Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Circumcision of our Lord (Gazurtho)


Reny Varughese,
Epiphany MTC, NY

6 But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted through better promises.
    The Feast of Circumcision celebrates the circumcision of Christ on the eighth day of his birth, in accordance with Jewish traditions and practices.  Though these practices aren't traditionally followed by most Christians today in it's physical form, God does expect us to be circumcised in the Spiritual sense. Circumcision is the "cutting of the flesh."  God requires us to rid ourselves of our old self, our fleshly desires, in order to invite God's salvation and work in our lives.
 
Hebrews clearly states the coming of this new covenant, in which there is more than physical implications to change, there is a sense of urgency in the renewal of the mind and spirit.  In taking on this new covenant, there’s a need to cut off the old self.  There is a need to know God on a personal and more intimate level than by word of mouth.  This new covenant presses us to circumcise our fleshly desires for the will of God. Colossians 2:11 states, "In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh.”   As we enter this New Year, let us cut off the old, the unwanted and unfruitful areas of our life. Let's take on the image of Christ in our new, circumcised Spirits and step forward into the purposes God has for each of our lives.

PRAYER

Father, we come before You, in awe of who You are and Your immeasurable love towards us.  Thank You for the new covenant in which we are able to know You on a personal level.  Give us the strength to embrace more and more of Your image.  Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Our hope is not in the New Year, but in the One who makes all things new.”  -Anonymous 

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