Hidden Influence
It happened again in this week’s ladies’ Bible class. We were reading from Genesis 17 when God reaffirms His covenant with Abram, changing his name to Abraham. This is also where God institutes the sign of the covenant – circumcision.
The focus of our lesson was on the underlying meaning of circumcision as it is used throughout scripture. It represents a choice to obey and make ourselves more sensitive to God’s will over our own. But what I noticed (as I often do) was a side note.
It’s found in verses 24-27:
“Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. That very same day Abraham was circumcised, and his son Ishmael; and all the men of his house, born in the house or bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.”
What I find so interesting is that all of the men “were circumcised with him.” From what I read, there is no mention of their complaining or questioning the command. Abraham was the one told of the blessings but on his word, all the men of his household complied. Why?
I mentioned earlier that chapter 17 is where God reaffirms the covenant with Abraham. God originally spoke to Abram in Genesis 12, which was24 years prior to this. I have to believe that part of why all the men of his household followed his lead, even in such a personal and invasive act, was because of the life Abraham lived in those 24 years … his influence.
Was he perfect? No. We have accounts of his lying about Sarai (later in chapter 12) and his running ahead of God’s plan for his future (chapter 16). But he was faithful. He did the things God asked of him. He repented when he sinned. And the people around him noticed.
You may not be setting the world on fire and conducting daily Bible studies with people. But if you are living faithfully, people are watching. Actually, they are watching either way. What is your hidden influence?
“For I have given you an example, that you should do
as I have done to you.” ~ John 13:15
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AUTHOR: Amber Tatum
