FRAGILE FLESH
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—” Philippians 3:3, ESV
Theme: Our confidence should not be in our flesh, but in what Jesus did for us.
INDICATOR
Chemical indicators offer visual evidence of chemical composition. You may have heard of litmus. It changes color to indicate whether a substance is an acid or a base. It is made from lichens and is a natural indicator.
Hydrangeas are a natural indicator, also. They are ubiquitous in the piedmont of North Carolina. The ones in my yard started out pink when purchased but have changed to blue once planted in the soil in my yard. Blue indicates acidic soil, purple indicates neutral soil, and pink indicates basic soil. Fascinating.
CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH
For the Israelites, circumcision was an indicator of belonging to God. It was the marker that Abraham and his descedents were part of God’s covenant.
Under the old covenant, every male Israelite was circumcised, usually eight days after birth. In special cases, teens, adults or foreigners were circumcised later. Discussing this practice may seem strange. It does to me. However, today’s Scripture invites us to reframe circumcision by looking at its function as an indicator.
That physical indicator was to show a changed behavior and heart posture. “For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—” (Philippians 3:3, ESV). Occasionally I’m tempted to put confidence in my physical abilities to carry a load, perform a task, accomplish goals, motivate others, or care for needs. When my flesh fails, I lose confidence or feel worthless. The flesh will always disappoint. We are limited. We need sleep. We are injured. Our bodies age. My productivity does not determine my worth, even though that may be what society believes. Yet, it is not the indicator.
TRUE INDICATOR
Our worship by the Spirit, glory, and confidence in Jesus sets us apart. The Holy Spirit in us is the indicator of our belonging. We no longer need a physical marker. We have a spiritual marker of the covenant promise. We can be confident in what Jesus did for us on the cross. His holy flesh, broken for you, is the only flesh that saves us.
You are the marker that sets apart God’s holy people and indicates His covenant promise. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14, ESV). Yet our confidence rests in Jesus and what He did, not our own light or works. When we worship by the Spirit of God, glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh – we are the marker of His covenant promises.
Make It Personal: In what ways do you put your confidence in Jesus? In what ways do you fall back on your own abilities, charisma, strength, or power? Offer your physical body — with all its strength and weakness — to God as you pray. Become an indicator of God’s promise in this way.
Pray: God, thank You for creating us with the ability to serve and worship. Help us to recognize our own fragility so that we can rely fully on Your strength. My flesh is untrustworthy. Thank You for being eternally faithful. All glory and honor to You. Amen.
Read: Matthew 5:13-16; Philippians 3:1-11
Weekly Memory Verse: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11, ESV