Devotion: Romans 2:29

Romans 2:29 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. 

In today’s verse, we have a message from Paul reminding us what it means to be a true member of God’s family and enter His covenant. He was writing to the first century Israelites who were still following the Law and focusing on the ritualism of it all rather than the relationship. It is within that context that we find today’s message.

The problem was a heart issue. They were arrogant and boasted in their heritage. They emphasized the importance of the process of circumcision, the outward evidence of their old commitment to God’s covenant based upon the Law. But their outward arrogance did not guarantee their salvation and that is what Paul was trying to correct.

Although they claimed to teach and uphold the Law, they were not. They were blind to their hypocrisy, not seeing how their actions were actually breaking the Law, not upholding it. Their hearts were not following God and their actions were in direct opposition to the new Covenant that Jesus ushered in.

Since circumcision was such a debated topic, Paul redefined it for them. He pointed out that physical circumcision was the outward sign that they belonged to His covenant. But true circumcision was an internal change, a spiritual transformation. Their soul was renewed and made new through a complete transformation of the heart, just as we learned a few days ago when we discussed the heart being transformed from stone to flesh.

This is true for us today, as well. True obedience is produced by the Spirit, not just by following written rules or laws, including just following the Bible. It is an internal change, a spiritual renewal where we truly demonstrate our devotion and commitment to Jesus and are blessed by  His saving grace.

Remember, outward behaviors based on religious ritual are our attempts to seek the approval of other people. But God looks directly at the heart, into the hidden reality of what is truly taking place in our hearts. Is your heart seeking Him and His ways?

Prayer: Lord, I don’t want to get caught up in religion. I want a relationship with You instead. Circumcize my heart, renew it and transform it, and let it follow only You. Amen 

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