As we continue in the subject of God’s love, we look today at Deuteronomy 30:6, “Moreover the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.” (NASB)
I looked at some commentaries on this verse, and J. Vernon McGee states that this is one of seven unconditional promises God made to Israel. This promise is a promise of future blessing to the nation of Israel. God promised to circumcise their heart. Circumcision was done as a seal of the covenant God made with Abraham, and all males were to be circumcised on the eighth day after their birth. It was a sign of being separated to God, wholly given to Him, and God’s promise to honor His covenant with Israel.
As Believers, we are to have circumcised hearts as well. In his commentary, Matthew Henry states, “[1.] The heart must be circumcised to love God. The filth of the flesh must be put away; and the foolishness of the heart…Circumcision was a seal of the covenant; the heart is then circumcised to love God when it is strongly engaged and held by that bond to this duty. [2.] It is the work of God’s grace to circumcise the heart, and to shed abroad the love of God there; and this grace is given to all that repent and seek it carefully.”
If we are to have hearts that are circumcised, we must allow God to work in our hearts. We must make a conscious decision to “put off” sin in our lives. Colossians 2:11 says, “You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh, in the circumcision of Christ,” (CSB) The circumcision of Christ is a Spiritual circumcision, cutting away all worldly, sinful desires, and replacing them with a desire to serve God completely, and in that way be an example to the world by a life wholly devoted to the Lord. Romans 2:29 says that circumcision of the heart is done by the Spirit. This leads to a sanctified life – separated to God and away from sin. Israel was to refrain from worshipping other gods, they were to worship only God…Yahweh, the Great I Am! They were not to indulge in idol worship or associate with those who did. They were to live a life of purity and holiness, and Believers are to also be separated to God. The Apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you.’” (2 Corinthians 6:17 NASB)
We must examine ourselves to see if we have circumcised hearts. Are we living a life that is completely devoted to God? Are we turning from all unholy thoughts, actions, and attitudes? Does our life show evidence that God is the center of everything we do, say, and think? If not, then it is time to repent. Just as God called Israel to repentance every time they turned from Him, He is calling to us to come back to Him with hearts of repentance, and with circumcised hearts that love Him completely.
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