Daniel Fast- Called to Fight Until VictoryIhe Atụ

Day 6: Circumcised with the Circumcision of Christ

“So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.” Joshua 5:3

The Book of Joshua unfolds with compelling acts of faith. In its fifth chapter, we encounter the unusual account of Joshua circumcising the children of Israel on the plains of Jericho. This event, seemingly disjointed from the logical flow, becomes clearer when considering the context. The Israelites, having dwelled beyond the Jordan for an extended period, stand on the brink of claiming the promised land through the momentous crossing of the Jordan. Despite meticulous preparations—people, food, and priests in readiness—their journey unfolds amid battles and miracles as they inherit the land promised by God. With its imposing walls, Jericho instills fear in its inhabitants, who observe from towers and windows. It is in this tense atmosphere that Joshua receives a directive from the Lord of heaven and earth—to circumcise the entire male population. The question arises: "Why wasn't this done before the Jordan during the preparations?" Yet, Joshua faithfully follows the Lord's instruction, rendering all men fit for war sick and needing recovery. Only faith can do such a thing in front of the enemy! The Lord said that by doing this, He took away the "shame of Egypt" from them.

The New Testament often draws on the metaphor of circumcision to convey the necessity of cutting off unnecessary and stained aspects of our lives. Circumcision is always painful, but it is necessary. Circumcision of the heart is an act of obedience.

Jesus Christ, in His teachings on the vine, branches, and fruit, emphasizes the crucial principle that removing unnecessary branches is essential for harvest.

A friend of ours shared a personal gardening experience. He has a beautiful avocado tree growing in his yard. For several years, it was bearing a lot of fruit. Hundreds of avocados grew on one branch. Then, one year, due to busyness, there was no opportunity to cut off the extra branches. The owner was amazed: he did not see a single fruit on the avocado tree the following year!

Consider another metaphor in Hebrews 12, highlighting the incompatibility between excess weight and a person's ability to run. This analogy draws a spiritual parallel to the hindrance of sin, likening it to excess weight in the race of faith. The runner’s weight and the ability to run hate each other. Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Run the distance! Just as Abraham, Noah, Jacob, Isaiah, and many others once ran. Perhaps we don't like the distance given. Maybe there is a lot of pain and difficulty in it. Perhaps we envision our lives differently, but His word says that running is essential. The biggest problem with running is fat, and in spiritual running, fat is sin. Sin, like extra weight, keeps us from running. It must be left behind!

Patience and focus emerge as indispensable elements in this spiritual race. Where is our focus during our faith run? On ourselves? Family? Finances? Lost people? Hebrews 12:2 directs believers to fix their eyes on Jesus. He also ran the race that God the Father had prepared for Him. He is the ultimate example of patience and endurance. He finished the race and sat down as the Overcomer! Following His path, believers are called to persevere through both favorable and challenging aspects of life.

While Satan often redirects focus onto self and circumstances, the Lord not only assigns the race but also disciplines His beloved children. Discipline, although severe and painful, serves as a transformative tool. The discomfort becomes God's megaphone, echoing truth to the world. The Bible assures believers that discipline is an expression of love, affirming their status as God's beloved children. Discipline functions as spiritual pruning, removing unnecessary elements, fostering endurance, and preparing believers to bear worthy fruit and emerge victorious. Patience, a tangible outcome of discipline, is a testament to faith's transformative power.

“In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self-ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ.”

Colossians 2:11

Reflection Questions:

1. Reflecting on John 15:1-2, what branches in your life is Jesus highlighting to cut off? Are there aspects such as busyness, food, time wasted, lingering sins, etc.? We are not called to comfort but to comfort others.

2. There are many who are witnessing your run of faith in Christ. What do they see? Does your example inspire them to run? What footprints do we leave for those who run after us? Let’s be mindful as we run, recognizing that if we consistently stumble, those who come after us may encounter similar obstacles.

3. How do you focus on Christ and follow His example?

Prayer:

1. For freedom from vanity and the multitude of distractions that often divert our focus.
2. For healing of relationships, fostering the return of fathers and mothers to their children, children to their parents, husbands to wives, and wives to husbands.
3. For GOPlay teams around the world as they go and serve children, youth, families, and communities.