On Becoming a Jew

Scripture: 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 2:29

Observation: As Paul begins to dive into the meat of his message, he begins to position the 'salvation by faith' discussion by first assessing what it means to be a Jew. A Jew, as he points out, is a person who has received the law - the very word of God - and observes it. In contrast, someone who knows the law and still breaks it is arguably not a Jew. They may be outwardly circumcised, but their hearts are not right. Even if they can quote the law and teach it to others, without at least attempting to comply they are under condemnation and their Jewish standing has no bearing.

Therefore, someone who may not be outwardly a Jew by nationality, but yet knows and follows the law ... this is a person whose heart has been circumcised by the Spirit. They are above those who are the opposite. They are even ... a Jew, and are worthy of praise from God.

Application: I am not a Jew by nationality or genetics, however I would gladly call myself a Jew by adoption through faith in Jesus, understanding the word of God, and attempts to comply with his law. Do I succeed at this last item, complying with the law? No, I fail every day. And that is why the first two elements, especially faith in Jesus, come into play ... to provide for grace and forgiveness, so I may be clean before God.

I wish my internal heart were softer and more obviously inwardly circumcised. I want there to be clear and obvious evidence in my life that I am a Jew by the Spirit. The Jews are people set apart to be different as a nation of priests, and blessed to be a blessing to others. Were that to be said of me.

Prayer: Lord, this day I know I am one of your people, a believer in the Lord almighty, who strives to know your word and is found innocent by faith in Jesus. I am a Jew inwardly. May I find ways in this world, in this time, to fulfill that mission. Amen.