God chose Abraham to be the father of “many peoples”. Abraham became the father of the Jewish nation. The Jewish nation became God’s nation, his people. He led them out of Egypt, through the wilderness and into the land he promised them. God marked them with circumcision. Circumcision was the removal of foreskin…ouch! This mark was indicative of the people of God. But Paul is stating that the indicator of God’s presence is a changed heart. And someone with a heart circumcised by God no longer needs praise or acceptance from others, because he is accepted by God, through Jesus Christ and moved by the Spirit.
28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God. Romans 2
LORD,
Create in me a clean heart God and renew in me a steadfast desire to follow you. You have made me a new creation, that I might glorify and honor you with all that I have. The people around me constantly seek acceptance and re-acceptance from co-workers, spouses, fellow Christians and our society. Thank you for accepting me because of Jesus. Thank you for constantly making me more like your son. Please set my feet on the mountain of your presence, so that I can see the best way to lead my family, friends and co-workers. In the name of the Messiah, Jesus,
Amen.
Brethren of the Feast 