Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of Christ. Today, we gather here, not as mere spectators but as participants in a grand narrative that is continuously unfolding in our lives. We are here to immerse ourselves in the depth of God's word, to allow it to seep into the very marrow of our being, transforming us from the inside out. We are here to let the divine messages of the Bible nurture our faith, strengthen our resolve, and guide us towards a life that reflects the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we turn to the book of Joshua, chapter 5, verses 2 to 8, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of a significant moment in the history of God's people. This passage, my dear friends, is a testament to the profound relationship between God and His people, a relationship that is marked by covenantal promises, faithful obedience, and divine grace.

Allow me to read the passage for you. "At that time the Lord said to Joshua, 'Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.' So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the wilderness on the way after leaving Egypt. All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not. The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the journey. And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed."

This passage, dear brothers and sisters, beckons us to reflect on three central themes: Confirming Commitment to God, Cost of Complacency in Faith, and Circumcision as a Covenant. As we ponder on these themes, let us remember the words of the great Christian theologian, J.I. Packer, who once said, "Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord."

Let us then, dear family, approach God's word today with a sincere desire to know Him more, to understand His will for us, and to commit ourselves to a life of faithful obedience.

Confirming Commitment to God

In the passage we've read, we see the Israelites at a pivotal moment in their history. They stand at the edge of the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, a land that God had promised to their ancestors. But before they can enter, they are called to an act of obedience - to circumcise every male. This act was not merely a physical one, but a symbolic one. It was a sign of their commitment to God, a reaffirmation of their covenant with Him.

The act of circumcision was a clear sign of the Israelites' commitment to God. It was a physical mark, a constant reminder of their covenant with God. It was a commitment that required sacrifice, pain, and a period of vulnerability. We too are called to confirm our commitment to God. This commitment is not a physical mark, but a spiritual one. It is a commitment that is made in the heart and lived out in our daily lives. Like the Israelites, this commitment comes with a promise - the promise of God's unfailing love, His constant presence, and His abundant grace. Now, let's look at what this commitment entails.

First, it requires a recognition of God's sovereignty. The Israelites were called to circumcise their hearts, to cut away any pride, self-reliance, or idolatry that stood in the way of their complete surrender to God. They were called to acknowledge that God was their King, their Lord, their Provider. We are called to surrender our plans, our desires, our dreams to Him, trusting that His plans are far better than ours.

Second, this commitment requires obedience. The Israelites were called to obey God's command to circumcise every male, even though it was a painful and risky procedure. They were called to trust in God's wisdom and goodness, even when His commands didn't make sense to them.

Third, this commitment requires faith. The Israelites were called to believe in God's promises, even when they couldn't see them. They were called to have faith in God's faithfulness, even when they were in the wilderness.

Finally, this commitment requires perseverance. The Israelites were called to persevere in their commitment to God, even when they faced challenges, opposition, or delays. They were to remain faithful to God, even when they were in the wilderness. We are called to remain faithful to Him, even when we face trials, tribulations, or delays.

Cost of Complacency in Faith

As we immerse ourselves further into the narrative of Joshua 5:2-8, we encounter a stark reality that the Israelites faced during their wilderness wanderings ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO