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 2:29]
the act of circumcision was given as a reminder of God’s covenant to us. It was a reminder that we are his and that we must remove the sin from our hearts and lives. the act of circumcision eventually elevated to the main point and proof of the covenant. throughout time, and on many occasions, the Israelites had to be reminded of what the main point really was.
circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn! -deuteronomy 10:16
stubbornness could be errantly called determination. it could also be considered as grit. i’m not counting out that there is a call to keep pushing on in the faith and in struggles of life, but this is not on our strength alone. stubborness is something different.
stubborn is defined as, having or showing dogged (or persistent) determination not to change one’s attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so.
how is it through all of the examples given in the old testament- rebukes and calls to action of the prophets- were the israelites so stubborn? why are we continuously so stubborn? why do we focus on our own strength and belief?
it wasn’t because they hadn’t heard or hadn’t known what was being asked of them. it wasn’t because they didn’t know idolatry was a sin, or that coveting would distort their heart, or that gossip could cause strife. name whatever sin, it wasn’t because they weren’t made aware. it was because of the pride in their heart and their resistance to follow.
you stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the holy spirit. as your fathers did so do you. -acts 7:51
what reason or argument must we hear to submit and listen to the spirit of God?
this morning, call out to the Father. ask the holy spirit to call out your stubbornness. pray for the strength to submit and follow his will. pray that the pride in our hearts would be torn down, and that we would know that his way is better.
whatever the Lord has been revealing in your heart the past few weeks, now is the opportunity to stop being stubborn, and circumcise your heart.
~ joe lorsung