Mmmm... there wouldn't be many Messianic's if they had to follow that procedure...
I think it's a lot harder to change the inside than it is to change the outward appearance.
Although there was circumcision. And a lot of people in the OT were a lot older than 8 days when they had to have that procedure.
Specially if you were an outsider and wanted to join Israel and it's promises.
Today for most, it's a medical procedure done in the hospital. No belief factor needed.
A lot of people today getting piercings and tatoos, some for gang initiation, other's because it's a statement or just a want.
But no matter what you do to the outside, it's the inside that matters.
And to me, spiritually speaking, having ones ear awled, means only listening to the word of the Lord.
Having your nose pierced is allowing him to lead you.
And a contract or covenant is a promise to put none before him, not even self.
That's a hard one because most people are just plain selfish. It's human nature.
But we are told to lay down our lives, our wants, our desires and follow after Jesus and his ways and his wants.
And learning what all that is involved in that.
I think it's harder to let your inner self be denied, than to put holes or marks in your body.
That's why following the beast is so much easier. There is no internal change. All you need is an awl or some ink.
Just rambling..
hugs
