circumcision’s lesson is a powerful reminder for us to focus on the unseen. We need to focus on the state of our heart and our faithfulness to God, even when no one is watching.

Circumcision can also be a test of faith and obedience. For Abraham and his descendants, circumcision required trust and obedience. It was a physical and, for adults, painful act that demonstrated their willingness to submit to God’s commands, even without fully understanding their purpose. This parallels our walk of faith, which often calls us to trust God’s plan, even when it’s uncomfortable or unclear.

Today, we’re reminded that true faith involves surrender and sacrifice. Whether it’s letting go of sin, stepping out of our comfort zones, or following God’s lead in difficult circumstances, we’re called to obedience that reflects our trust in His goodness.

Are we prepared to cut away our sin? Circumcision is also a powerful metaphor for the spiritual transformation God desires in our lives. Just as circumcision involves the removal of physical flesh, the “circumcision of the heart” involves the removal of sin and worldly desires (Deuteronomy 10:16). This imagery emphasizes the need for repentance and renewal, core aspects of the Christian life. Reflecting on the sin in our lives, we can recognize that there might be some additional snipping required.

Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to “put off” our old self and live in the newness of life (Ephesians 4:22-24). Circumcision’s symbolism reminds us that this transformation is both an act of God’s grace and a daily choice to live according to His will.

Finally, circumcision is a sign that points to Christ. While physical circumcision was the sign of the old covenant, its deeper significance points to the spiritual realities fulfilled in Christ. As Christians, we no longer rely on external rituals to define our relationship with God. Instead, we embrace the inward transformation brought about by faith in Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit.

As we continue our journey through Lent, let’s allow the symbolism of circumcision to challenge us to examine the intimacy of our faith, the legacy we leave, and the daily choices we make to dedicate ourselves to God. Let’s allow circumcision to be a reminder that God’s covenant isn’t just a historical artifact but a living, personal relationship that calls us to a life of trust, obedience, and renewal. As we reflect on the symbolism of circumcision during this season of Lent, let’s allow its meaning to speak to our hearts, pointing us to the deeper realities of God’s love and grace.

Heavenly Father, you see the hidden places of my heart. You see my stubbornness, my sins, and my worldly desires, Please cut away anything in me that is not of You. Circumcise my heart, Lord, that I may love You fully and walk in the footsteps of Your Son. Amen!

AMDG 

WELCOME TO OUR NEW READERS

I want to extend a warm welcome to everyone who attended our Blessed, Broken & Scared retreat at Immaculate Conception Parish in Hendersonville, NC who have now joined us here 4th Day Letters.

 I always love to hear from our readers. You can email me by clicking here.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts about today’s message below.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Brian Pusateri

Brian is a Christian author and speaker. Brian, a lifelong Catholic, felt his life was forever changed when God spoke to his heart while attending an eight day silent Christian retreat in November of 2011. Soon after that retreat Brian founded 4th Day Letters and Broken Door Ministries. With the God inspired message of mercy and unconditional love that was placed on his heart during that retreat, Brian has been impacting others all over the country and around the world with his weekly letters, his talks, and his all day Christian retreats. In June of 2014, Brian’s life was again impacted in a very dramatic way when his eyesight suddenly became permanently impaired. The initial diagnosis was Multiple Scleroses (MS) but in December of 2019 the diagnosis was corrected to MOG antibody disease, a rare neurological disease. This health challenge has only served to draw Brian closer to God and bolster the importance of this timely yet ageless message.

Latest posts by Brian Pusateri (see all)

• The 700th 4th Day Letter - April 20, 2025
• The Inextricable Link Between Good Friday and Easter Sunday - April 14, 2025
• “I Was in Prison and You Visited Me” - April 6, 2025