He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

There is an important point that is implied in this passage. It is that the righteousness of God is granted before any outward manifestation of faith in Him. In other words, before any self-motivated works can be performed. The Holy Spirit entered and began His life altering work at the very moment that I accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 8

Mid-day: 119:105-112

Evening: Psalm 83

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"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore. A weekly edition, formatted as a bifold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/item/7251-2016-voices-together-weekly-format. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.