Text: Romans 2:25-28
Memory verse:
“In Him, you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,”
Colossians 2:11 NKJV
Dr Christian Barnard, the first surgeon ever to carry out a heart transplant, impulsively asked one of his patients, Dr. Philip Blaiberg, “Would you like to see your old heart?” Dr. Barnard went up to a cupboard, took down a glass container with his old heart, and handed it to him. For a moment, he stood there in stunned silence, being the first man in history ever to hold his own heart in his hands. Finally, and after asking many questions, he turned to take a final look at the contents of the glass container and said, “So this is my old heart that caused me so much trouble.” He handed it back, turned away, and left it forever!
Circumcision was a covenant sign to the Jews. It involved the removal of the foreskin of the male genital organ on the eight day. It was also believed to be the removal of the flesh of sin. Although it carried a spiritual significance, yet it was done outwardly and physically. The New Testament talks of a spiritual circumcision that is not outward or physical but of the heart. The physical circumcision was a shadow of the real circumcision. “the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants…” (Deut 30:6).
This circumcision is done in the heart and not a physical procedure done with knives or blades but by the Spirit of God. It is invisible but supernatural and more effective.
“…and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter ..” (Rom 2:29)
The heart which troubled Dr. Philip was removed and replaced with a new heart for him to regain his health. Likewise, no one can ever have victory over sin until the heart of sin is removed and replaced through a spiritual circumcision. It is also called the heart of stone or the nature of sin. It can’t be repaired or supported to function like a new heart. Only a heart transplant by the Spirit can make it new. A new and healthy heart will gradually have a transforming impact on the wellness of the whole body. A new heart will also give access to the supernatural realms that the uncircumcised heart knows nothing about. To be circumcised in the heart also means to be born again, born the second time or to be born from above.
Friend, has your heart been circumcised? Has the heart troubling you been removed and replaced with a new heart?
Prayer points
1. Father, please, circumcise the hearts of all our children, teens, youths, and adults who have no personal encounter with the Saviour, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, let our new and healthy hearts begin to transform our spiritual and physical health in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. Only a spiritual heart transplant can give victory over sin and the works of the flesh.
2. With a new heart, my healing begins to spring up, and my outlook and general conduct are being transformed.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng