The Sign of the Covenant

Observe. God gives Abraham a sign to accompany the covenant. Every male in his household, born or bought, is to be circumcised, and infants on the eighth day. It is a mark in the flesh, permanent and private, that says this person belongs to the covenant people. The chapter ends with Abraham obeying that very day, at ninety-nine, along with Ishmael at thirteen and every man in his household.

Interpret. The sign follows the promise; it does not create it. Paul makes a point of this in Romans 4, noting that Abraham was counted righteous in Genesis 15, before he was circumcised in Genesis 17. The mark was a seal of a righteousness he already had by faith. It was applied to infants who could not believe anything yet, and to servants who had not chosen the household. Belonging came first, and the sign confirmed it.

Apply. Christians disagree about how this maps onto baptism, and honest people land in different places. What all can agree on is the principle: God's grace comes before our response, and the signs he gives are meant to remind us of his promise, not to prove our performance.

What reminders of God's promise are built into your week? How does it change your view of yourself to know that belonging came before earning? Who in your household needs to hear that they are included?