Symbols

Genesis 17:1-14

Biblical faith is never just a matter of philosophy. It is down-to-earth, with down-to-earth symbols connecting the teaching and the living. When the Lord gives to Abraham the fullest and most solemn expression of his promise to him yet, it is followed by a sign that will become central to Israel’s life and identity: circumcision (it is also yet another indication of the patriarchal nature of the culture, as is the listing of pretty much only men in the genealogies).

Circumcision would become a metaphor for committed faith (Deuteronmy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4). Yet, like any symbol or practice, it runs the danger of acquiring a life of its own. Religious symbols and rites can be become instruments of conformity having to do more with culture than with what is spiritual. This kind of problem was at the heart of a debate in the early church that is reflected in various places in the New Testament (e.g. Acts 15:1).

As a sign of commitment, the Christian symbol of baptism is a sign of our death and resurrection in Christ. But it can be an idol (as in churches that tout the number baptisms they have as a kind of prize) or a sentimental rite of passage (as infant baptism has been, as it has been sometimes practiced). Symbols are important and powerful when they are treated as signs of God’s commitment to us and our returning commitment to him.

Prayer:
Whatever symbols we might use, Lord, may it come to this: that I would not fail to see the lengths you have gone to, to get our attention; with the words, the actions, the symbols, the mighty acts, the people, the trees, the sky, the needs, the seemingly insignficant blips in the day – you’re there, all the time, trying to get our attention, and get us to respond in some way to your amazing commitment to us. What shall I do in the next hour as a response for right now? In Christ. Amen.