SCRIPTURE: Genesis 17:1-14

OBSERVATION:
Wow, 99 years old, but he was to live many years more (175yrs old, Genesis 25:7). Did they count years differently, or did they just live longer (see Genesis 5:25-27).
A covevant was an agreement (contract) between two parties. This is not a new covenant, but a confirmation of the earlier covenant (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 15:1-6,18-21).
Note the emphasis on nations, it is not just about the Jews, but all nations will be blessed through Abraham.
The origins of circumcision as a sign of the covenant for Israel, a sign for male children but the blessing extended to male and female.
This sign applied to every person in the community, not just biological relatives (vv.12-13).
To refuse the sign was to refuse the covenant, to be cut off from the community of God’s people.

APPLICATION:
Not sure how to apply this passage, other than to see in it an anticipation of Jesus’ blessing for all nations.
Paul spiritualizes circumcision (Colossians 2:11-13) to mean the “cutting off” of our sinful nature. What was symbolized in circumcision became finalized in Jesus death for us, our sin nature has been cut off in Jesus and we are now completely forgiven (as symbolized now in baptism).
Baptism does not replace circumcision, but it does symbolically represent the new reality, how our sinful nature has been ultimately dealt with through Jesus Christ.
Though the sign may be different, the promise remains: God is rebuilding His community of children, to all who will be restored to Him through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
God still relates to us by a covenant, we can either accept His offer or reject it, but there are consequences to either choice.

PRAYER:
Lord, You are offering me forgiveness, freedom and eternal life. Oddly I still seem to prefer the bondage of sin. Help me to appreciate the wonder of Your free love, and all that it means to me, and help me to receive Your gracious offer – wholeheartedly! Amen.