DEVOTION – DAY 156

Romans 2:28-29 “God Knows Our Motives”

 

Rom.2:28-29 “A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 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.”

We live in a world where people are concerned about how they appear before others. Many people try to put on their best behavior for others to see. Some politicians who want to project an image of piety would want to be photographed praying in a mosque, or travelling on a pilgrimage to Mecca. The ex US President Trump also wanted to be photographed walking to a church near the White House carrying a Bible as if that would make people believe that he was God fearing. But Romans 2:28-29 reminds us that God is not interested in outward appearances. God is interested in what is in our hearts. In ancient times, God commanded that the Jews be circumcised as an outward sign that they had been set apart as God’s people. To this day, Jews still practiced circumcision for all males. But the act of circumcision was supposed to reflect what should have also happened internally in God’s people. God’s people were also to surrender their hearts to God, to do His Will for them. The true sign that we are God’s people is when we submit to the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts to change it into one that purpose to obey and follow Jesus Christ. When that happens, we will want to do things that pleases God, not try to do what pleases our fellow man. That is what the Bible calls “circumcision of the heart.”

During this Covid-19 pandemic, we see examples of people helping others less fortunate than themselves. Unsurprisingly, the politicians who want to look pious in front of the press photographers are nowhere to be seen when it comes to giving generously to help the poor and needy who have lost their income because of Covid-19. Instead, the “silent” heroes are the people who set up food banks for the public to have access to needed food supplies. Christians have been giving money anonymously to our Church’s Covid-19 fund to help those in need. They have also generously supported the HelpIndia30 project to supply protective garments to pastors in India so that they have some protection against Covid-19 as they minister to their congregations. These are examples of being inwardly circumcised in the hearts.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, nothing misses You. You see right into our hearts. Please help us to always surrender our hearts fully to obey and follow Your perfect Will for us. In the precious name of the Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. What are some examples you see today of people trying to impress others by the things they do? Why do they do that? Discuss
  2. How can you be circumcised in your heart? Have you done so? Share.
  3. What are some things you know God wants you to cut off in your life so that you can be set apart for Him?