Well Positioned, Well Prepared
Take the Promise
August 26, 2018
Rev. Gabe Sylvia
To do God's will with courage we must undergo changed associations (a covenant sign like circumcision, foreshadowed by baptism) and changed appetites (a new spiritual diet and heart for service), even when the preparation seems confusing.
Summary
Using the Karate Kid image of baffling training that turns out to be exactly what the student needs, the sermon draws from Joshua 5:1–12 to show that God prepared Israel for conquest by changing their associations (circumision as the covenant sign, removing the reproach of Egypt) and their appetites (transitioning them from manna to Canaan’s food). Circumcision in Genesis 17 established the covenant mark; for Christians the analogue is baptism as the visible sign of belonging to Christ. True entrance into God’s covenant is by grace through faith, and obedient practices—however mysterious at first—both identify us with God’s people and cultivate the desire and courage to serve and do God’s work.
Key Points
- Karate Kid metaphor: strange preparation that proves necessary
- Joshua 5:1–12 shows required changes were not obvious but prepared the people for God’s will
- Associations must change: circumcision restored the covenant identity and removed Egypt’s reproach
- Genesis 17: circumcision is God’s covenant mark; baptism is the New Covenant counterpart
- The new generation was circumcised to nullify the prior generation’s disobedience
- Entrance into covenant is by grace through faith; baptism is the visible proof of belonging
- Appetites must change: God shifted their diet (manna → Canaan produce) as part of preparation
- Obedience produces appetite: doing God’s works fuels desire to serve; serving begets a heart for service
- Even puzzling commands from God can be formative and prepare us for courageous obedience
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