Physical Reminders

Genesis 17: 9-10 Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised.”

In Genesis 17, Abraham’s covenant with God continues to develop. God changes Abram’s name to Abraham and sets for the terms of his covenant – every male in his family must be circumcised. Circumcision remains a symbol to this day of Israel’s commitment to God.

Throughout the course of the early Old Testament, God actually designates a number of physical markers for the Israelites. Circumcision is by far the most … intrusive, but each of the symbols God sets out for them reminds the Israelites, and those around them, that they are set apart for covenant with the God of Abraham. This morning, consider what physical reminders or rituals there are in your life that represent God’s faithfulness to you? If you feel like there are none, ask God to open your eyes to the ways he has been faithful to you.