Gilgal circumcision ceremony

Gilgal circumcision ceremony

[Joshua 5:1-12]

 

God commands Joshua to circumcise the children of Israel again (2,3)

Thus, God removed the shame from Egypt (9) - Gilgal

We celebrate the Passover for the first time in 38 years, giving thanks to God for the Israelites and their salvation and liberation (10)

Circumcision is a sign that symbolizes putting off the old life and being born again as God's people. In this way, God tells us that through baptism, our old shame of living in submission to sin has been completely washed away with the blood of Christ.

The Israelites followed God's command and performed circumcision (8). This required great faith and courage. In terms of military strategy, there is nothing more reckless than performing a circumcision ceremony in front of enemy lines. This is because after circumcision, you cannot move freely while the surgical wound heals. I obeyed, relying only on the powerful hand of God. We too must be able to rely on God's power and obey God's commands in everything.

 

God, we thank you for the circumcision of our hearts, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and for washing away the old shame of living in submission to sin with the blood of Christ. Let us live a life of obedience, relying only on God’s power!