Real Circumcision Is a Matter of the Heart

This meditation is based on a passage for June 18, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Romans 2:25-3:8

Reflection and Question: By this point in Romans, Paul has preached himself into a corner familiar to every pastor. The fact is that his declaration that Jew and Gentile are equal before God through Jesus Christ has some challenging implications. One of them is the question of the law’s value. Paul’s answer is that Jews have an advantage in knowing God’s law. Another is the possibility that Jews who disobey the law thereby “nullify God’s faithfulness.” Paul answers that our sin is about us, not God. He repeats his bottom line — “real circumcision is a matter of the heart.” How do you reconcile the law with faith, when faith is a matter of the heart?

Prayer: Eternal Spirit, You descended upon Jew and Gentile alike as Paul preached the Gospel of Jesus throughout the land in his time. Descend upon us, as well, so that Your law may be circumcised on our hearts and we may do Your holy will. Amen.