Grace and Peace Episode Season 2 Episode 11

 Rev. Jeffrey T. Howard
Grace and Peace Episode Season 2 Episode 11
Presbyterian Church of Easton
April 3, 2022

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Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7)

Romans 2:25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

Circumcision was a Jewish practice that originated in Abrahams’ circumcision.   God and Abraham had made a covenant.   In this covenant God promised to give Abraham children and land to become a great nation.   In return God expected obedience.  Circumcision was a sign of that covenant.  We read this in Genesis 17:11 “You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.”  

So circumcision was supposed to be a sign of a covenant relationship between God and his people.   But over time the people forgot their promise of obedience.   They thought all they had to do was to be circumcised.

But Paul is pointing out that the sign of something is only as good as the reality it points to.   Suppose your favorite dry cleaner has gone out of business.  A locksmith has moved in, but as of yet has not replaced the sign.   The sign still says dry cleaners.   So when you go into the store with your dirty clothes you are disappointed.

So too with God.   God sees someone who is circumcised and assumes obedience.   Imagine God’s disappointment when the sign of circumcision points to someone who ignores God’s law.    But if God sees someone who is obedient, then God is thrilled and no sign is needed.

So don’t think that baptism or church attendance is enough.   They are certainly signs pointing to a reality.   And the reality, baptism and church attendance point to, is obedience.

Let's pray.   Heavenly Father, bless us not only with outwards signs of our covenant with you,  but also with true repentance of heart and an obedient spirit.  This we pray in our Lord Jesus’ name.  Amen.