Abraham's Household Circumcised

Covenant with God

Signs of God's Covenant

Circumcision

Genesis 17:23-27 The Message

23 Then Abraham took his son Ishmael and all his servants, whether house-born or purchased—every male in his household—and circumcised them, cutting off their foreskins that very day, just as God had told him.
24-27 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised. His son Ishmael was thirteen years old when he was circumcised. Abraham and Ishmael were circumcised the same day together with all the servants of his household, those born there and those purchased from outsiders—all were circumcised with him.

For Reflection

Circumcision is a token of the covenant.  It is a sign that even in the physical absence of God, one abides in God and one is living in the grace and promise of God. All in the household of Abraham were received into the covenant. There was no distinction as to whether one was born into the house of Abraham or was a purchased slave.  The sign of the chosen was open to all in the sacred lineage of Abraham. Ishmael was also circumcised in his thirteenth year.

The visible church did not descend from Ishmael, but Ishmael reaped the benefits of God's blessing. Perhaps God's intention for all humankind is cloaked in God's answer to Abraham's prayer.

Pray
Pray that you will be as obedient to God as Abraham.  Pray that the sign of your abiding in the promise of God is visible in your kindness, humility, forgiveness, and justice.  Praise God for the wisdom of God's gift signified by the cross.  Pray that you will remember and have confidence and trust in God's promise.