Rooted and Ready invites you into real conversations about how Scripture speaks to everyday life. In this episode, Wayne and Murad revisit Genesis 17 to unpack the covenant of circumcision — a topic that may sound ancient, but one that still resonates deeply today. You’ll hear two friends wrestle with what it means to be marked by God and how that mark points forward to Jesus Christ.

thatRight at the outset, the hosts remind us of the context: God had just given Abraham staggering promises about a son and future nations. Those promises were sealed with a physical sign. Genesis 17 tells us that after delivering “exceedingly great and precious promises,” the Lord commanded Abraham to circumcise every male on the eighth day. The sign itself is even called “My covenant”. Wayne and Murad discuss why God chose something so intimate and physical. They point out how theologians see the sign's location as a reminder that our fallen nature is inherited from our first parents. The cutting away of flesh symbolised the need for spiritual renewal; it also warned that rejecting the sign was tantamount to rejecting God Himself.

As they chat, Wayne reflects on raising sons and the weight of shepherding the next generation. Murad shares how the requirement to circumcise on the eighth day foreshadowed new creation life. Together they explore how circumcision wasn’t an arbitrary ritual — it was a gospel sign pointing ahead to Christ. The act of cutting and the shedding of blood looked forward to Jesus, whose own circumcision and eventual crucifixion fulfilled the covenant in both judgment and mercy. The hosts connect this to Paul’s teaching that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, a work of the Spirit that makes us part of God’s family regardless of ethnicity or background.

The conversation also gets personal. Wayne opens up about the temptations to rely on outward religion rather than a transformed heart. Murad asks probing questions about identity: What does it mean for believers today to be set apart? How do we live as covenant people without slipping into legalism? They consider modern parallels such as baptism and family dedication, and how these practices serve as reminders of God’s promises. There’s laughter, vulnerability, and plenty of scripture as they encourage listeners to lean into God’s faithfulness rather than their own performance.

By the end of the episode, you’ll come away with a richer appreciation for this sometimes uncomfortable topic. Circumcision is shown to be both a sign of belonging and a pointer to Christ. It illustrates that our Creator cuts away sin and invites us into a relationship, and it challenges us to examine whether our hearts have truly been set apart. If you’ve ever wondered how ancient covenants apply to life today, or if you enjoy thoughtful Bible study with friends, this conversation is for you. Tune in, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and join Wayne and Murad as they get rooted in God’s Word and ready for all He has in store.