August 11 - Uncircumcised Hearts

 Read today’s texts first: Jeremiah 7-9; John 13

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

God wants us to cut away any layers in our “heart”
(spirit) that block our spiritual sensitivity.

I don’t often blog about circumcision, or even think about it that much, for that matter! It’s a sensitive subject, literally, but because it comes up so often in the Bible it must be important. The outward act is apparently not nearly as important as the inward work it should represent. Just like the sacrifices being offered in the Temple in Jeremiah’s day, the physical action is meaningless without the spiritual motivation (8:21-23).

There was a serious disconnect at this time in Judah’s history between actions and attitudes, between ministry and motivation, between hands and heart. “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh - Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the desert in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart” (9:25,26).

Circumcision, the physical act, cuts away the covering that shields the most sensitive part of our body. The surgery allows for even greater sensitivity, exposure, and depth of feeling. It was and is intended to represent something far greater than the physical part of our lives. Like water baptism and communion, it is a physical manifestation of an inward work. God wants us to cut away any layers in our “heart” (spirit) that block our spiritual sensitivity. The people of Judah were completely insensitive to God’s voice, as well as to conviction and remorse for their sin. They were going through the motions of worship, offering sacrifices to idols and to God, just to cover their bases. Despite the overt messages from His prophets, their hardened hearts were oblivious to God’s desire for an intimate relationship with a faithful bride.

Now if you think you can’t relate to the extremes of sin and punishment talked about in Jeremiah, how about the tender moment revealed in John’s gospel. John, who referred to himself in his books as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” includes some very intimate experiences between Jesus and His disciples. The heart of God is unveiled as Jesus provides an example of real love by washing the sandy feet of each of His disciples. If you can’t relate to the hard hearts of Judah in our Jeremiah reading or Judas in our John reading, how about Peter. He boldly asserts he will defend Jesus to the death but, as Jesus knows before (13:37,38) and we learn after (18:15-27), Peter soon denies even knowing Jesus. “Lord, when I think I’m far from being far from You, may I remember Peter, and all the disciples, and realize how quickly I can run. I pray if I should ever drift away that my heart will stay sensitive enough to hear You calling me back.”