Effective signage is an art, but by observing most road signs, it is apparently a lost art.  An effective sign is readable from a distance, clear but concise, and accurately represents the destination to which it points.  Effective signs give comfort to the pilgrim on his journey, assuring him both of the reality of the destination and confidence that he is on the right path.  Confusing or obsolete signs, however, cause confusion, anxiety, and circuitous routes to various dead ends.

No pilgrimage has more need of effective signage than the journey of faith.  Perhaps as a child you learned the Bible verse, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)   The Bible encourages us in our faith journey, instructing us

 “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16

Like Jesus’ disciple Thomas, however, we are apt to cry out, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”  Jesus’ answer to him was “I am the way, the truth and the life.”  Yet, the Lord knows that we need effective signage to follow the One who is The Way.  He graciously gives signs and seals of His grace to comfort and assure us on our journey.   Some Christians call these signs and seals, sacraments and others refer to them as ordinances.

Though in different times, God has given different signs, the path and the destination remain unchanged.  For this reason it is important for us to understand the meaning of older signs in order to follow the newer signs that God has given.   The Old Testament sign of circumcision is one of these signs that was “obsolete and passing away” in the New Testament.  Yet both the Old Testament and the New Testament use it to direct us to critical and timeless realities of our faith.   For this reason it is important to understand why God posted this covenant sign and what sign replaces it today.

Join us this Lord’s Day, September 10, for worship at Pottsville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church as we examine Genesis 17 and consider God’s institution of the sign and seal of circumcision to direct, strengthen and affirm faith in Christ.  For directions click here. We look forward to seeing you.